The Department of Education (DepEd) in Eastern Visayas has taken a significant step towards modernizing education by adopting an e-learning project that was launched by the Provincial Government of Leyte. Three elementary schools have been selected for a pilot implementation of the project.

These schools are the Cogon Elementary School, Anahaway Elementary School, and San Jose Elementary School in Palo, Leyte. 

The initiative involves using tablet computers equipped with interactive educational packages specifically designed to cater to the diverse learning needs of students. By adopting this innovative approach, the schools can create a more engaging and enriching student learning experience.

Leyte Governor Carlos Jericho L. Petilla strongly supports the integration of technological advancements in education. Implementing the e-learning project in Leyte has been a long-standing vision for him, dating back to his first term in office. He believes embracing the digital shift is essential, as technology is already present and widely used. The governor emphasized the importance of utilizing the technology we have developed and the free and available learning materials online.

Dr. Mariza S. Magan, the superintendent of DepEd Leyte Division, expressed her gratitude to the governor for his commitment to advancing education. She also shared that DepEd aims to make its learning materials digital. Implementing the DepEd digital project in Leyte marks the first in the Eastern Visayas region.

E-learning project simulation

Liezel P. Lacaba, a Grade 5 teacher at Anahaway Elementary School, shared her experience during the pilot implementation of the e-learning project. Each of her 31 pupils was given a tablet during the simulation.

Her class was divided into two groups: the first group's tablets were connected to the internet, while the second group watched downloaded files. The tablets provided TV-based instruction that helped elementary students complete their modules and activity sheets.

Lacaba mentioned that the tablet computers were easy to use, and the lessons were comprehensive. She compared the science lessons on the tablet to the traditional books and emphasized that the e-learning lessons were more thorough since the pictures were more realistic. The students could easily understand the lessons and enjoy them.

Innovative teaching

The e-learning project aims to provide tablet computers to grade-level students and teachers to facilitate lessons requiring their use. However, a specific number of tablet computers will be given to each school. For example, Anahaway Elementary School will only receive 50 sets, according to Lacaba. The computers will be scheduled for use depending on the lessons that require digital learning.

Teachers will select the video lesson on the tablet computers and guide the academic learners as they navigate the lessons to acquire the essential knowledge and skills. The students are free to replay the lesson if necessary. At the end of the discussion, there are two to three exercises and an evaluation. Lacaba shared that the materials accessed by the students are part of the resource materials, and teachers should not depend on them.

The e-learning project had a transformative impact on the students, resulting in increased participation, improved comprehension, and a newfound eagerness to explore subjects beyond the confines of a traditional curriculum, as observed by Lacaba.

Ma. Lhean S. Berdandino, one of the students in Lacaba's class, shared that she enjoyed using the tablet and found it easy to learn the lesson. She was able to read and answer questions related to the lesson. Additionally, she mentioned that her favorite subject on the tablet was English.

“We would like to thank the governor because, among all the elementary schools in the province, we were fortunate to be chosen. If these gadgets are given to us, we promise to take good care of them so that they will last a long time. If given the opportunity, we would be delighted to receive more tablets, as they have greatly enhanced our students' learning experience,” expressed Lacaba.

The elementary schools involved in the pilot implementation of the e-learning project are still awaiting updates from the DepEd Leyte Division and the Office of the Governor regarding the turnover of tablets.

As this project unfolds, it's not just about providing tablets and technology. It's a story of empowerment and innovation with the potential to create a brighter educational future for public students. This project can redefine the educational landscape, leaving a legacy for generations and shaping the trajectory of learning for years to come. (LDL/AAC/PIA Leyte)