It's public school librarians this time

The Department of Education signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the Sandiwaan Center for Learning (SCL) where the latter through the Educational Outreach through Elearning (EDO) will provide educational materials "to enhance learning through the use of interactive learning materials".

Under the agreement, the DepEd is:

• To undertake goal setting, implement policies and provide guidance, direction and support for the implementation of e-learning program.
• To determine the curriculum content of the learning materials.
• To review, approve and endorse e-learning materials suited for the Out-of-School Youth and Adults.
• To coordinate with end users and facilitators.
• To assist in finding resources.
• To coordinate with concerned implementing agencies.

The SCL, on the other hand, is going:

• To provide technical components in the development of multimedia interactive learning materials.
• To equip prospective staff with the basic knowledge in the development of learning materials through training using facilities owned by SCL and Partners.
• To provide prospective trainees with training manual.
• To conduct assessment during training.
• To provide BALS full access to all developed materials and facilities used in the training.
• To coordinate with the first party on guidelines on the e-learning implementation as need arises.

Where do public school librarians fit into the picture? Well, if you'll look closely, the agreement doesn't stipulate that only teachers can be trained to use the e-learning materials. This is where public school librarians come in. They can be trained not only to use the materials but to develop content as well.

What's more, the SCL is also under negotiations with the Department of Trade and Industry under its PCs for Public Schools (PCPS) program to provide the computers that will contain these e-learning materials. I was told that recipient schools will be made to sign an agreement that the computers will be used solely for educational purposes and should be accessible to the entire school population. And where is the most logical choice? The library, of course! In fact, the Araullo High School in Manila was a recipient of the PCPS and the computers are housed at the library and the librarian, Myrna Fortus helps in facilitating instruction.

Public school librarians take heart, there's light at the end of the tunnel. I have so much faith in the people behind SCL and EDO, that would be Fr. Ben Beltran and Dr. Dylan Dizon respectively, that the project can be sustained. It's only a matter of time before the computers start coming to your libraries. So better start brushing up on your computer skills.