People should go from planning to strategizing to executing. We have to create and develop strategies to meet well-conceived plans. Further, strategies should be topped with commitment, not to fall short with results.
The modern world in which we live today is often termed as “knowledge society” where education and information has become production factors more critical than physical resources. That is, if we are to be at par with other countries, the government should strategize closely into developing modes of learning or basically shifting into digital education.
In a statement of Senator Grace Poe, she pointed out the need to redirect Philippine education towards digital inclusion by mentioning that it should be at the forefront of the system. The proposal would at a minimum, have the government spend P42 billion for an estimated 21 million public school students by 2020. “That is reasonable amount to pay for the vast benefits of digitization, including equipping the youth with the skills necessary to elevate them into a breed of technology innovators”, she said.
According to “Shared Prosperity: An ICT Manifesto for the Philippines for 2016 and Beyond”, investing P47, 000 in a devise may cause a P2.3 million raise in an individual’s lifetime earning potential. If this is the case, then the idea of digitization is very promising. However, given our current system, several constraints need to be worked on. The improvement has to start from teachers—they need to undergo retooling. Though several training efforts are provided by the government to help teachers improve their teaching skills and methods of instruction, a more serious and aggressive move has to be taken if we are to make technology innovators out of our children.
Digital age is not just an era that will soon pass. Information and innovation is in our system and it will linger so long as there is human on earth. It encompasses not only familiarization with useful application software but also an understanding of how the information system works leading people to become creators of technology. We have to make most out of children’s fascination with gadgets, social media and online games. Their technological interest is already there, it just has to be redirected towards a higher cause. Digital literacy is a must.
By: Lourdes L. Manguiob | Teacher III | Samal National High School
