THE Department of Education (DepEd)-Davao clarified that the technical specifications being circulated for devices intended for distance learning are meant for donors who plan to donate information and communications technology (ICT) equipment to public schools.
DepEd Davao spokesperson Jenielito Atillo said on Sunday, June 14, 2020, that their office has not yet issued the minimum specifications for laptops, desktops, tablet PCs, tablets, smartphones, and internet services to help facilitate the conduct of distance education amid the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.
“We are [yet] to issue soon a list of computer specifications for students and parents for the online classes. Kanang nag-circulate karon nga mga computer specs kadto nang para sa mga naay plano nga mag-donate sa mga schools (the specifications that are circulating are intended for those who are planning to donate),” Atillo said.
Atillo added their office expects the specifications to be released this week to guide the parents and the teachers on what device to buy ahead of the opening of the school year 2020-2021 on August 24.
“[This is] to facilitate the online teaching-learning process well,” Atillo said.
On June 8, DepEd issued a memorandum on the specifications for ICT equipment and internet services to be donated to schools, teachers, and/or learners, Microsoft licensing, and donation matters.
DepEd said the minimum specification requirement for the laptops for teachers or desktop for the students must have 1.6Ghz based speed, with turbo speed; 8 GB RAM. The monitor must be 13 inches screen size with 1920x1080 (Full HD), 1080p, Anti-Glare LED-Backlit or IPS Technology, 512 GB HDD SATA, with 6Ω/1W speaker x 2 built-in speakers ∮ 3.5mm standard headphone jack, and camera, wireless LAN and bluetooth, keyboard, optical or wireless mouse and headset.
For the 2-in-1 tablet PC recommended for Junior and Senior High school students, DepEd said that it must have a convertible or detachable keyboard with 1.1 and Senior High School Students, it should have convertible or detachable keyboard, 1.1 GHz base clock speed with turbo speed, 4GB DDR3 memory, 10 inches screen size 1024x720 HD resolution, with an internal storage of 32GB, with built-in speakers and camera, wireless and bluetooth connectivity, keyboard, optical or wireless mouse and headset.
For tablets, DepEd recommends quad-core 1.3 GHz, with 2GB memory, 8 inches screen 800x1280 display resolution, 32 GB storage, with front and rear camera, Android 9.0 operating system, and with Wi-Fi and bluetooth.
Smartphones should have octa-core 2.2 GHz processor, with 2GB memory, 6 inches screen with 720x1520 pixels display resolution, 32 GB storage, with front and rear camera, dual sim, Android 8.1 operating system, and with Wi-Fi and bluetooth.