STI with DepEd Free computer lectures, training for HS seniors
In partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd), STI Education Services Group (STI) has introduced a nationwide program that will help public high school students become information communications technology (ICT) literate. This is also part of the DepEd's thrust to help integrate ICT literacy in the basic education curriculum in public schools.
Dubbed the "Shared Knowledge Program," the one-day sessions are specially designed to provide at least 5,000 4th year public high school students hands-on training seminars on the basic usage and operation of MS Windows, creation of simple documents using MS Word, and the ability to browse and use the Internet. The program's primary aim is to aid the students in properly using the computer to help them in their day-to-day academic requirements and when they proceed to higher education.
The "Shared Knowledge Program" is part of STI's social preparedness initiative that highly esteems and believes in the capability and talents of the Filipino youth. It also serves as a support system for the DepEd's effort to bridge the narrowing digital divide in the country. Significantly, the program shows that education in the country is not a privilege for the rich and few but a right that everybody should have access to.
One of the recent training sessions was conducted at STI's Cubao branch. The "Shared Knowledge Program" will run for two months, with a capacity of 20-40 students per training batch or school. Invited schools during the launch of the "Shared Knowledge Program" are Juan Sumulong, Flora Ilagan, Ramon Magsaysay, Don Alejandro Roces, New Era and P. Bernardo. The program is participated in by all of STI's network of 100 colleges and education centers nationwide.
Instructors for the program (also called "student assistants" [SA]) are STI students themselves. Among the SAs who are part of the ongoing program are John Panganiban and Michael Padua, both are freshmen computer engineering students.
The program is also an innovative way to encourage students to become interested in computers and inspire them to take up computer courses in college.
The school rounds of the "Shared Knowledge Program" have also elicited positive remarks from students. Sheryl Miguel, 20, comments on the school tour: "We're glad STI visited our school and invited us to attend the program." Armen Nunez, 18, on the other hand, showed interest in studying at STI. "I like to study at STI because they offer better computer courses and their staff teach well. Plus the fact that they give us a chance to study even if we don't have our own computer," Nunez said. Miguel and Nunez are both students of Don Quintin High School.
Ramon Magsaysay High School student Emmanuel Calvario, 15, is likewise convinced on the "Shared Knowledge Program." He quipped: "I think, this program will help us a lot, especially when we have a job in the future. I'm interested in taking up Business Administration. Being skilled in using the computer will definitely be good for all of us." At the same time, Vincent Ebal, 16, feels more confident after the program. "STI has empowered us to be better equipped for the future. I'm no longer left behind in terms of computers and basic IT. Now, I know how to use the web!" Ebal said, beaming.
The "Shared Knowledge Program" of STI and DepEd is just a start as far as helping students achieve a brighter future through computer familiarization and basic education. The program is also STI's way of contributing to the Filipino youth's success and helping them "make things happen" for an improved and better future.
