Philippines
National
Makeshift e-learning center inside military camp benefits dozens of students
Makeshift e-learning center inside military camp benefits dozens of students
A military facility inside Camp Melchor Dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela has been converted into a temporary classroom equipped with four computers and a printer, and an internet connection to aid students in their distance learning with the resumption of classes amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Brigadier General Laurence Mina, commander of 5th Infantry Division (5ID), said a covered court inside their military camp was made into an e-learning center to help the children of their uniformed personnel adapt to the new normal way of studying.
The initiative, which was conceptualized by Mina and his wife, was made possible through the help of the Department of Information and Communications Technology’s (DICT) Technology for Education, Employment, Entrepreneurs, and Economic Development (Tech4ED) project.
According to Mina, he was aware of the concerns of the soldiers about the situation of their children who are experiencing difficulties while studying due to poor internet connection.
Complaints were aplenty when the classes formally resumed last Oct. 5.
Some students said they have difficulty adapting to distance learning where they have to deal with bad internet connection while attending their classes virtually to prevent the spread of COVID through face-to-face contact.
Some teachers aired their protests by climbing through the roof of their houses just to get a stable internet connection, dramatizing the plight of their colleagues.
Meanwhile, some students have limited or no gadgets, like cell phones or laptops to use for distance learning.
“This is one of the struggles not just of the students but also of the parents during online classes,” Mina said.
This prompted the.military official to collaborate with the local DICT office in Isabela province to address the studying woes of the soldier’s children, hence, the establishment of the e-learning center. It was inaugurated on Oct. 7.
“This initiative of the Command in partnership with the DICT is our simple way of helping our soldiers’ dependents to continue with their education in the midst of the challenges posed by the pandemic,” Mina said.
He said personnel from the 5th Signal Battalion of the Philippine Army’s Signal Regiment will maintain the operations of the e-learning center.
Further, soldiers who hold an Education degree will be tasked to render tutorial services to the students in the e-learning center.
“The set-up will last until it is needed,” Mina said.
Among the first to benefit from the e-learning center were siblings Novie Gem, a BS Tourism student at the University of Cordillera, and Noel, a Grade 12 student at the Isabela National High School; Harlie Dave Ramos, a Grade 8 student at the St. Ferdinand College in Ilagan City; and Louela Alonzo, a Grade 11 student of Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) at the St. Ferdinand College in Cabagan, Isabela.
“Malaking tulong po kasi gaya ngayon, may klase po kami, iisipin ko pa kung saan ko ilalagay ang wi-fi namin para malakas iyong signal kasi putol-putol. Ngayon po eh dito na lang po ako uupo,” said Alonzo.
(The e-learning center is a big help because I will no longer have to worry where to put our wi-fi just to have a strong signal. Now, I just need to come here.)
The 5ID headquarters is the first military camp in the country that benefited from the Tech4Ed project of the DICT, which aims to provide critical e-government and ICT-enabled services in communities with minimal or no access to information and government services.