Thursday, November 29, 2007 Intel helps schools improve ICT education
AN international computer processor and solutions developer has realized that it takes more than information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure to bridge the "digital divide."
Intel Technology Philippines Inc. (ITPI) stressed that the academe plays an important role in introducing the benefits of information technology (IT) education to elementary and high school students.
The company conducted the 2nd Intel Teach Conference, which brought together 200 teachers, principals, and ICT coordinators in selected public schools nationwide.
The conference is in relation to the Intel Teach program, which aims to teach educators how to effectively integrate technology in the classroom with the goal of developing "21st century learning skills" among students, said Cecilla Ubarra, ITPI education manager.
She said the "21st century learning skills" include technology and media literacy, effective communication, problem solving, collaboration and critical thinking.
"It improves the way teachers - in science, math, English and history - use technology as an effective tool to promote critical thinking, creativity and collaboration among the students," Ubarra said in an interview.
She admitted, however, that the implementation of the program is "challenging."
Other than poor Internet connectivity in distant schools and the lack of computers, Ubarra cited the lack of competent teachers, especially in public schools, as the main reason that affected the country's educational system.
She said another challenge for Intel in implementing the program is that some teachers are scared to learn new concepts and teaching styles.
In other cases, school principals prevent their teachers from becoming more knowledgeable than they are, she noted.
"Sixty to 70 percent of teachers have a good grasp of IT skills but they need to maximize their resources," she said.
This is why, Ubarra said, Intel has, in the conference, highlighted the "Community of Learning" strategy where participants share their experiences for enhancement and capacity building and institutional collaboration.
"It is not a one-time training. First, teachers make a technology-enhanced lesson plan, implement it, come back for assessment, and as they mature, we tap them to train other teachers," she said, adding that this has been the company's way of ensuring the program's sustainability.
To date, the Intel Teach Program has trained 79,000 teachers nationwide and over million worldwide.
