Globe GoLEARN: The future of digital learning

Online distance learning continues to be a challenge to all educational sectors due to lack of technological access and  knowledge in digital use.

Gal Alburo, Education Program supervisor in Filipino of SDO-Marikina City and a parent of three, shared how one of his kids struggled with the demands of e-learning. One reason is that most kids just can’t stand listening to long (boring) discussions. 

“Kids are more engaged in interactive lessons,” Alburo noted. “Different activities must be introduced during online classes to keep them engaged.”

Digital learning solutions

A year after the release of E-Skwela, a webinar for teachers about the integration of technological learning in school systems amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Globe Telecom Inc., launched its GoLearn program just in time before the official start of classes on Sept. 13.

The GoLearn program provides better digital learning solutions. KD Dizon, the Globe Business MSME Group head, said: “We aim to deliver affordable connectivity for all highly accessible platforms, aligned with the current learning setup, and safer learning environments to protect our educators and learners from online risks.”

According to Dizon, GoLearn is Globe’s “unified initiative to bring together product program services and solutions that will empower the whole learning ecosystem as a digital solutions company.”

Easing the burden on educators, students, and parents

Educators and parents who were present during the launch shared their take on remote learning.

Alburo shared that one of the challenges in online learning is that parents like him sometimes cannot teach their children topics that they themselves are unfamiliar with. 

“But technology can teach things we (parents) cannot. Nandiyan ang internet. Nandiyan ang YouTube,” Alburo added. “Another advantage of online learning is the easy submission and retrieval of activity sheets and outputs.” 

The plans for shifting all modular learning to digital learning this school year would be less of a struggle for Emerson Dalangin, head teacher 1 of Sico 1.0 National High School in San Juan, who said that “pure digital is a safer transmission of learning than physically delivering modules.”

Usec. Tonisito M.C. Umali expressed his appreciation for the parents and teachers who directly addressed the challenges they encountered with remote learning.

“Kailangang harapan natin muli ‘yung hinarap natin noong nakaraang taon,” he said. “Ang kaibahan lang ngayon, natuto na tayo.”

Usec. Umali also highlighted the release of different Learning Management Systems (LMS) under the GoLearn program such as D2L, Brightspace, Microsoft, and Google Workspace; all of which are easily accessible and useful in enhancing the quality of online education.

Sen. Joel Villanueva, initiator of Tesda Online Program (TOP), is the number one advocate of the GoLearn program. 

“Online learning can transform the lives of many Filipinos,” Senator Villanueva enthused.

“There is power in online learning, and I am the number one believer in that principle. We have the responsibility to ensure that our people have access to online courses and be lifelong learners.”

Digital technology as a vital role in bringing the country forward

“Digital technology is so crucial that our economic recovery and success will depend on it,” added Villanueva.

His belief paved way for two laws and two bills: the Tulong Trabaho Law; Telecommuning (Work-From-Home Law); Digital Careers Bill; and Freelancers Protection Bill. These also push for the Digital Workforce Competitiveness Act that ensures the development of the country’s work force.

When it comes to upskilling teachers, Mark Abalos, segment head for One Globe Education, shared several other programs aside from E-Skwela.

“We also have our global Filipino teachers, in partnership with the Department of Education. We have live webinars on our Facebook page where we can upskill our teachers on their psychosocial development as well as for their life skills.”

In ensuring the effectivity of digital learning solutions, Usec. Umali said that DepEd can't do it alone; hence, the importance of partnerships. “In partnership with Globe, we had seminars equipping our children to be knowledgeable online.”

GoLearn: An enabler in digital learning

Regarding inclusivity, KD Dizon said: “The internet is a great equalizer. We're not just talking about one dimension of learning. It's not just about the student. It's not just about the teacher. It's really an ecosystem. The learning will not happen just between the two of them.”

“We need to enable schools, we need to enable the parents, we need to make the systems all work seamlessly so that the ecosystem that a child is learning or anyone is learning in, is actually something that's very conducive,” she added.

Ernest L. Cu, president and chief executive officer (CEO) of Globe Telecom Inc., also said that more than just the affordable connectivity and accessible learning platforms, GoLearn program also aims to promote responsible digital citizenship.

With joined hands, Globe makes learning possible for all amid these trying times. As they would say: “Tuloy ang learning, Tuloy ang bukas.” 

For information, visit globe.com.ph/education.

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Editor’s Note: This article was provided by Globe.