All set for Cyber Ed

By: Jeffrey C. Tiangco - Journal.com

EVERYTHING is set for the P26.48-billion Cyber Education program of the Department of Education.

The department recently held a video tape session to select teachers for the “teaching demonstration” using optical media despite appeals from academicians and universities not to rush the project.

The teachers said they were advised to report to the DepEd Central Office for “demo teaching.” They added that the DepEd will choose from among the video recordings the ones to be shown in the remote areas.

Jess Ostos, and Miriam Collantes, from Marikina and Manila, respectively, said the “audition” was for master teachers in Science. Teachers from Makati City and Quezon City were also present in last Wednesday’s audition.

Ricky Santos, DepEd special assistant on Information Communication Technology integration in education, said the audition is part of the preparation for the eventual implementation of the Cyber Education project.

Earlier, President Macapagal-Arroyo announced the suspension of the CEP amid controversy generated by the $329-million national broadband network deal.

CEP will use satellite technology to deliver key learning concepts and other educational services to rural schools through television screens.

Education Secretary Jesli Lapus has said the DepEd will “lay down the groundwork” for the project. He said the integration of IT in the education system has become inevitable, noting that the country has been lagging behind in this aspect.