DOST launches gamified quiz mobile app for whiz students


The Department of Science and Technology-Science and Technology Information Institute (DOST-STII) launched Thursday, July 22, a gamified quiz mobile app as part of its mission to bring science to the people, especially to the youth.

(Screenshot from DOST Facebook page)

The virtual launch of the app dubbed STARBOOKS WhiZ is part of STARBOOKS’ 10th anniversary celebration.

The Science and Technology Academic and Research-Based Openly Operated Kiosks or STARBOOKS is the country’s first science and technology (S&T) digital library in a box. It contains thousands of digitized science and technology resources in various formats (text and video/audio) placed in specially designed “pods” set in a user-friendly interface.

"Our web portal and our mobile apps are ready for the new normal. We gamified the learning experience. It’s fun, educational, and of course, it’s free. Wherever the Filipino learner is, at school, or from home, we want STARBOOKS there,” DOST-STII Director Richard P. Burgos said during the virtual launch on Thursday.

“We want to stimulate interest in science and technology, foster innovation, and inspire invention among all Filipinos,” he stressed.

(Screenshot from DOST Facebook page)

Currently, there are 5,127 STARBOOKS pods in all regions in the Philippines.

“With the intensified presence of STARBOOKS on the internet, the continuing commitment of our partners and the dedicated service of the people of the DOST-STII, we are more than ready to take on the next 10 years,” Burgos said.

“Ten years, we built a digital library and brought it to the Filipino learner. Ten years on, we, at the DOST-STII will continue to build and move forward carrying our mission to bring science to the people,” he added.

In February last year, the DOST-STII signed a partnership agreement with the Department of Education (DepEd) to have more STARBOOKS pods in schools.

Related story: https://mb.com.ph/2021/07/16/good-news-for-whiz-students-dost-to-launch-gamified-quiz-mobile-app-on-july-22/