Computer Literacy as a Surefire Educational Investment
FACT: the fast-paced creation of information and its subsequent dissemination in these modern times is miles ahead the ability of hard-copy teaching materials to assimilate the programmed lessons into organized volumes which will be then used as tools in instruction.
Needless to say, the books remain to be tangible learning materials that are as indispensable as the chalk and the chalkboard, at least for the present era – and no one can discount the ability of hard-copy books to present knowledge in a steady manner, which both teachers and learners can always revisit for review purposes.
However, given the changing times and the quickness of new knowledge to be developed and delivered to learning institutions by way of the world-wide web of information, or the internet, there is a serious need for schools to evaluate their ability to respond to the challenge of establishing access to these internet portals of knowledge – and later share them inside the classroom, thereby keeping the young learners up-to-date and well-informed.
Not all schools, especially public schools in Kalinga Province, can readily provide a learning environment where the students can be given a free rein in exploring online sources of knowledge. It would have to take a lot of computer units, plus a reliable network connection, to accomplish that. Obviously, that spells budget.
This is the plight in most schools situated in the rural areas.
Teachers in these areas, however, can instead be the ones who should endeavor to become attuned to the ever-evolving realm of education via the internet, and eventually filter the newly absorbed information, ready to be transferred to the young minds inside his or her class.
Still, this necessitates the presence of the much-needed gadgets: computer unit and a network connection. However, considering the limited budget earmarked for public schools – which is understandable – having one or two units inside the classroom and the library is less costly than aspiring to purchase several units of computer. That is not practical at present, knowing that classrooms and additional teachers should take the topmost priority.
One or two computer units, however, are affordable items, especially if administrators are resourceful enough to source out donors for such gadgets. When these are in place either inside the faculty or the library, the teachers can then take time in browsing for updates within their areas of specialization, and even have the initiative to explore researchable subjects which will further improve the acquisition and delivery of educational services to young learners.
It is a fact in the rural areas of Kalinga that many teachers are somewhat technology-aloof, but once they get to appreciate the benefits of developing their computer literacy, they will sooner or later become tireless in hunting for the latest in their fields, while also giving them the opportunity to interact with fellow teachers all over the world – thus giving further truth to the value of sharing as basic concept in education.
When this is attained, then students will surely leave their campuses trained under the current trends in education, loaded with the latest and practical know-how, and, to some extent, attuned to computer literacy themselves.
With diligence and creativity, this can be done.
