The CICT-iSchools Project is more than just bridging the digital divide but responding to the flat world phenomenon described by Thomas Friedman.
To adapt to the flat world phenomenon and become Global Bicolanos is what the CICT-iSchools Project ultimately aims to realize for Bicolano high school students, teachers, and the community.
The phenomenon
“The world is flat” according to Thomas Friedman, a three-time Pulitzer Prize Awardee, is a global phenomenon of change brought about by technology and innovations. What Friedman means by “flat” is “connected” or “level” in terms of commerce, competition, and opportunities across the planet because of modern technology such as the Internet.
The Bicolanos, if they will not keep up with this global digital revolution, will surely be at a loss.
The response
This is what the CICT-iSchools Project all about. It is more than just bridging the digital divide but responding to the flat world phenomenon described by Thomas Friedman.
The iSchools Project, one of the flagship projects under the Commission on Information and Communications Technology (CICT), equips public high school students and teachers ICT literacy skills and competence so that they can be at par with the rest of the world. It provides to its beneficiary public high schools 21 computer units with one year free Internet connectivity, a 3-in-1 computer printer, an LCD projector, and an air conditioning unit. Thus, it had provided various trainings to the stakeholders for the uniform implementation of the project; and more trainings will be conducted to ensure its success and sustainability.
The iSchools in Bicol
Bicol Region is generally described as slightly undulating to rolling and hilly to mountainous. At a glance, introduction of whatever modern technology seems impossible because of this topography. But it is not what it seems to be. Almost all of the 14 beneficiary high schools, though quite a distance from the city or municipality, have satisfied the requirements and criteria of the project.
The recipient public high schools are the following: (1) Albay: Malilipot National High School, Malabog National High School, Paulba National High School, and Bicol University Integrated Laboratory High School; (2) Camarines Sur: San Jose Municipal High School, Cararayan National High School, Sta. Justina National High School, Sta. Lutgarda National High School, Don Mariano C. Veneracion High School, and San Isidro National High School; (3) Camarines Norte: Froilan Lopez National High School, and Alawihaw National High School; (4) Catanduanes: Catanduanes National High School and Catanduanes National High School – Annex.
These schools have electricity and possible internet connectivity. But none dared to an impossible feat such as Internet provision in these schools until the CICT-iSchools Project came into the scene. Prior to the introduction of the project, Bicolano high school students, teachers, and the community seemed to be forever disconnected to the rest of the world.
Towards Global Bicolanos
The iSchools Project was launched in the 14 recipient public high schools in October 2007. And in February 2008, despite the region-wide flood and heavy rains, the project’s package was finally deployed to the recipient schools. It brought tremendous and overwhelming excitement and anticipation to all the students, teachers, and the community. For them, what seemed to be an impossible and elusive dream such as the Internet in their school and in the community will forever remain a dream. Now, it is their time to see the world without necessarily leaving their place.
The high school students and teachers are the immediate beneficiaries of the project which provides a web-enabled platform so that knowledge will be shared despite the time, distance, geography, and identity. Through the Internet, they will have easy access to the huge various sources of information, the same sources accessed by students from first to third world countries. The teachers will likewise have access to relevant digital content and applications in education for effective learning.
But it is not only the students and the teachers who will reap the benefits of the project, it is the community as well. The members of the community can make use of the computer facility after school hours so that they too will not be left behind in terms of knowledge and change. However, a minimal fee shall be asked from the community for the sustainability of the project, especially if it is finally devolved to the recipient school.
The project truly makes a difference in their lives. It empowers them to be responsible members of the community who will ensure the success of the project.
But ultimately, the iSchools Project will make them Global Bicolanos whose knowledge is at par with the rest of the world. The Global Bicolanos who will never be left behind in terms of knowledge of technology and innovations and job opportunities and privileges.
Indeed, this is how the iSchools Project responds to the flat world phenomenon happening globally.
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