Death is the ultimate destiny of any living thing on Earth. Bacteria, protists, algae, fungi, plants, animals and human beings died at certain place and time. These living things eventually exist then suddenly disappear afterwards. They grow and develop for a certain period of time. All these things are biological in nature. Several biological factors may help them to survive as well as affect them to die.
Death comes in human’s life whether you are poor or rich; illiterate or well-educated; unemployed or employed; unpopular or well-known; male or female; single or married, light-skinned or black-skinned; non-believer or believer; lowest status or highest status, and so forth. Thus, whether you like it or not, death leaves up a blueprint in one’s memories.
Certain people mark blueprint memories on you such as your loving parents, siblings, close relatives, friends, classmates, neighbors, colleagues, co-workers, teachers, administrators and even animals like your favorite pets. It is a blueprint memory in the sense that you’ve got personal, lifelong experiences being associated and directly interacted with these people and other living things. These relevant experiences and significant teachings serve as lifelong learning and create a strong foundation on you, being who you are right now.
Therefore, in order for a person to leave blueprint memories in the future, the person should have build up brighter and brilliant memories when he/she is still living on Earth.
It was Saturday before the sun sets in August 20, 1966 at around 6 pm when I was born in our ancestral house at Poblacion, Santa Cruz, Zambales, Philippines. This was my real birthday.
My parents were Guillermo Menes Meron (41) and Teofila Montehermoso Mas (41). Both of them were naturally born and residents of Santa Cruz, Zambales.
My Three Pillars
I spent my childhood and teenage years in my home town. I treasured wonderful and beautiful memories there. My supporting father, caring aunt and loving mother served as the three pillars of my life.
Even though, the three pillars of my life were gone one at a time, still, I really missed and loved them so much. I would like to thank, appreciate and recognize them for their unconditional love; for providing me what I need; for allowing me understand what life is and knowing its purpose.
My Journey
I spent most of my adult years in Meycauayan City, Bulacan, Philippines and some few years abroad rendering essential public services. Life experiences built up stability on me; surpassing any challenges along the way to attain my goals.
My family, friends, relatives and colleagues are always there to advise and help me. Most of all, I would like to thank God for giving me life, blessings and another year; for continuously guiding me on my journey in life.
I wish for a healthy, wealthy and happy life on my birthday.
In times of sorrow, can you still remember the last few words of a dying person that you love most? I would like to share with you the last few words and cries of my loving mother that might break your heart and bring your eyes into tears.
10. While on her bed, my mother said with eyes closed, “Catawan, engangaro wan Mo cami. Pano na cami a pinalsa Mo?” (Zambal)
(Tagalog) “Diyos ko, Kaawaan Mo kami. Paano na kami na nilalang Mo?”
(English) “God, have mercy on us. How about us of your creation?”
At the age of 94, my mother still remember the Almighty God who created everything. In her entire life, she frequently prayed to God and attended the Holy Mass regularly.
9. On her bed, my mother said with her eyes closed, “Indo, Caca, taganan moyo co. Indo, Caca, taganan moyo co.” “Takpan! Takpan!”(Zambal)
My mother was a good helper. She was very kind to children and elders.
2. Still on her bed, my mother said softly with eyes closed, “Abuloyon moyo co.” (Zambal)
(Tagalog) “Tulungan ninyo ako.”
(English) “Help me.”
My mother helped her family. She really loved them so much.
1. Still on her severe body condition, my mother uttered softly, “Ya.” (Zambal)
(Tagalog) “Oo.”
(English) “Yes.”
My mother had strong influential words that anybody should decide and follow. She disciplined, guided and mentored us appropriately.
My mother just nodded her head when I talked and asked her until her complete consciousness had gone.
Yes, my mother was gone but her legacy, advises, courage, greatness, kindness, faith, laughter, memories, dreams and so forth remain in our hearts as we live.
When was the last time your mother hugs you? When was the last time you see your mother smiling? When was the last time your mother asks or tells you something? Do you listen? Do you care or show concern? If your answer is yes, you are lucky enough.
