Based on the different studies and experiences of schools doing distance education or online learning, the author proposes a mobile education which can shape up the K to 12 science curriculum into a functional one and convenient to the learners.
Mobile Science Education Model (MSEM)
In the infographic study done by Ingenious Mobile Business in the Philippines this year, they had found out that 91% of Filipinos have mobile phones and 56% of them have smart phones. Mobile devices have become such an indispensable part of daily life. About 66% of Filipinos sleep with their phones; 48% eat with their phones; 20% drive with their phones. About 71% of the respondents say that they won’t leave the house without their phones.
Mobile devices are used for multi-tasking such as 62% for listening to music; 42% for watching tv; 58% are using the internet; 27% are reading online magazine; 30% are playing games; 37% are watching movies and 21% are reading e-books.
By 2017, they estimated 10 billion mobile connections wherein 80% of time on mobile is spent on apps. An average consumer actively uses 6.5 apps in 30 days. Analysts estimated 56 to 82 billion downloaded apps in 2013 that could reach 200 billion in 2017. PayPal mobile handled almost $14 billion in payment volume in 2013. In the Philippines, almost 100 million Filipinos are on mobile sending out more than 1 billion SMS per day. About 33 million Filipinos are now connected to the internet. The Philippines has emerged as the fastest growing market for smartphones in Southeast Asia. About 93% of Filipinos are part of a social network wherein 33 million are active on Facebook; 81% of those active members are below 30 years old. (PayBux Channel, 2014)
What is next for this generation? Introducing the Mobile Science Education or MSE. The Mobile Science Education is an open app which aims to provide online science courses intended for learners under the umbrella of K to 12 curriculum. Every school in the public and private sectors should have a computer room or information technology center which is fully equipped and designed for online learning. Every learner with mobile device has freely download and install the Mobile Science Education app from the internet.
The learning modules are derived from the Department of Education who serves as the content provider. Curriculum developers and science experts have created the learning modules. Officially enrolled students in public and private schools serve as the online or mobile learners. It is free to register and use the mobile science education app interactively. The course programs are offered in all grade levels that focus on Earth Science, Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Online learning can be accessible through cable connection in schools or wireless broadband connection at home. Learning resources centers help the students on acquiring information worldwide. These learning centers are school libraries, national library and Library of Congress. There is a collaborative network among government and non-government organizations for the successful planning and implementation of Mobile Science Education.
Teachers and learners have respective roles to perform their duties and responsibilities. Classroom teachers should act as the facilitators of learning. Learners should do the activities accordingly with their own time, pace and wherever they are. However, learners should have meet the deadlines in submitting their works. Further instructions are given in advance by the teacher. There is a room for conferences, inquiries and topic clarifications.
The budget allocation for launching the Mobile Science Education app is covered by the Department of Education, National and Local budget, TESDA, OWWA, Employers Association of the Philippines and other government and non-government organizations.
Integral Components of Mobile Science Education (MSE)
Free Membership and App Download
Course Programs
- Earth Science
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
Accessibility
- Cable Connection
- Wireless Connection
Resource Centers
- Local School Libraries
- National Library
- Library of Congress
Collaborative Network
- Public and Private Schools
- Department of Education
- Technical Skills and Development Authority (TESDA)
- Commission on Higher Education (CHED)
- Chamber of Commerce and Industry
- Employers Association of the Philippines
- Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA)
Teacher’s Initiatives
The teacher in the MSEM system initially performs his duties and responsibilities in the learning process. He should provide learning modules with concise and measurable objectives. He is obliged to give inputs for the student’s learning and able to facilitate teaching and learning situations competently. The teacher should take some considerations to working students with limited time to study. He should understand his learners and carefully responsive in making up decision for his action.. Neither he takes for granted his position nor abuse his authority for any undesirable statements or actions.
Learner’s Incentives
The learners have certain incentives in piloting the Mobile Science Education app such as
- Grade incentives
- Scholarship grants
- Financial assistance
- Free mobile device
Budget Allocation
- Local and National government funds
- Department of Education
- School funds
Based on the relative performance of the learners, the Mobile Science Education app has possible claims for its effective mechanism and applicability in terms of achieving high quality standards of teaching and learning in the Philippines particularly on Science Education for K to 12 Curriculum. The urgent need for this innovative transition from traditional setting of learning into integrated, open and interactive mobile science education may lead into socio-economic development and educational excellence in the next generations to come.
Hands-on 