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MANILA,
July 04 (PNA)— A total 271 laptops were handed over recently to the
Department of Education (DepEd) by Intel Corporation, the first of 820
computers the international company has committed in the next two years
to improve classroom instruction and teacher training in information
communication technology (ICT) in the Philippines.
Education
Secretary Jesli Lapus said the acquisition of new computers is part of
DepEd’s thrust at enlisting private sector assistance “to bring
Philippine basic education at a significant comparative advantage with
other countries."
The donation was firmed up by DepEd, Intel and Gearing-up Internet Literacy and Access for Students (GILAS).
Only
schools with wireless internet connectivity, the capacity to keep the
computers secure and safe, and adequate physical facilities to support
the computers are selected to receive the laptaps.
As
agreed, the DepEd trains the teachers, students and employees involved
in the “820 project” and will also be responsible for the handling,
installation, operation and maintenance of the equipment.
Under
its “Teach to the Future” program, Intel provides training of teachers
on basic ICT literacy with pedagogy-technology integration.
Intel
also provides other technical and logistical support to program
implementation, including structuring and developing to DepEd’s
framework for evaluating the program.
On
the other hand, the role of GILAS is to evaluate the readiness of
schools in implementing the program by securing internet connectivity
for public schools for one year.
Lapus
assured that DepEd will continue to find ways for modern technology in
education to become second nature to Filipino students — the way it is
in other countries with the same Intel project.(PNA)
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