To respond to the current challenges of flexible learning, the City Government of San Fernando, thru the City College of San Fernando Pampanga, installed desktop computers in 34 barangays here.
This idea was conceived from recent surveys conducted by CCSFP which found out that though all of the IT students have smartphones, 75% of them do not have either a laptop or a desktop essential for programming courses.
“We have printed modules as part of the school’s flexible program. However, there are courses like programming, IT [Information Technology] na kailangan ng computer, internet connection, and some applications. So yung mga computers namin sa laboratory na hindi nagagamit binahagi namin sa barangay para mailapit at magamit ng mga estudyante namin,” said Attorney Gloria Victoria Banas, CCSFP Associate Professor IV (Officer-in-Charge).
Thru a Memorandum of Agreement between the city government and barangays, the CCSFP assigned one desktop computer to each barangay as part of its effort in sustaining quality education.
CCSFP students can now avail free use of a computer with free WiFi for their school projects, exercises, assignments, and activities.
“Ngayon, hindi na problema ang computer and internet connection sa mga estudyante. Hindi rin ito makaka-dagdag sa kuryenteng binabayaran ng pamilya and most specially secured ang mga bata dahil nasa loob sila ng barangay hall and mae-ensure natin na napapatupad yung minimum health protocols,” Banas said.
“While we wait for the final decision of the resumption of limited face-to-face classes, sana i-maximize ng mga students ang mga computers na aming inilagay sa mga barangay hall. Sayang yung opportunities kung hindi nila gagamitin. Shine brighter Aslag Ning Balen,” she added.
Starting March 08, students may present their registration form to their respective barangay and fill out the schedule form indicating the date and time slot they wish to use the computers.
The president also encouraged students to attend online classes twice a month to further address their questions, clarifications, and other academic needs.
As of the first semester of the academic year 2020-2021, 660 students were enrolled in CCSFP and continue their studies through the flexible learning program.