Microsoft grants multipoint computers to DepEd

MICROSOFT, the leading provider of modern technology, granted some eight multipoint computer sets including projectors and screens to eight schools divisions of the Department of Education (DepEd) in Northern Mindanao.

Among the recipients of the computer sets include national high schools from the cities of Digos, (Digos City schools division), General Santos (General Santos schools division), Iligan (Iligan schools division), Maramag town and Bukidnon National High School (Bukidnon schools division), Ozamiz (Ozamiz schools division), Surigao del Norte (Surigao schools division) and Bislig (Bislig schools division), were the recipients of the said Microsoft project.

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The multipoint is a computer with several mice operating it, which allows up to 40 students to access the computer simultaneously.

“This technology has undoubtedly made learning experiences more interesting and interactive for both the students and teachers,” said Luchi C. Flores of the Coalition for Better Education, a Cebu-based non-government organization that initiates and supports education initiatives in the national level and Microsoft’s partner in rolling out multipoint in the country.

Flores said multipoint technology was first introduced in the Philippines in
2008 to address the digital divide among base-of-the-pyramid schools.

“With its easy to use functions, multipoint has shifted a number of schools from traditional chalk and talk,” she added.

In Mindanao, Flores said the eight pilot schools will first have an experience of ICT-based teachings and holding of examinations to students.

Dr. Caridad Labe, Coalition for Better Education president, added they lead out the best to have different sets of graduates in the 21st century and beyond.

“This is powerful yet fun,” Labe said.

She said the information and communications technology (ICT) is integrated in the classroom through the multipoint way “to slowly prepare preschool to college students for uncertainties towards the 21st century.”

Microsoft academic program manager Leeanne Lambino-Nuguid said the company is giving out at least P10 million worth of grants to the schools through the DepEd.

“We grant them through trainings. No money involved,” she said.

In 2006, she said Microsoft picked 10 schools division each in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao which have ICT plans that they submitted for evaluation.

During the turnover program on Tuesday, six volunteers were requested to have a hands-on with the multipoint computer, assigned with one mouse each.

The volunteers, through the computer, were asked primary level questions and would answer it through clicking the mouse found in the projection screen.

“This is fun,” said one volunteer.