Commission onInformation and CommunicationsTechnology

Community eLearning Centers for Out-of-School Youth and Adults

Avelino A. Mejia, Jr.Human Capital Development Group

Commission on Information and Communications Technology

CICT

Jean-Rose Cordita18 years oldDropped out of high school (3rd year)Native of Surigao del Norte (Mindanao)Got a job as a maid/helper

Shiela, 22 years old Dropped out of high school (2nd year)Was a sex worker when at 17 years of age

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John Paul Yongco17 years oldNative of Cebu CityDropped out of high-school (3rd year)Parents are separatedAt a young age, he is a father to his 8-month

old son

Elizabeth Onda17 years oldNative of Talakag, BukidnonHitches a ride with cargo trucks going to

Cagayan de Oro City just to get to the eSkwela Center

Diocillla Miole57 years oldHigh school drop-outBarangay health worker

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Outline of Presentation

• Project Background/Rationale• Description• Objectives & Target Beneficiaries• Project Fund Source and Cost• Project Components & Activities• Status as of November 2007• New Funding and Intended Activities• Future Plans and Possibilities

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An Educational CrisisCOHORT SURVIVAL TREND

100

66 5843

23 14

0

34 4257

7786

0

20

40

60

80

100

Grade 1 Grade 6Graduate

HS I HS IVGraduate

College I CollegeGraduate

Enter/Stay Drop Out

Source: Department of Education

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9.1

0.2

0.4

1.5

2.2

2.5

11.8

19.9

22

30.5

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35

others

no regular transportation

no school w ithin the area

school is very far

cannot cope w ith school w ork

illness/ disability

housekeeping

high cost of education

lack of personal interest

employment / looking for w ork

Percentage Distribution: Reasons for not attending school

Source: 2003 FLEMMS Results

An Educational Crisis 2003 Functional Literacy, Education

and Mass Media Survey

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An Educational CrisisPhilippine Out-of-School

• almost 17 million out-of-school youth and adults (2005)– 20% of population

• the Bureau of Alternative Learning System (BALS)– “The Other Side of Education”– less than 1% (0.068% in 2005,

increased a little in 2007) of the total education budget

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National Policies LITERACY / NON-FORMAL EDUCATION

• R.A. 7165: highest priority to the total eradication of illiteracy

• 1987 Philippine Constitution: nonformal, informal and indigenous learning system and self-learning independent, and out-of-school study programmes

• Education for All Philippine Plan of Action (EFA-PPA): nonformal literacy and education programmes for poor and underserved communities

• AO # 116: support for the Nonformal Education Accreditation and Equivalency (NFE A&E) System

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Alternative Learning System

Programs1. Basic Literacy2. Accreditation

& Equivalency– Elementary– Secondary

3. Advanced Level – Bridge Program (pilot stage)

• ideal: life skills approach + self-paced

• uses print modules

• limited number of ALS Implementerssimply not enough!!

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ICT4E

• ICTs as a powerful enabler of capacity development towards ensuring basic education for all and lifelong learning

• wider use of computers to support teaching-learning processes, promotion of elearning and information literacy, and establishment of elearning competency centers

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ICT4E Support in the Philippines

• Medium Term Philippine Development Plan (MTPDP) 2004-2010

• the National Framework Plan for ICTs in Basic Education (2005-2010)

• the 2002 Basic Education Curriculum (BEC)

• DepEd’s Strategic Framework on ICT4E (2006)

• DepEd’s ICT4E Master Plan

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CICT – EO269

The CICT shall be the primary policy, planning, coordinating, implementing, regulating, and

administrative entity of the executive branch of Govt that will

promote, develop, & regulate integrated & strategic ICT

systems and reliable & cost-efficient communication facilities

& services

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CICT's ICT4E: Comprehensive Approach

Educators Training

Applications Dev

Content Dev

Infrastructure

Deployment

Elem Limited No No No

HS Yes Yes Yes Yes

ALS Yes Yes Yes Yes

Tertiary Yes Yes Yes Yes

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eSkwela Project

• pioneering effort by CICT-HCDG with the DepEd-Bureau of Alternative Learning System (BALS)

