DepEd to impart cyber education

To take advantage of the latest technology available in schools, Education Secretary Jesli Lapus plans to impart education online, or what is popularly known as cyber education.

Secretary Jesli Lapus came upon the idea after attending a symposium in New York City dubbed "School of the Future." The event was attended by 44 delegates and top educators from around the world.

Lapus hopes to apply online teaching in the next two years in the different public schools nationwide in their aim to further develop the deteriorating state of education in the country.

"Hopefully, we can have an online teaching within two years," Lapus said.

But with the meager budget that the Department of Education has, Lapus said that the said project will be done one at a time in schools.

Lapus said that from a high of about 14 percent in 2000, the budget for the DepEd last year of P112 billion represents a decline in share of the national budget to 11 percent.

While a supplemental budget of P9.65 billion is being considered for DepEd in line with the 2006 reenacted budget of P112 billion, this is still not enough to address the "true requirements of the education system."

"But hopefully we will be able to achieve what we are really aiming for and that we will be able to implement this project," he said.

He has assigned DepEd assistant secretary for programs and projects Vilma Labrador to undertake a study on the matter and look into the feasibility and viability of electronics teaching or cyber education in the country.

Lapus said that online teaching will utilize modern electronic communication technology wherein students will listen or download lectures and reading materials for particular subjects as well as take examinations as part of the curriculum.

He added that online teaching will not only be for students but also for their mentors as part of the department's thrust of "retooling the tutors" and enhancing their knowledge/expertise in the subjects they are handling. - Jasmin R. Uy