IBM starts grassroots IT training for teachers

First posted 11:53pm (Mla time) Jan 26, 2006
By Alexander Villafania
INQ7.net

IBM recently conducted its eMentor Scholarship for teachers in Mindanao, the company’s first grassroots program to provide teachers with knowledge on using IT for education far flung areas.
Partnering IBM is Growth with Equity in Mindanao (GEM-2), an organization dedicated to providing Mindanao schools with PCs and Internet connection.

Thirty high school teachers in Basilan, Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi were chosen as eMentor’s first scholars.

For ten days, they were provided with intensive hands-on training in computer-based education.

The group has an existing blog (http://ibmementor.blogspot.com) where they have posted comments and suggestions on the 10-day program.

Among them were Saliah Datucali Amin from the Saguiaran High School in Lanao del Sur and Leticia Santillan Adjarail from Batu-Batu National High School in Tawi-Tawi were grateful to receive practical knowledge on new technologies for better and more effective teaching methods.

“The integration of technology in my class would enable me to teach effectively and efficiently. I have learned a lot in the IBM eMentor Program, specifically in designing my instructional materials,” Amin said.

Adjarail, too, expressed excitement in going back and teaching what she’s learned – “that I should not rely on books alone when it comes to teaching.”

IBM will continue monitoring the scholars’ progress in the next four months, to be followed by an awarding ceremony for five eMentors who have made good use of their new cyber training.


http://news.inq7.net/infotech/index.php?index=1&story_id=64239