• Community eLearning Centers dedicated to serve the learning needs of out-of-school youth and adults through ICT– Basic education equivalent– Life skills– Livelihood skills (value-add)

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Objectives

• To help BALS broaden access to basic education

• To support the efforts of DepEd to integrate ICT in the teaching-and-learning process and support the development of 21st Century Skills among learners

• To help BALS produce and use interactive multimedia learning materials for out-of-school youth and adults

• To reduce the digital divide by providing disadvantaged youth and adults with access to ICT

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Funding

• Phase 1: pilot stage– 1 of only 6 grantees from 89

proposals– July 2006-September 2007– 4 pilot sites

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Fund Allocation

Capital Outlay (hardware for 4 Centers as venues for proof of concept)

29.16%

Content Development (50 modules)

48.08%

Recipient Preparation (community mobilization, capability bldg, etc.)

10.29%

Connectivity 4.35%

Project Mgt & Stakeholders’ Coordination

8.12%

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eSkwela – Pilot Sites

Quezon CityFeb 2007 174 learners

San Jose del MonteFeb 2007 102 learners

Cebu CityMay 2007 100 learners

Cagayan de Oro CityApr 2007 160 learners

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Customized Instructional Model

•conversion of 50 ALS/life skills print modules into elearning modules

•Customized LMS •ICT-based student portfolios

•BLENDED LEARNING

Stakeholders’ Training

•BALS-TWG Training•Content Devt Trng•Teachers’ Training

•Network AdminTraining•Center Management Trng

Community Support •Project Sustainability

•Local Community / GU / NGO Involvement

•Local Steering Committees, Center Mgr & Lab Tech•Teacher & Learner

Selection•Curriculum Localization

Infrastructure Deployment

•4 pilot sites•Site renovation

•PCs + server + peripherals + broadband connectivity

Project Components

Monitoring & Evaluation

•Online Interactions + Site Visits

•Implementation Conference

Sample ModulesCommunication Skills

Are You Listening?

A Language of Our Own

Effective Communication

Effective Writing

The Interview

Are you a Critical Reader?

How to Become an Intelligent

Listener

Panitikang Filipino

Filling-up Forms Accurately

Problem Solving & Analytical Thinking

Reproductive Health

Skeletal System

Addictive and Dangerous Drugs

The Cost of Environmental

Degradation

Composting

Buying Wisely

Business Math

Basic Accounting

Searching for Patterns

Water and its Costs

Sustainable Use of Resources/Productivity

Marks of a Successful Entrepreneur

Water Pollution

Wanted: Clean and Fresh Air

Workers’ Rights

Ideas for Income-Generating Projects

Dev’t of Self and a Sense of Community

Building Relationships with Others

Dealing with Fear, Anger, and

Frustration

Ironing It Out

Changing Roles

Civil and Political Rights

The Beautiful World of Our Native

Borthers

Expanding One’s World Vision

The Major Religions of the World

Think Globally, Act Locally

How to Resolve Conflicts

PRINT MODULES PAPER-BASED PORTFOLIOS

BLENDED LEARNING• Learning Plan• Facilitation of Learning• Competency Assessment

A&E CERTIFICATION EXAM

+ Internet+ Internet(Think.com, online educational tools/

resources)

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eLearning Modules

• software developer: Sandiwaan Center for Learning– module review by BALS-TWG

• Module Review Form + Digital Courseware Evaluation Rubric – Clear standards/ expectations for the

developer in enhancing the modules – vs. verbal agreements (problematic)– http://balsontheweb.wikispaces.com

Learning Management System

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Learning Management System

• progress monitoring• center utilization• tracking of learner’s progress• module utilization and evaluation• learner tasks + online

collaborations + portfolios– Blogs, discussion forum, albums,

portfolio folders, webpage links, collaborative projects, etc.

