DAVAO CITY — Millions of Filipino elementary students and teachers can finally access science and math learning materials via the internet.
The DOST or Department of Science and Technology’s Advanced Science and Technology Institute (ASTI), in cooperation with its Science Education Institute (SEI), recently launched the courseware website at the Philippine Science High School, Davao campus.
The website offers practical and convenient access to the modules which can be viewed online or saved as a personal copy. Even when the student is at home, he could study and learn these subjects by logging in the net or by using its CD form. This way, even far from the guidance of the teacher and the parents, kids can practice self-study and hone efficient study habits.
The website project was developed corollary to ASTI and SE’s vision and mission to contribute to the national development by providing innovative solutions using Information and Communications Technology (ICT). It was also DOST’s response to the challenge to make both math and science more interesting and less feared by school kids. What makes the courseware unique is the high probability of attracting interest of the young. It features all original animated characters and images, detailed discussions, animated elements interactive activities, and evaluation exams.
DOST secretary Dr. Estrella Alabastro believes that learning should be dynamic and that multimedia is the easiest and one of the most effective resources that educators can utilize to improve learning and capture the interest of students especially in the grade school level. DOST is continuing to work with the SEI and ASTI in integrating technology to classroom learning.
The courseware covers Grades 1 to 6 on science and math subjects and can run on both Linux and MS Windows OS.
The courseware website was started in October of 2008 in line with the preceding courseware project’s vision to improve elementary science and mathematics education in the Philippines. The courseware built on the success of the 101 elementary science and mathematics modules released in CD copies in 2006.
DOST is currently working on the development of 500 science and math courseware modules for secondary level which are expected to be completed in 2012. (DOST/PIA)
