SMART Communications has partnered with the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) in Batac, Ilocos Norte and Dr. Aurelio Solver Agcaoili of Nakem U.S. to bring down barriers through technological innovation.
In a soft launch during the 13th Nakem International Conference at the Saint Louis University Baguio City last week, the Sanut Ilokano was presented to stakeholders.
Kristine Joyce Magadia of Smart Communications in a presentation highlighted digital learning packages produced and built through a solid content ecosystem with local partners aimed to facilitate easier learning for specific areas all over the country.
Magadia said Smart, in a continuing partnership with local content as well as multimedia providers, has developed the application 'Ta’allam' (learn Arabic) launched with the Department of Education in General Santos City partnering with the Sarangani, Mercy Foundation, ACLC GenSan; Tahderiyyah partnering with the Bangsamoro Development Agency, Far Eastern University (FEU) Institute of Technology, teach Peace, Build Peace Movement; Cebuano with the Department of Education in Cebu City and the Cebu Province and the University of Cebu Banilad; Matigsalug with partners Pamulaan Center for IP Education and ACLC GenSan; B’laan the Department of Education Sarangani, ACLC GenSan, University of Southeastern Philippines; Tagakaulo Department of Education Sarangani and ACLC GenSan.
The app have been developed alongside the rollout of the School-in-a-Bag program, a learning tool package donated to public schools in remote areas without electricity containing a solar panel for electricity, a laptop, a tablet, a mobile phone; a pocket WiFi with starter load, LED TV, and learning modules.
For Northern Luzon, Sanut Ilokano contains songs, stories, numbers and the alphabet geared to reach early learners in an attempt to champion the local language and address the lack of educational content written in the mother tongue.
The locally produced literacy app was created by MMSU students mentored by instructor Lee Carlo Simon. Dubbed in Ilokano, the app is also designed with sub titles in English and Tagalog for easier access and understanding.
“Sanut” which translates to wisdom in the Ilokano language is an all in one app with songs, stories, numbers and the alphabet.
Sanut songs include well-loved Ilokano songs “Ni Nannang Ko” and the localized alphabet, stories like “Pagong Ken Sunggo” and “Ni Ugsa Ken ni Buskol” with an instructional step by step counting tool, tailor-fit for early learners who battle with multi lingual communities.
Sanut was developed with animation and digitization by AB Communication students of MMSU, crafting the storyboard and script hinged on the written and oral heritage of the Ilocos Norte.