Monday, July 26, 2004 The IT classroom rolls out By Aurea A. Gerundio
THE Department of Science and Technology (DOST) launches today in Davao City the Mobile Information Technology Classroom (MITC), which was purposely designed for countryside schools.
The MITC is a special bus loaded with laptop computers, audio-visual equipment and learning software.
The bus will go around designated areas in this region on schedule to make science learning through computers fun and easy.
Today, the MITC will be at Riverside Elementary School in Calinan to provide basic computer classes for the students.
The launching of the MITC in this city is in line with the celebration of the 46th National Science and Technology Week by the DOST.
During the kick off celebration of the National S&T Week on July 21, DOST 11 Director Ma. Delia Moran Morados said there are already seven MITCs nationwide.
"In Mindanao, only the Caraga Region and Region 11 have a Mobile IT Classroom. The MITC for Region 11 has already launched classes in Mati (Davao Orential)," Morados said.
Morados said the MITC is the government's thrust to provide the underprivileged schools with access to information technology.
While it may really take time for the government to provide computers to all public schools especially in the far-flung areas, Morados said the MITC would inch its way through rough roads and cross bridges to give the students in the barrio the chance to avail the advancements of science and technology.
Morados said the establishment of the MITC was aimed to expose students and teachers to information technology, develop a technology culture and a technologically literate population and reach the deprived and disadvantaged sectors.
In areas where there is no electricity, Morados said the MITC could still operate as it has its own power needed to make the computers and other equipment therein at work.
Morados said a total of P7.5 million was spent for the MITC project.
"Kasali na sa budget ang lahat ng equipment sa loob ng bus," Morados added Morados said the MITC carries 18 brand new computers complete with accessories.
Two students will be sharing one computer.
"The bus also has its own multi-media facilities," Morados said.
Morados said the operation of the project was turned over to the Mindanao Science and Technology Centrum Foundation Inc. (MSTCFI) in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd).
"The teachers who will be part of the MITC will also be trained in using the computer as a teaching tool to handle topics in Science and Mathematics," Morados said.
Morados said the teachers would also be trained to develop lesson plans using the educational software provided in the MITC.
Morados said the problem that is faced this time is the sustainability plan of the MITC.
"We have already entered into a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the local government units (LGUs) in the region for the sustainability of the project," Morados said.
Morados said nine LGUs have signified support for the maintenance and sustainability of the project.
These LGUs include that of Davao City, Panabo City, Davao Oriental, Davao del Norte, Island Garden City of Samal, Digos City, Tagum City, Compostela Valley Province and Davao del Sur.
Morados bared other organizations that had helped in the realization of the project include the Davao Integrated Development Program, National Economic Development Authority 11 and the Mindanao Business Council.
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