Ilocos norte: Two public elementary schools in Ilocos Norte will pilot a digital learning system that provides teachers with ready-to-use lessons and students with greater access to technology-based educational resources. The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and Department of Education (DepEd) on Tuesday turned over 95 units of the Enhanced Teachers' Unimpeded Rational Objectives (E-TURO) Digital Learning System to San Nicolas Central Elementary School and Dingras West Central School, which were selected as pilot schools for the PHP3.2-million project.
According to Philippines News Agency, Kent Jerico Ramil, senior science research specialist of DOST-Ilocos Norte, stated that the system aims to use technology to expand learning opportunities, particularly for students with limited access to digital educational resources. "Through E-TURO, the DOST-DepEd partnership seeks to harness technology as a tool for improving learning opportunities, particularly for students who may have limited access to digital educational resources," Ramil said.
The E-TURO classroom portal provides teachers with ready-to-use lesson plans, animated video lessons, and interactive performance assessment tools. The system uses a multisensory approach designed to increase student engagement and improve comprehension and retention. Learning materials can be accessed online through the Moodle Learning Management System or offline through printed materials and smart televisions.
The E-TURO content is aligned with DepEd-prescribed learning competencies and includes more than 1,400 e-learning modules for Grades 1 to 6 covering major subjects. San Nicolas Central Elementary School Principal Orlando Pascua welcomed the system, saying it will give learners access to educational materials beyond the traditional classroom while providing teachers with additional tools to make lessons more interactive.
The school will begin pilot-testing the system with its Grade 5 students on Wednesday. Pascua mentioned that each of the school's 47 Grade 5 learners will have access to a computer and the E-TURO classroom portal. "We expect better and improved performance from our students," Pascua told the Philippine News Agency.
He added that the digital learning system could also help students become more comfortable with technology while developing their ability to learn, create, and communicate in digital environments.