God gave life to you. Your mother nourished that life for you. She carried you in her womb for several months. She could even smile after giving birth of a healthy baby. Sometimes, she never slept and felt anxious when you were crying if you had an illness.
As you grew older, your mother helped you to sit down, stand up and walk until you can do it by yourself. When you started to go to school, she taught you how to read, write and count things. She defended you and fought for your rights if somebody was doing wrong against you. She always provided things that you need. She advised and guided you all the time. She felt very happy and proud whenever you achieved something or received an award. She felt sorry for you when you failed to achieve your dreams.
When you became a matured person and had your own family, your mother was always there and never left you. She took good care of your children. She helped you in doing household chores. She felt very happy seeing her grandchildren playing, singing or dancing. Sometimes, she threw out jokes with them.
The time passed by and your mother was getting older. Her body and mind were already deteriorating. She often got sick. She could not sit down, stand up and walk by herself. Your mother could no longer do the things that she used to do for you and your family when she was young. She always felt the pains and sufferings due to her illness.
Did you feel sorry for her bad health condition? What immediate action that you did to prolong her life? Do you really love your mother? Do you really care? Do you let her go or not?
Distance Education has been operated by technologies from the ancient times up to the present. As what had been narrated from the stories in the Holy Bible, pharaohs, the ruling leaders of certain kingdom or empire, were sending their orders, letters and information to leaders of another kingdom or empire through trusted messenger. The messenger carried the readily rolled documents and handed it directly to the ruling pharaohs or leaders of the other kingdom or empire. The said message was very important to protect their own territories against invaders.
When postal services were available in most countries, the correspondence schools had been rampant. Learners, regardless of age, sex and socio-economic status, tried to avail distance education through correspondence courses. During those years, print media had been a great tool for the success of correspondence school. Teachers of the correspondence school were sending course modules to the distant learners. The learners read the learning materials. Then, they answered the set of questions that had been asked and sent it back to the teachers in charge for checking, evaluation and assessment.
Demand creates its own supply
The given scenarios above clearly figure out the theory that demand creates its own supply. The first scenario suggests that there was a need for pharaohs to send messages to the friendly allies as well as there was a need for leaders from the other kingdom to receive such warning messages or reminders for them to prepare their combat men and own people in case of troubles or big fights. The second scenario suggests that people learn to go with informal education without face-to-face interactions such as correspondence course due to various reasons. For them, taking up correspondence courses through postal services was cost-effectively without leaving their present job. Certified graduates of correspondence courses may be get instant job promotion due to learning skills acquired during their distant studies. When people got promoted into a new job position, they tend to receive higher salaries and good compensation in return which may support or sustain their family needs or their own personal needs.
Distance Education had been evolved as years passed by. After the success of print media, broadcast media followed through the use of radio programs and T.V. programs. The ‘talk’ programs in the radio developed awareness to the listening public in all fields of study. The people need information medically on how to cure and prevent illnesses. They learn ‘what to do’ in agricultural and economic practices, business enterprise, family and legal matters. People who are watching educational T.V. programs also learn various things. They learn ‘how to do’ things due to live demonstration on T.V. of methods and procedures needed for a particular product or process.
Upon the successful invention of the computer technologies such as hardware and software, the Distance Education promoters and advocates designed learning programs through audio tapes and video tapes. They were sending audio tapes and video tapes to learners in remote places as supplement learning materials of the printed course modules. The cassette tape, Betamax, VHS, CD, VCD, LD and BD had evolved and grew rapidly. The evolution of these learning materials influenced the Distance Education at stake
Learners in all levels of education showed great demands on their learning. Spending too much time in a public library browsing plenty of books for a particular topic needs patience and perseverance. Instead of writing too long, learners tend to photocopy the pages of the book which spends much money and cuts off their daily school allowance. Thus, the learners shift to go to the nearest internet café or computer for rent just to answer their school assignments. When the internet technology has been introduced to school libraries, private and public schools up to college and universities have utilized the benefits of using the internet. Learners started to avail those free or paid internet services just to cope up with their urgent assignments and serious studies.
