by: Dhel Nazario
Amid the beginning of classes, various innovations and tech solutions were recently introduced by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to help Filipino students in their distance learning.
During a webinar, DOST highlighted the use of television frequencies, digital television, and other cutting-edge technologies as the best solutions to the new education scheme that will be implemented in the country.
DOST – Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD) Executive Director Dr. Enrico Paringit said that, as leader and partner in innovation, the Council takes charge in providing solutions and opportunities to address gaps in making distance learning in the new normal a success.
“DOST-PCIEERD is one with the education sector in contributing to the development of innovations for a more efficient distance learning experience for our dear students. I hope that the technologies, initiatives, and programs that are underscored in this webinar will be enough to inspire you to envision a brighter, more technologically advanced education system for all,” he said.
The initiative is done in response to the directive of President Duterte during his State of the Nation Address (SONA) “to come up with an integrated program and implementation mechanism to ensure that these TV frequencies are fully utilized by the government through the facilities of PTV4 for the utmost benefit of the Filipino people.”
DOST- PCIEERD intends to develop a program that demonstrates and executes a community LTE network and digital TV for distance learning in remote regions with poor internet connectivity.
Through the Science and Technology for a Resilient Community against the Pandemic or STRAP Block Grant, the Council will allot up to P60 million to support research initiatives that are aimed at helping Filipinos to cope and manage to the new normal.
Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) Director General Dr. Joel Joseph S. Marciano, Jr. discussed the development and proliferation of digital datacasting through terrestrial and space segments.
DOST-Advanced Science and Technology Institute Senior Researcher Officer in Charge Engr. Calvin Hilario discussed the development and deployment of community LTE networks in the Philippines.
On the other hand, DOST – Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) Science and Technology Manpower Education, Research, and Promotions Division Chief Dr. Ruby Cristobal spoke about the DOST-SEI Teaching and Learning Materials for Distance Learning, while DOST Science and Technology Information Institute Director Richard Burgos bared the agency’s educational interventions like the Science and Technology Academic and Research-Based Openly Operated KioskS (STARBOOKS) and DOSTv.
Paringit said that DOST-PCIEERD will constantly find innovative and practical solutions to close the gap between the learner and their educational goals.
“As leader and preferred partner in enabling innovation, DOST-PCIEERD will remain committed to elevate the lives of many Filipinos and recover from this crisis using various S&T interventions and solutions,” he said.
Source:https://mb.com.ph/2020/10/15/dost-introduces-distance-learning-innovations/?fbclid=IwAR0fA5ercfEjfvJLgaY0PW8r2JG2N2AdLdVZthXQP7YFFhOLUzwagN4Yqvo