Technology’s Impact on Education – The Philippines

Technology’s Impact on Education – The Philippines

It’s 2020 and there is no arguing that technology plays a vital role in our lives. Technology does everything from allowing us to explore the vast expanse of our solar system to helping us kill a few minutes while we wait for our bus. So, it is no surprise that technology has a major impact on education. Although many schools across the world are taking advantage of technology in the classroom, others are not so lucky. A technology gap currently exists in schools of the Philippines that is preventing its students from enjoying the advantages provided by technology in the classroom.

Countless studies have established that technology is a beneficial supplement to the education system. One such study, done by Sean M. Corcoran, Ed.D, focuses on the effects that tablet apps have on reading instruction of first-grade students. The students using tablet apps performed better than the ones without these apps. Thus, Corcoran’s research concludes that “the use of tablet apps during reading instruction had a statistically significant impact on student achievement.” Technology has a positive impact on education, and the people of the Philippines have taken notice. An article published by The Manila Times highlights a study done by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt in California. This study “showed that students using iPads performed better in math compared to students using traditional textbooks.” The article goes on to list even more convincing evidence by citing an Oklahoma State University study which “found that 75 percent of students said use of gadgets enhanced their learning experience.” With so many advantages, it is easy to understand why the Philippines is looking to increase its use of technology for improving education.

The Philippines as a country would benefit greatly from providing more of its students with high-tech learning tools. A WorldRemit article explains that “especially in emerging countries, such as the Philippines” it is important that “students can get familiar with technology at a young age.” This is because technology “sparks many market possibilities – even a chance to compete against developed economies!” Unfortunately, for impoverished areas of the country, that is not the current reality. An article published by OffCrowd points out that “Public education and technology are hard to provide, especially where [the] majority of the people are living beyond the daily means.” The article goes on to inform that a technology gap is present in the local schools of the Philippines and that this gap has been caused by a “lack of distribution of resources to the poverty line.” Without the proper resources, students in these lower-income areas will not receive the same educational support as students fortunate enough to come from higher-income regions.

Filipino students suffering from the technology gap are the ones that would benefit the most from these educational tools. Fortunately, certain conditions do appear to be improving for the Philippines. According to a Rappler article, the internet is becoming more accessible across the country. As internet access becomes more available, more students will have a chance at a quality education–“for example, a student in a remote barangay can participate in a virtual class conducted by teachers from the capital.” The article goes on to say that “in a country where millions are still unable to finish school, it’s hard to overestimate technology’s power in bridging the education gap. Roadblocks such as time, money, or distance can be swept away with a single device or a free, reliable Internet connection.” By helping Filipino schools and students increase their access to educational technology, we can help give them the education they deserve.

At Yours Humanly, our mission is to help create a world in which every child in every school has an equal opportunity for success. Our Bridging Gaps initiative aims to make this dream a reality. Through this initiative, we fund new computer labs, upgrade existing labs, and provide computer science instructors to areas in need–including the Philippines. For many of us who rely on technology daily, it is difficult to imagine any part of our lives without internet access and devices. Technological advances have not only made our lives more convenient, but they have allowed those of us with access to these technologies to make great strides in education. We believe that every child should have the ability to take advantage of these advances.