Silliman University is planning to come out with a program that will use iPads or android tablets in the classrooms.
Dr. Earl Jude Cleope, dean of the College of Education, said the plan is in support of the K to 12 program of the Department of Education as well as for his College’s research and development.
But, he added, this plan is still being studied further.
Mark Raygan Garcia, director of the Office of Information and Publications, the planned program cannot yet be implemented when classes open next month as they are still finalizing some issues.
Garcia told the MetroPost that the use of tablets among basic education students was on the discussion table starting as early as two years ago. “It was the sight of kids carrying heavy bags filled with their textbooks coupled with the popularity of Kindle and e-reader technology that triggered the idea,” Garcia said.
However, factors such as cost and as to how good a move it would be to adopt the technology on at least the basic education level are keeping Silliman from going full steam into this program.
“While we encourage our students to maximize the use of digital tools and gadgets for optimum learning, we also continue to assess the cost implication of implementing the use of the same among students and their parents,” Garcia said.
The University is also evaluating the extent of the availability of textbooks and other required readings in soft copies, although Garcia admitted that familiarity with the gadgets is not much of a problem.
“A good number of our students already have them, only that not all use it for the same purpose,” Garcia said.
