LUBANG, Occidental Mindoro, Philippines — Pupils in two public
elementary schools here were introduced to the wonders of digital
learning as the Department of Education (DepEd), in partnership with
Education Kindling (eKindling), officially launched the One Laptop per
Child (OLPC) Program Monday.

Education Secretary Armin Luistro graced the launching and lauded the
program saying that this would indeed scale up the quality of education
especially with the use of modern technology.

“I would like to tell our students to make the most of this and use this to dream for your future,” he said.

Luistro also encouraged local officials as well as the schools to
work together and find creative means of addressing problems in the
basic education sector.

Mr. Ryan Letada, eKindling executive director, said the OLPC is a
worldwide project that aims to create educational opportunities for the
poorest children of the world by providing each child with a rugged,
low-cost, low-power, connected laptop with content and software designed
for collaborative, joyful, self-empowered learning.

“When children have access to this type of tool they get engaged in
their own education. They learn, share, create, and collaborate. They
become connected to each other, to the world and to a brighter future,”
Letada explained.

This program, said OLPC Philippines Susan Abaya, is first of its kind
in the Philippines and in South East Asia and seventh in the world. “If
possible, we want to replicate this not only in the entire province of
Mindoro but in the whole country.”

A total of 100 XOLaptops were deployed by eKindling, a
Philippines-based nonprofit dedicated to creating meaningful learning
experiences by bringing technology-based, educational innovations to
children, classrooms and communities across the country.

The XO is considered a potent learning tool that is designed and
built especially for children especially those living in some of the
most remote areas such as in Lubang Island. The laptop is about the size
of a small textbook and has built-in wireless, unique screen which
makes it possible for the children to read even they go outdoors.

Through these extremely durable, brilliantly functional,
energy-efficient, and fun laptops, 95 grade four pupils in Lubang
Central School and Maligaya Elementary School were introduced to new and
joyful ways learning using modern technology. Four units were given to
the teachers and one to the technical support for maintenance.

According to eKindling Education Director Tessa Yuvienco, it is very
important for children to experience the educational possibilities of
digital learning. “We want to show how technologies can provide a
meaningful, transformative, and connected education to the children of
the Philippines,” she explained.

The XOlaptops that were given to the students during the pilot
testing cost $ 228 or about P10,000 each. The recipients would be able
to use it until they finish elementary school. “The students can bring
the laptop in their homes and they can do their assignments and even
share it with their siblings and parents,” added Letada.

The laptops already contain educational materials developed by
eKindling. In the classrooms, educators and students are expected to use
the XOlaptops to enhance their learning in English, Math, Science, and
Makabayan. “In the course of the academic year, they will also be
introduced to new concepts of digital learning that is anchored on 21st
century learning methodologies and a contructivist learning philosophy,”
Letada explained.

Source: Manila Bulletin, Ina Hernando-Malipot, 12-06-2010

WITH the efforts of DepEd to modernize its operations and improve the
teaching and learning process, several programs and projects, among
them, the DepEd Computerization Program (DCP) and the DepEd Internet
Connectivity Project (DICP) are being implemented to give flesh to the
said endeavor.

DCP facilitates the deployment of computer laboratories to public
schools while the DICP provides internet connectivity and development
systems for administrative offices and public schools throughout the
country.

Due to the lack of guidelines circulated in the field, increase in
computer and network/internet activities leading to different concerns,
among them personal and business related have increased.

To ensure the effective and efficient use of computer and network
facilities, the Information and Communications and Technology Unit
(ICTU) of DepEd has formulated the guidelines on the proper use of
computer and network facilities in all DepEd administrative offices and
public schools which were incorporated in DepEd Order No. 95, s.2010
signed by DepEd Secretary Br. Armin A. Luistro, FSC.

This is a follow up to the internet usage policies using the DepEd
facilities which was the contents of DepEd Order No. 105, s. 2009
entitled, "Guidelines in Managing the Proper Use of Internet Services in
All Administrative Offices and Schools".

Among the policies stipulated in the latest DepEd issuance are:
Personal files or software such as documents, pictures, audio, video,
etc. must not be placed, copied and installed in the DepEd-owned
computers. These files must be stored in external storage devices such
as optical disks, external hard disks, USB flash drives owned personally
by the user.

It was emphasized that officials, employees, students with DepEd ICT
equipment and peripherals such as computers or laptop, mouse, keyboard,
storage devices labeled with official DepEd property stickers can avail
of technical assistance and/or repair services provided by this
Department.

In the event that the school or office lacks the equipment, personal
ICT equipment and peripherals such as computers, mouse, keyboard,
storage devices, among others may be used in the performance or
enhancement of their duties at their own risk. They shall also be
properly recorded with the DepEd Security Office.

However, in the event that these personal ICT equipment and
peripherals break down, the owner cannot avail of any technical
assistance and/or repair services from DepEd-hired ICT maintenance crew,
since these are not DepEd properties.

To avoid possible computer virus infection, since majority of
anti-virus software rely on an active internet connection, computers and
other storage devices which were used for fieldwork should be scanned
first before using. Technical assistance shall be provided by their
respective ICT units, ICT coordinators or computers maintenance crew.

To adhere to the policies of intellectual property rights, only
licensed and/or authorized open-source software shall be installed in
DepEd-owned computers. It was further directed that an office which has
application software requirements shall coordinate with its respective
ICT unit/ICT coordinators to make the necessary arrangements in
procuring the license/s of the required software.

The Order also pointed out that watching TV programs, through "TV
Tuners", DVD videos, and playing of games, which are not for official
use, shall be strictly prohibited.

Moreover, offices with limited ICT resources shall be required to
establish Local Area Network (LAN) so that ICT resources (file, print
and internet) can be shared.

To ensure that the guidelines will be followed strictly, the Computer
Usage Code-of-Conduct Contract must be filled-up and signed by all
concerned personnel before using said facilities.

May these guidelines be followed up to the field offices and schools
to ensure the maximum usage of said computers and internet facilities
for system effectiveness and better quality of education that will
increase student outcomes.

Source: Sunstar Davao, Lorenzo E. Mendoza, August 16, 2010