In February 2023, the LR Office in DepEd Calbayog City became the hub of transformation as dedicated educators and specialists gathered for an immersive 5-day training. The focus: Division Capability Training on Digital Literacy and E-book Development tailored for Key Stage 1 students.
This training came at a time when digital platforms were fast becoming indispensable in education. With the advent of the pandemic, parents and students had to adapt to the absence of physical classrooms. Video lessons emerged as a lifeline, offering a way to continue learning. The advantages of this shift were manifold – flexible scheduling, engaging lessons, personalized learning outcomes, and the ability to revisit content at will.
However, it was evident that many teachers in Calbayog City faced a significant challenge. They needed to acquire the digital pedagogy skills necessary to harness these advantages fully. This training was the proactive response to this need.
The training had clear objectives:a) To enhance the reading skills of Kinder to Grade-3 pupils, in alignment with the K to 12 curriculum, through improved Filipino instruction.b) To equip teachers with digital literacy skills.c) To elevate teachers’ proficiency in digital literacy.d) To empower participants to create digitized lessons and contextualized e-books using various applications.e) To foster an appreciation of the value of digital lessons in the context of modern education.
Given the prevailing circumstances, the training adopted a limited face-to-face, live-out format to ensure the safety of all participants. This approach allowed educators to immerse themselves fully in the learning process while adhering to health guidelines.
The heart of this training lay in its participants – a diverse group of 20 individuals, each playing a critical role in the program’s success. From school superintendents to digital creators, they were united in their commitment to improving education through digital literacy.
The training was more than just a series of workshops. It was a journey with tangible goals. The participants aimed to create three key outputs:1. Contextualized intervention and instructional materials, applying digital principles.2. E-books in Filipino, tailored for Key Stage 1.3. Demonstration lessons showcasing differentiated instruction using the newly developed e-books.
The realization of this vision was made possible through the generous grant provided by the Metro Bank Foundation, covering training expenses, materials, and food costs.
To facilitate the training effectively, a wide array of resources was employed – laptops, projectors, and other essentials that ensured a seamless learning experience.
This 5-day journey of empowerment was a pivotal moment for educators in Calbayog City. Armed with newfound digital literacy skills, they were poised to bridge educational gaps and pave the way for the future of digital learning. It was a testament to the city’s commitment to shaping the new normal in education, one digital lesson at a time.
