Website to develop IT skills of teachers

A website was launched yesterday by Smart Communications Inc. to "educate" public school teachers about the internet under the Department of Education’s Smart Schools Program.

"In the end, it’s really people who matter. That’s why we are focusing our effort in giving teachers relevant  training and access to online content so they can make the most out of the internet as a learning resource," said Ramon Isberto, Smart public affairs head, during a press conference held at the Southeastern College in Pasay City.

The Smart Schools website — www.smartschools.ph — features content that has been developed with input from teachers of Smart Schools Program partners and aligned with DepEd’s secondary schools curriculum.

The Smart Schools Program was developed to connect public high schools to the internet using broadband technologies.

Isberto said based on their focus discussion groups, most of the teachers want to equip themselves with basic internet tools which they can use for research, in making class presentations and in exchanging best practices with colleagues.

The site will be constantly updated and will soon be expanded with more content and interactive features, Isberto said.

The website’s content has been aligned with the program’s thrust of making information and communications technology (ICT) a tool for education.

The website will also facilitate a "best practices" sharing among schools and districts.

Information on the Smart Schools Program includes news and announcements, directory listing of participating schools and partners and a multimedia gallery.

The website will be a tool in connecting Smart Schools Program partners to public high schools nationwide.

To date, over 1,000 public high school teachers have received training on basic Microsoft Office skills by faculty members from the Smart Wireless Engineering Education Program (SWEEP) partner schools.

Smart has also partnered with over 40 colleges and universities for the SWEEP  program.