By Kimberly S. Miguel

Twenty-eight elementary and high school teachers in Carasi, Ilocos Norte were trained on using information and communication technology (ICT) tools to effectively facilitate learning under the new normal. 

They attended the Skills Enhancement Training on ICT Integration in Teaching and Learning conducted by the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) through its Region I and Ilocos Norte offices on October 26-28. 

The training is part of the project, Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) Program for the Less Privileged Communities in Region I, which is being jointly implemented by DOST and MMSU. 

Said program is an ongoing development initiative that supports the national government’s goal to eradicate poverty, raise livelihoods, ensure food security and provide healthy and physically safe environment among less privileged communities.

Dr. Aris Reynold V. Cajigal, extension director, said the training retooled the teachers on free and accessible online teaching platforms. It involved five sessions on Google platforms, and one session on ICT-based science and mathematics teaching. 

Trainers were faculty members of the College of Teacher Education (CTE) and College of Industrial Technology (CIT): Mr. Regie Boy Fabro, Ms. Eba Christie Rivera, Ms. Rica Jane Natividad, Prof. Julius Pumaras, Prof. Tristan Deo Parinas, Ms. Janeth Rivera, Prof. Melchor Castro and Ms. Paula Jane Silvestre; and three teachers from Department of Education (DepEd) Schools Division of Ilocos Norte and Laoag. 

During the activity, DOST Provincial Director Benjamin Mercado committed to assist and support the community by deploying STARBOOKS (Science and Technology Academic and Research-based Openly Operated Kiosks) for students and teachers of Carasi.

STARBOOKS is the first Philippine STI Digital Library stand-alone onsite research kiosk that provides free science and technology information for academic and livelihood use, accessible even without internet connection.  

MMSU President Shirley C. Agrupis said the University “desires to share our expertise with our educators and teachers in Carasi to promote digital literacy and strengthen pedagogical resilience amid the COVID-19 pandemic.” (StratCom)

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