The demands of the learners to information technologies open to schools, colleges and universities to offer courses online. The courses that they offer respond to the needs and demands not only of the student-learners but also the working professionals and skilled individuals that need professional trainings for employment or job promotion. The learner’s demands create more courses and more open universities that can serve the whole community as well. Online students learn how to text, chat, email, participate in the forum, submit assignment online and study synchronously and asynchronously. Thus, the first, second, third, fourth, fifth and next generations of Distance Education had been built up and developed for lifelong and life-wide learning.
Supply creates its own demand
When the wireless phone was introduced in the country in the early decade of 80’s, beep pagers increased in number wherein you have to look for a public telephone or pay phone once you received a beep sound from your pager around your waistline. The said message tells the receiver to respond immediately to the caller. Within that decade also when huge Smart mobile phones were introduced. It was actually a line telephone but cordless that has monthly bill. This huge mobile gadget got attract several families at home of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW). The minimum fixed rate of two thousand pesos excluding international calls was not a big deal for overseas workers who were earning much abroad. The Smart Communications produced more units for their local markets. As one of the pioneers of the mobile communications in the country, they sold cellular phones competing with other companies like Nokia, Erickson and Motorola. Along the business ventures, the Smart Company sold sim cards to market their mobile business and compete with other companies like Globe and Sun. With the introduction of this mobile technologies, people learn to buy these gadgets even at high cost for a unit.
The continuous supply of mobile technologies locally and abroad create demands for computer technicians for technical assistance and trouble-shooting purposes. The production of internet-ready mobile devices such as smart phones, tablet, netbook and laptop that were displayed in the shopping malls attract learners and other stakeholders to have one or more devices.
The various software applications installed in each smart phone increase buyers of touch-screen mobile devices. The Distance Education (DE) institution provides opportunities for learners to use the beneficial software applications in their online learning. For instance, they should learn how to convert files into readable documents. There are software applications that can convert video files into audio files only. The technical side of the DE institution designed interactive software programs which facilitate teaching and learning. Thus, a well-designed course has been developed for online learners.
The supply of great computer programs in the information markets create more demands on what particular courses will be appropriately and timely be offered by the DE institutions. It can also create what particular DE curriculum will be planned, implemented, evaluated and assessed. If the said curriculum had been proven effective for employment and business, it creates social stigma or influence peers to enroll in this particular course of study in order to land on a job or business ventures that fits and qualifies them. This is one valid reason for the implementation of the K to 12 Curriculum of the Department of Education in the Philippines.
Framing up the Distance Learning today
Distance learning or Online learning faces challenges today for various reasons. First, distance learning is quite different from a classroom setting of learning. Online learners do everything online and offline as well. They do their tasks independently anytime, anywhere. This method of learning supports the theory of Jean Piaget about learning by doing wherein the online students learn through actual experience. This method of learning also supports the theory of B.F. Skinner about constant repetition of certain situation or constant practice makes the task perfect wherein students did particular task and continuously and repeatedly doing the same task until they attain it completely and correctly. Thus, lifelong learning gets in.
Since no face to face interaction with the teacher in the distance education setting of learning, feelings and emotions of the learners are hardly to detect by the online teacher unless they tell it directly to the teacher what they really feel. Second, the teacher may subjectively evaluate and assess learners based on their outputs. He may not assure if these outputs be truly authentic enough as their own or work outputs of somebody else. Third, distance education may or may not provide equal opportunities to all in terms of lifelong learning and life wide learning is concerned. The DE may provide equal opportunity for those people living in the remote places; for those working professionals that aim for job promotion or gain skills and competencies; for those people who cannot attend classes in a regular classroom for whatever reasons. On the other hand, the DE may not provide equal opportunity for those people who do not have any computer gadgets; for those who have computer gadgets but lack of skills in computer operation; for those who have computer gadgets and computer skills but no internet access; for those people with internet access but lack financial resources to sustain its online connectivity for lifelong and life wide learning. Fourth, distance learning allows open learning resources which hardly determine the real, correct, accurate, precise, acceptable, reliable and valid information in the world-wide web. Certain websites welcome everybody to edit the content or information within the website. Finally, distance learning should be equipped with highly qualified online teacher; well-designed learning materials; appropriate means of teaching and learning experience; cost-effective and learner-centered approach. Distance learning also applies other learning theories such as constructivism, realism, essentialism, existentialism, pragmatism, naturalism, and constructionism. These learning theories are observed in formal and informal settings of learning.
