DOST develops courseware to improve teaching, learning of science, math

The Science Education Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), a partner in the Department of Trade and Industry’s Personal Computers for Public Schools (PCPS) project, has developed a courseware project to improve the teaching and learning of science and mathematics in various public high schools nationwide.

The courseware project was composed of 27 computer-based teaching (CBT) titles of selected topics in mathematics, chemistry, physics, and biology that were packaged and replicated in compact discs and teacher’s guides.

An objective of the project is to design, develop and replicate CBT modules on selected topics in high school science and mathematics for distribution to beneficiary schools of the PCPS.

The PCPS was designed to raise the level of literacy and competence of teachers and preparing them as future workers for the "Knowledge Economy."

Earlier, recipient schools of the PCPS project received 15 to 20 CDs and a copy of the teacher’s guide accompanying a computer package composed of 20 stand-alone desktop computers, two inkjet printers, one external modem, one external CD-ROM and a 2-day teacher/school personnel training on basic PC operation, troubleshooting and maintenance.

DTI and DOST noticed that a member of high school science and mathematics subjects were abstract and difficult to teach because of the absence or lack of knowledge in using computers to create visual aids that will facilitate the teaching and learning of such topics. Due to these conditions, designs scripts based on the best way to present such topics were created. Programmers, artists and subject specialists collaborated to develop CBTs under the guidance and supervision of the Training Solutions Group.

"We have to realize that having computer competency could greatly enhance a person’s chances of getting better-paying jobs. This is the reason why we have focused our efforts on building up our capability in information and communication technology," Trade and Industry Secretary Manuel Roxas II said.

To ensure the development of the courseware project, agencies like the Training Solutions Group, Bucal National High School, Quezon City Science High School, Parañaque National High School, and Institute for Science and Mathematics Education Development were also tapped for certain contributions to the project.