Ayala-Globe group expandsText2Tech

LAOAG CITY, Feb. 15 — A learning program that makes use of mobile technology continues to expand its reach in the provinces making Ilocos Norte as one of the beneficiaries of interactive learning tools.
The Text2Teach program by the Ayala Foundation and Globe Telecommunications seeks to improve teaching techniques and make learning more exciting by using easy-to-use multi-media packages.
The program was initially piloted in 46 public schools around Ilocos Norte comprising of grades 5 and 6 classes.
The foundation has widened its reach by bringing the program to 11 more schools in Pagudpud Central School.
At least four schools in Baccara town will likewise be provided with the learning materials to complete the program-target of 61 schools for Ilocos Norte.
The foundation seeks to provide interactive learning programs to 850 schools nationwide by 2014.
Marisse Catangay of the Ayala Foundation said educational videos in Science, Mathematics and English subjects have been incorporated in softwares that form part of the learning materials.
“By empowering local teachers with new teaching tools, the program adds substantial value to a child’s learning experience,” she said.
Primary program benefits include improved students’ performance in the National Achievement Test and lesser burden in preparing traditional instructional materials.
Teachers could also maximize their time administering and guiding their students during classroom interactions.
“The absentees and drop-outs decreased because they got interested with the videos,” Rosario Bingayen, DepEd Batac City, district 1 supervisor, said. (ANL/CJD-PIA 1 Ilocos Norte)