The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Mimaropa through PSTO-Occidental Mindoro distributed three VISSER kits to identified school beneficiaries in Occidental Mindoro. (Photo courtesy of DOST Mimaropa)
With the aim to upgrade science education in the province of Occidental Mindoro, DOST Mimaropa through its PSTO-Occidental Mindoro, granted the Versatile Instrumentation System for Science Education and Research (VISSER) kits to Department of Education (DepEd) Occidental Mindoro Division Office. This technology will improve the learning experience of the students in the fields of biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, and even in robotics.
Not having enough facilities for science education limits the student's ability to discover and learn. In Occidental Mindoro, although schools offer Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) strands and special classes, limited facilities and resources for hands-on and practical learning experience result to low examination scores of students and is an increasing concern in academic institutions.
“It is burdensome to conduct experiments without the necessary facilities. Although we conduct ourselves inside our classrooms, this limits students from experiencing various opportunities. They miss out on firsthand observation and manipulation of materials, which are crucial for developing a better understanding of the topic and connecting it to real-life situations,” Louina F. Atlas, Head Teacher III of Rizal National High School explained.
To address this concern, DOST Mimaropa through PSTO-Occidental Mindoro distributed three (3) VISSER kits to identified school beneficiaries-- San Jose National High School (SJNHS), Sablayan National Comprehensive High School (SABNAHIS), Occidental Mindoro National High School (OMNHS), Magsaysay National High School (MNHS) Sta. Cruz National High School (SCNHS), and Rizal National High School (RNHS).
A student in Occidental Mindoro is having a hands-on learning experience using the VISSER kits provided by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Mimaropa. (Photo courtesy of DOST Mimaropa)
The VISSER technology allows the students to conduct over 50 science experiments. This handheld device can be used without a computer and can be powered by a battery or power bank. Its hardware consists of analog and digital sensors that act as a central hub to which different sensors can be connected and controlled to perform various science experiments and its software includes data storage, control interface, and analysis tools for the users.
“Kita mo sa mga mata ng mga bata yung excitement nilang matuto habang mina-manipulate nila ang mga VISSER kits. Magandang intervention sya sa Science kasi hindi lang mga bata yung matututo kundi pati na rin ang mga teachers,” said Argie A. Borcillo, OIC-Head of Science Department of SABNAHIS.
PSTO-Occidental Mindoro also provided training to the six (6) identified school beneficiaries on the proper handling and usage of the VISSER kits. Now students can experience hands-on learning activities and have a wide range of experiments in the fields of biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, and robotics. (DOST)