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Projected Results

• at least 600 out-of-school individuals serviced (1st 4 sites) – actual: 536 learners

• pilot the integration of ICTs in education and provide a working model – flexible approach; seen as a model for basic education

• assess the effectiveness of the elearning modules for wide-scale deployment and use –numerous inquiries (even from the formal system)

• assess the pilot run for duplication and rollout of more eSkwela elearning centers around the country – LGUs and NGOs are interested

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STATUS (as of November 2007)

Activities Target Actual Remarks

1. Community Mobilization

4 sites completed Well-received;

LGUs + DepEd Divisions + NGOs

2. Educators’ Training

109 trainees

130 trainees

Teacher TrainingLab Mgt TrainingSpecial Workshops

32 trainees 31 trainees Review session + think.com

3. Content Devt 50 Version 1 accepted:

35

On-hold: 15 (set C)

Review process by BALS-TWG;Asia Pacific College (NSTP students)

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STATUS (as of November 2007)

Activities Target Actual Remarks

4. Systems Devt

LMS ver. 1

LMS ver. 1 LMS ver. 2: DLSU thesis group

5. Site Renovations

4 sites 4 completed

with community assistance

6. Equipment Deployment

4 sites 4 completed

Operational with set schedules

7. Connectivity 4 sites 4 completed

Smart Bro Wireless

8. M&E 4 sites 3 sites Continuous; eSkwela Conference – Sept 2007 (Strategic Planning)

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STATUS (as of November 2007)

• All 4 sites are operational (29 teachers/implementers + 536 learners)

• 35 of targeted 50 modules developed, accepted, used

• Numerous inquiries for potential partnerships

• Media interest • Organized sites• Sites: numerous applications received• Regular part of PGMA Roadshows

(Serbisyo Muna)

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STATUS (as of November 2007)

• Exciting start but with birth pains– Content Development– Local Politics– Facility Maximization – Hardware problems – Internet Connection– Software Utilization – ICT-based Delivery Mode– Others

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Birth Joys and Pains

Areas of Concern

Gains Concerns Remedies

Content Development

Through the Content Development workshops, ALS teachers/implementers had a greater appreciation of ICT as a tool for education

Schedule of delivery of the digitized modules was delayed because of several revisions that have to be made to the modules

Meetings were held with DepEd-BALS and SCL (developer) to streamline the module production and review processes

Local Politics The role of the Local Government Units as stakeholders was secured; easier to mobilize local groups and resources

support from LGU as dependent on incumbent leader; transition in leadership as threat to losing LGU support

Met with concerned LGU office re: continuous support

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Birth Joys and Pains

Areas of Concern

Gains Concerns Remedies

Scheduling / Facility Maximization

• sessions have already started even before enrollment of learners for next batch

• difficulty in hiring fulltime personnel

• unavailability of IMs due to busy schedule

• met with eSkwela site implementers to set schedule of IM rotation

Hardware • malfunctioning units/parts

• coordinated with supplier (units covered with warranty)

• Future study: low-cost alternatives + use of community-owned centers/internet cafés + local tech support

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Birth Joys and Pains

Areas of Concern

Gains Concerns Remedies

Software Utilization (open source)

• no more piracy issues

• IMs and learners are more aware of software piracy

• IMs and student are able to do more because of the bundled software

• familiarity with open-source OS and LMS

• modules with minor glitches

• conducted training sessions on lab management and review of LMS

• provided support in basic troubleshooting

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Birth Joys and Pains

Areas of Concern

Gains Concerns Remedies

ICT-based A&E delivery mode (modules + LMS + think.com + Internet resources / tools)

• more interactive & flexible

• more fun• experimentation

• modules in the sites still limited to 20 (slow production of content)

• use of English vis-à-vis Filipino exam

• Tendency to go back to formal setup

• next funding: main focus is on content development

• BALS undergoing intensive program reviews

• BALS to work on ICT Roadmap for its programs

• re-orientation to ideals of ALS

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Birth Joys and Pains

Areas of Concern

Gains Concerns Remedies

Internet Connection

• module enhancements available through related websites

• IMs can download readily available instructional material over the Internet

• payment scheme (monthly payments)

• looking into possibility of paying Smart Bro for the rest of the year (vis-à-vis govt procedures)

Others • high interest level due to media exposure

• high demand, clamor for more slots, eSkwela centers

• ongoing talks with potential partners and implementers

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Strategic Planning Output

eSkwela Conference (Sept 2007)

• Vision: eSkwela will be widely available across the Philippines to empower out-of-school youth and adults to be globally competitive through the effective use of ICTs in alternative learning.

