TEACHERS ON EMBRACING TECHNOLOGY

MARY GRACE A. MANALILI

Education is very important from the very start. Learning technology among teachers is a must now a days. School leaders provide their teachers professional learning on the use of technology through seminars/workshop. It gives effective teaching strategies and techniques especially that students at present are so attached with technology. A teacher can easily get their attention once he/she uses technology in the teaching-learning process. Students can relate once the teacher utilizes familiar applications and interesting gadgets. They may also be interested with new gadgets the teacher will be using in teaching new competencies.

Some studies claimed that performing schools are those who embraced technology. Even though most schools are engaged with professional learning on technology, it will be more effective if teachers will impart their knowledge on technology to their students. Both teacher and student must have digital skills. It will help increase the academic performance of a school.

Another reason why teachers must be equipped with technology is almost everything now is digital. There are e-class records provided in computing students’ rating. Teachers need to know how to use the Learners Information System or LIS in encoding the basic information of their students. There are electronic blackboard, projectors, digital pens, casting devices, Smart TV, and the like that a teacher can use in presenting his/her lessons. If a teacher will not start to learn utilizing these, the style of their teaching will remain traditional which is not effective to most students at present.

** **

The author is Teacher III at Northville Elementary School

Marianne T. David

The implementation of K-12 curriculum in the country drew negative reactions from various societal groups. Since 2011, critics have been very vocal on their primary concerns. They insist that the government isn’t yet ready for this new system and that this is more of additional burden to students and their parents.

Despite calls to suspend the program, the government remained firm saying this new educational system offers opportunities for Filipino students and the national economy.

For its part, the Department of Education (DepEd) stresses that the country is prepared for a big shift in education system. In fact, it has worked to fulfill the gaps on the number of classrooms, teachers, and textbooks. Also, it has finished the planning phases along with stakeholders.

But what does K-12 scheme really has to offer to students?

To prove that K-12 system is more than just adding two more years to high school, below are three of the many practical benefits of schooling under a 13-year education cycl e:

Preparedness for tertiary learning – With adaptation of K-12 scheme, students are expected to graduate at age a bit older than past graduates’. This is an advantage, according to DepEd, as graduates will be considered young adults. Hence, they will be more equipped to deal with much higher level of learning as they enter college education.

Readiness to join the workforce – Unlike the old system, K-12 does not compel each student to take college after completing Senior High School (SHS). In fact, this scheme empowers students to make a choice on their own. They may not pursue college education especially if they have chosen a track other than academic track. The good thing is SHS graduates will be equipped with skills (through electives) that will make them good at certain field(s).

Skill competency in the global job market – K-12 system aims to improve Filipino students’ mathematical, scientific, and linguistic competence. With the new curriculum, DepEd promised to offer higher quality education through tracks. Each track will give students enough time to master a field and enhance their skills. In the end, K-12 graduates will become globally competitive and are set to obtain spot in the stiff labor market.

The government believes that K to 12 curriculum in the Philippines will put Filipino students at par with the rest of the world. Truly, investing in education is the key toward reaching national growth and development.

--oOo-The author is Teacher III Lara Integrated School.