Teachers warned: Adapt ICT or be replaced by robots

CEBU, Philippines — If teachers refuse to learn and adapt modern technology in their teaching methods, they may be replaced with robots in the future, education specialists warned.

Following the region-wide Information Communications and Technology (ICT) summit held last November 13-14, the Department of Education (DepEd) in Central Visayas aims to integrate the use of current technology to deepen the learning of students.

In compliance with DepEd Memorandum No. 143 Series 2017, the summit intends to initiate the culture of sharing and collaborating of ICT in teaching, learning, and governance as well as to update DepEd ICT practitioners on new technologies.

“We are all teachers, we need technology to make our classes easier and faster. We need real teachers who have the heart to feel what our learners really need,” said Dr. Salustiano Jimenez, the DepEd Assistant Regional Director during his opening remarks.

DepEd Regional Director Dr. Juliet Jeruta pointed out the need for all educators to adapt and continually integrate modern technology in their teaching. Otherwise, they would eventually fall behind the times and be replaced by robots.

In the website, ‘willrobotstakemyjob.com’, which estimates the probability of computerization for 702 detailed occupations using a special kind of classifier, at least 0.95 percent of teachers have the tendency to be replaced by robots.

Jureta said that educational technology (EdTech) is derived from human potential and to utilize EdTech in extending learning quality, global competence classrooms are continually integrated with today’s technology and inducing different types of learning such as inquiry-based learning, experiential learning, project-based learning, differentiated instruction among others.

Under the Computerization Program (DCP) of the DepEd, schools receive information technology (IT) equipment such as personal computers, terminals, laptops, projectors, uninterruptible power supplies, automatic voltage regulators (AVR), and other network accessories inclusive of basic troubleshooting training.

Woohoo Learning Lab Chief Executive Officer Galvin Ngo encouraged teachers belonging to the 19 divisions in Region 7 to engage in a participatory culture which strongly supports creativity and sharing one’s creation.

“Don’t just learn about technology, but learn with technology as the youth of today are very familiar. From the educator’s perspective learning with technology should be the main focus. After all, it’s not about what you use, but how you use it,” said Ngo.

In her keynote address, DepEd User Support Chief Ms. Encarnacion Escuadro laid out her 2018 Plans for Learning and Teaching such as ICT Skills Standards, Assessment and Training for Teachers, and survey on the requirements to integrate ICT in the curriculum.

Southwestern University (SWU) Dean Dr. Rigan Ap-Apid said lectures just don’t work anymore and that it is high time to become very creative on how teachers should use technology in imparting knowledge to their students.

“An example can be using augmented reality to let children learn about the solar system. It makes classes more engaging and interactive and easier to explain abstract and difficult concepts. Because of the enhancement of technology, we can learn more already.” said the SWU Dean.

Lapu-Lapu: ROBO4ED

Among the 19 divisions Lapu-Lapu City Division has centralized its alternate learning system (ALS) on robotics for the students.

Robotics for Education (ROBO4ED) is a pilot project of Science and Technology Education Center that started in 2008 with a group of students joining the 1st Cebu Robotics Olympiad to build and program robots to solve Global Warming.

Other than the hands-on experience ROBO4ED offers, this program also broadens the youth’s view in the application of science and technology and improve their leaning efficiency through robotics.

To date, this pilot program has trained 93 administrators, 459 teachers, 2,070 students, 100 parents and 84 schools and is now being adopted by at least 69 schools in the region. (FREEMAN)