First computer lab for teacher training launched in Mindanao State U

MANILA, Philippines - A Philippine group specializing in the integration of information technology in education has linked with a World Bank-funded non-government organization to build computer labs for teacher training. The Foundation for Information Technology Education and Development (FIT-ED), in collaboration with international group World Links, recently inaugurated the first computer laboratory at the Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT). With 11 networked computers and broadband Internet access, the MSU-IIT lab is expected to serve as a resource hub for in-service and pre-service teachers. In-service teachers refers to those currently employed in educational institutions, while those in the pre-service category pertains to college students majoring in education. The facility is intended to train teachers and educators for the effective use of new technologies to enhance classroom learning. At the heart of the center’s program is a four-phase training curriculum for teachers and teacher educators on digital literacy, instructional design of ICT-enhanced activities, and computer- and Web-supported educational collaboration, which will be delivered by MSU-IIT master teachers trained by World Links Philippines. World Links Philippines is part of a Southeast Asia-wide program of the international non-governmental organization World Links, which has extensive experience in Africa, Latin America, and the Arab region in developing local capacity for ICT-curriculum integration. Funding for this regional program is being provided by the Japan Social Development Fund, which is administered by the World Bank. Other countries covered by the grant are Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR and Vietnam. FIT-ED, which is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year, has spearheaded several local education initiatives in the last decade. Such initiatives include partnering with private companies and government agencies. Following a three-year implementation plan developed by MSU-IIT with FIT-ED, the center will deliver teacher professional development workshops to teacher educators, pre-service teachers and in-service teachers in Lanao del Norte and the rest of Northern Mindanao. In addition, the lab will spearhead the development of ICT-supported instructional materials, provide pedagogical support and mentoring to local teachers and teacher educators, initiate and support research activities in the area of educational technology use, and conduct community outreach activities. “This inauguration marks the hope of a brighter future for basic education in our region," said MSU-IIT College of Education dean Lydie Paderanga during the formal opening of the World Links Center in Iligan. “Today we celebrate the promise of higher-quality education for our students, made possible by preparing our teachers to improve the teaching and learning process through the use of ICTs in education." Five other World Links Centers will be launched by the end of June at Western Visayas College of Science and Technology in Iloilo, Saint Louis University College of Education in Baguio City, Mariano Marcos State University in Laoag, the Department of Education Province Division Office in Cebu City, and the Cordillera Regional Science High School in La Trinidad, Benguet. - GMANews.TV