Local classrooms transform into interactive learning hubs

By: Nestor Corrales - 11 years ago

Executives from Intel Philippines and FELTA Multi Media Inc. with representatives of the Department of Education in Makati and Marilog Central Elementary School in Davao during the Intel Education Solutions briefing. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO/INTEL PHILIPPINES

MANILA, Philippines—Improvement on students’ performance and retention of information is seen after the introduction of e-learning tablets in a local public school in Davao City, an educator said Thursday.

“After e-learning tablets were given to us, amazing changes started happening. The classroom became a bigger, friendlier and livelier place. Students are becoming more receptive to our lessons. We are also seeing improvement on their performance and retention of information,” said Marilog Central Elementary School (MCES) principal, Zenaida Ayop in a media briefing in Makati City.

According to Ayop, the tablets had a tremendous impact on the way students and teachers viewed education. Ayop said before the students were granted with tablets, they did not look forward to going to school and a number of them thought that school was not a fun place to be.

“At first we were hesitant but we were given computer trainings on the manipulation of the tablets. This is okay because we have a paperless classroom,” said Melanie Crisologo, English teacher and Information and Communications Technology Manager of MCES.

The tablet features e-learning tools to make classrooms more engaging, including an e-reader, science exploration and data analysis exploration, painting tools and accessories, a snap on magnification lens and provides a natural fit for diverse student populations.

Intel Philippines partnered with educations technology solutions provider FELAT Multimedia Inc. to enable an education transformation initiative in local public schools through the Intel Education Solutions (IES).

“Education remains a top priority for Intel because we believe that young people will be vital to solving global challenges in the future. We also believe that the youth should have access to education that matches their interests and their skills,” said Uday Marty, Managing Director of Intel South East Asia.

The Department of Education (DepEd) in Makati said transforming local classrooms into interactive learning hubs is included in their priority. Recently, DepEd Makati purchased 750 tablets to engage their schools in tablet-assisted education.

“We feel the initiative is timely, given the urgent call for engaging and interactive education in the country. We are optimistic that our investment in the Intel education tablet will help equip these students for the increasingly digital future and workplace,” Dr. Dominico Idanan, Superintendent, DepEd, Makati.

“We are confident that schools in the Philippines will soon see the benefits of tablet-aided learning,” said Calum Chisholm, Manager Intel Philippines.