Lapus stresses technology in revolutionizing education

EDUCATORS, teachers and representatives from the private sector and government and non-government organizations underscored the importance of technology in revolutionizing the deteriorating Philippine education.

Education Secretary Jesli Lapus, speaking before the hundreds of delegates on the Education Summit 2007 at Sofitel Philippine Plaza in Manila, said it is the role of all education stakeholders and the private sectors to empower today’s young with the skills necessary to help them survive the toughest times.

He said that the ability to improve the skills of Filipino youth to become globally competitive rests solely on the government and the stakeholders’ ability “to innovate and transform education into what is required.”

“If we are to prepare ourselves to become successful in the 21st century, we must recognize the need to go beyond traditional teaching methods,” Lapus said.

“We have to look beyond the power of these technologies to improve our lives. We too must take into account that our world is dependent so much on these technologies that ignoring them will not only prevent us from being competitive globally, it may actually render us incompetent and powerless in the coming years,” he added.

He, however, stressed that sound policy is necessary to ensure that all schools, particularly those in the far flung areas are given equal opportunities on educational technology.

“We believe that it is not enough to simply provide computers with internet connection in the classroom and hope-that somehow-learning with occur. We need a comprehensive response to the challenges and opportunities given to us by these new technologies. We need an encompassing strategy that is backed by sound policy,” Lapus explained.
Jeffrey C. Tiangco - Journal Online