In the Philippines, Distance Education reaches its potential expansion locally and abroad. There is an increasing number of colleges and universities in the country that open its doors for Distance Education. Other big universities agreed upon; collectively and collaboratively developed a consortium for the establishment and implementation of online course programs. Their vision and mission is to attain high quality, accessible and affordable education in the country. Literate citizens, equipped with values and competencies, help to build the nation’s economy.
Some people have the battle to win against their opponents or competitors. Athletes in boxing, basketball, volleyball, baseball, soccer and other sports want to win in a battle. Sport’s fans also want their idols to win. Contestants in singing, dancing or talent competition show their best performance to win the battle.
The Battle to Change
Some people have the battle to change. They want to change the society where they belong. Some people want changes in the government system that offers public services. Some people change as they grow and develop. These changes in various ways can be obviously observed by anyone. They might change physically, intellectually, emotionally, socially, economically and spiritually.
The Battle to Heal
Some people have the battle to heal. People with sickness or illness want to be completely healed. They ask for medical help from the professional doctors. They ask for spiritual help from the Almighty One. People who got in despair or broken-hearted need emotional recovery or fast healing.
The Battle to Live
Some people have the battle to live. Victims of crime like in drug-trafficking, human-trafficking, homecide and other crimes who were sentenced by the highest court with death penalty or capital punishment need the battle to live. These people need your prayers to save them from execution. Pro-life supporters pursue and promote their advocacy for rights to live of every citizen of the world and have a quality, peaceful and happy life.
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)
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.
Our mother is the greatest person that we ever known in the world. She is our role model of traditions, family values and love. Our mother devotes her entire life and sacrifices many things for the welfare of her family. Our mother makes sure that all of her children are always in good condition with or without her husband’s support. But what if our mother is getting old now, does she deserve to be cared for her needs? Absolutely Yes, it is our obligation as her children to take good care of her to the rest of her life. What does an aging mother need? Just like what a baby needs, let us consider the most essential things below.
Aging mother needs daily basic needs.
Our mother needs nutritious foods to sustain healthy life. She needs clean clothes, bed sheets and blankets. Our mother needs a family home and living together with her own children. She feels happy with her own children and grandchildren.
Aging mother needs medical help and healthy habits.
Our mother needs the help of a medical doctor to monitor her health regularly as she gets older. She needs to practice healthy habits like personal hygiene, enough sleep, getting fresh air and does simple physical exercises daily.
Aging mother needs our time.
Providing the basic needs for our mother is not enough, she needs also our precious time with her. No matter how busy we are, no matter how poor or wealthy we are, we as her children should provide a quality time with her. Our mother wants us to listen to her stories frequently. She also listens to the stories that we want to share with her. Quality bonding time is necessary to cherish the good memories with our mother as she lives with us. Try to take a walk with her in a very awesome and wonderful environment. Talk to your mother with all your heart and let your mother feels that you really love her very much.
Aging mother needs you
Do you know how important you are to your mother? You are so important to her. Do not ever leave the opportunity to take good care of your mother. Because if you will ignore this kind of opportunity to your mother, you do not know what will happen next. Time comes that you cannot ever hear her voice and stories. You cannot ever hear her advises. You cannot ever see her smiling and laughing with your funny jokes. No more mother to receive your Mother’s Day greeting card. No more mother to wake you up in the morning. No more mother to prepare your favorite meals. You cannot ever hug and comfort her with your loving arms. You cannot ever go together again to the church, shopping malls, birthday parties, beaches, fiestas and other special occasions. Definitely, you will really miss her presence.
Therefore, what are you waiting for? It is not too late. Act now. Wherever you are, always remember your dearest mother. Have a “Happy Mother’s Day!”
“I am telling you. Be kind to others. Help others who need your help. God bless you.”
Hands-on 