DepEd to monitor technology use in public schools

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) has vowed to monitor the use of tablets and other devices by public school students to mitigate the risks and dangers of technology misuse.

In a statement issued yesterday, the DepEd said it has taken into consideration various research on technology use in schools prior to the implementation of its computerization program.

The agency said it has put in place policies and safeguards to ensure that the technology provided under the program will become empowering learning materials and not be misused by the students.

“Just like any learning material, the introduction of tablets in the school system should be properly monitored and their use guided by teachers for them to be maximized as  efficient learning tools,” the DepEd said.

“The department also recognizes the dangers of technological devices to the academic achievement of learners when these are used inappropriately. Researchers have indeed found that addiction and the prolonged use of gadgets have resulted in poor performance,” it added.

The DepEd, however, noted the positive impact of technology use, citing a research that found grade three pupils getting significantly better reading scores after being exposed to tablet-based reading content.

To ensure that the devices are properly used, the agency said no games will be installed in the tablets, laptops and desktop computers provided to public schools.

“These devices are used solely for teaching and learning purposes. This addresses studies that show that installed game applications result in learners getting addicted to playing and not learning,” it said.

“The devices are left in school, and there is no way to install new software because this is strictly followed in the acceptable use policy. All applications blocking unauthorized installations is enforcing this policy,” it added.

The DepEd said a classroom management software will also enable teachers to view and control the devices to ensure that the students only focus on academics during classes.

“Learners and teachers are empowered to use the devices only for learning,” it said.