• Mission Statement: In partnership with various groups, eSkwela provides out-of-school youth and adults with opportunities towards attaining basic education competence and life skills through the use of an ICT-enabled environment.

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Feedback from Sites

• with a rating scale of 1 to 4 (1 as lowest, 4 highest) 70% of the surveyed learners have given a “4” rating to the overall effectiveness of the modules; 30% have given a “3” rating

• Learners gave positive feedback on the advantages of the digitized modules compared to the print modules (multimedia, interactivity)

• Familiarization of Learners to ICTs as a bonus benefit

• Realignment of ALS to self-paced learning

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Recommendations

• Clamor for more eSkwela modules

• Modules in both in Filipino and English

• Make optimal use of ICT in the design of modules

• Modules be made available outside the eSkwela Center

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New Funding

• Phase 1: pilot stage– 4 pilot sites (CICT-led): operational &

monitored (536 learners)– 35 (+15) ALS modules + LMS

• Phase 2: eGov Fund 2006: Preparation for Roll-out– Regional Roadshows (model: community-

led)– Regional Trainers’ Training – 120 ALS modules + 4 livelihood courses

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Next Phase: Roll-out Preparations

• tapping local communities to invest on Center set-up, management, sustainability

• CICT Assistance– Franchise Manual– Technical assistance on initial set-up– Referral to the eSkwela Regional Trainers– Access to the wide network of eSkwela partners– 35 modules to start; additional modules to

follow (120 within 2008)

eGov Fund 2006: Rollout Preparations

CICT + BALS

QC

SJDMCDO

Cebu

6 TT

4 NA12 CM

4 NA

12 CM

6 TT

Reg10

Reg11

Reg7

Reg5

Reg4a

CAR

Reg3

NCR

CARAGA

Reg6

Reg4b

Reg2Reg1

Reg12

ARMMReg9

Reg8

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Upcoming Activities

Activities Target Months

Submission of Final Project Report & eSkwela “Franchise” Manual to AEF

November 2007

Regional Roadshowsincludes initial planning for regional roll-out

November – December 2007

Trainers’ Training (clustered) – pool of regional trainers & support

January-March 2008

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Future Plans & Possibilities

• Digitization of modules for other ALS programs (Elementary, Bridge)

• Livelihood / VocTech track• Filipino/localized versions• Revision of Session Guides for ICT-based delivery

mode• Use of CeCs, internet cafés, school labs,

extension programs• Distance Education model: online distribution &

LMS• Online A&E exam (year-round)• Possibility: ask local/regional/ international

funding agencies to finance some efforts

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Partnership Inquiries

• Baguio: Save Our Streetchildren Foundation – w/ 2-3 sites (working with ALS-Trinidad)

• Gawad Kalinga - Manila• Congressmen/Councilors of QC• CICT-Community eCenters of

CICT & TELOF• internet cafés (community-

based either put up by community leaders or private groups)

• community libraries• Rotary Club centers• Imus Internet Café Association

• USAID• PLAN-International• CBCP• La Union NGO• School divisions (whose school

laboratories can be used after school hours)

• ALS or ADM providers who would like to include the eSkwela-ALS model into their respective programs : – DepEd-Lanao– Angelicum– Philrice– ALS-Manila– Marikina-LGU

Photos/Video

http://eSkwela.wikispaces.com

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CONTACT DETAILS

• URLs : – www.cict.gov.ph– http://eskwela.wikispaces.com– http://balsontheweb.wikispaces.com– http://eskwela-APC-NSTP.wikispaces.com– http://cict-hcdg.wikispaces.com

• Email :– cict.eskwela@gmail.com – mameltan@gmail.com

CICT

End of Presentation