PHL education firm draws up e-learning solutions

Saying it is not enough to just buy high-tech equipment, a Philippine educational resources provider recently demonstrated its learning solutions that combine new devices and classroom management software. Diwa Learning Systems held a special demonstration of the interactive features of its Genyo product, which include an online Information and Communications Technology skills assessment tool. Featured in the demo were YoPads, Diwa's 7-inch Android-powered tablet that contained e-textbooks and digital magazines – all connected to each other via the classroom management system. “Most discussions about technology and education tend to be framed in terms of the future. However, what schools want to know is what technologies can do for them now,” said Diwa's executive director Brian Belen. Belen, who spoke at the recent Diwa Digital Product Showcase at First Asia Institute of Technology and Humanities (FAITH) in Tanauan, Batangas, also stressed the need to equip teachers with tools for improving classroom learning.   “Schools understand the need to integrate ICT in education. The challenge is how to shift the emphasis from gadgets or hardware to actual usage. Technology is just a tool. It's not a strategy. To treat it like the latter is like saying a culinary school can produce great chefs simply by buying great kitchen equipment,” he said. E-learning wish list Belen said educators usually have four items in their e-learning "wish list." These include Content, Connectivity, Community, and Change Management. "Genyo provides all these plus gives schools flexibility for innovation,” he said. In some schools, Genyo was used for level-wide periodical exams, spelling bees and Bible quiz bees. One school even used Genyo for their school elections, he said. Genyo has over 180,000 subscribers in the Philippines. There are over 300 Genyo schools in the Philippines and with many located outside Metro Manila. The system is used in Ilocos Sur, Pampanga, Leyte, Davao, and Cotabato. — LBG, GMA News