Who said students in the elementary schools in the far-flung areas can never have access to computers? Nowadays, even remote schools in CARAGA, CAR and those in Regions1,2, 5 and 8 get the chance to use computers to teach children basic and enrichment lessons in science and mathematics. The Mobile IT Classroom (MITC), a special bus loaded with laptop computers, audio-visual equipment and learning software, goes around designated areas in the regions on schedule to make science learning through computers fun and easy. Four units have been deployed since 1999 and have so far served more than 160,000 students by the end of 2001.

The Mobile IT Classroom is a novel approach to providing the underprivileged schools with access to information technology thereby bridging the digital divide. When handled by trained teachers, the MITC modules can effectively speed up the learning of science and mathematics.

The project aims to expose students and teachers to information technology, develop a technology culture and a technologically literate population, and reach the deprived and disadvantaged sectors.

The MITC bus can accommodate 32 students at one time and in areas where there is no electricity, it provides the power needed to make the computers and other equipment therein work. A Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) Projector is also available for both computer and video projection on to a wide screen which the teacher can use in place of the blackboard.

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Teachers in the recipient regions undergo training in using the computer as a teaching tool to handle topics in the science and mathematics curriculum seen to be better taught using multimedia approaches. They are also trained to develop lesson plans using the educational software provided in the MITC.

The Science Education Institute (SEI) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), conceived and implemented the project in the six regions. The bus which houses the MITC is fabricated by Daewoo based on the original design developed by the Metals Industry Research and Development Institute (MIRDC). Once completed and tested for safety and functionality, the MITC is turned over to the DepEd Regional Office through a Memorandum of Agreement. During the first few months of deployment, SEI takes care of maintenance cost until such time that the recipient is able to assume the expenses on its own.

Towards the middle of 2001, SEI-DOST and Intel Philippines Manufacturing, Inc. have agreed to become partners in putting up one unit of MITC for Region 4. This development clearly exemplifies the convergence of efforts between government and the private sector. It also proves that such partnership is possible to put into action resource-intensive projects which can provide not only mere access to information technology by those in the remote areas but also use such access towards a more meaningful and productive purpose.

While it may really take time for the government to provide computers to all the public schools in the barrios, it is good to know that the MITC is already there, roaming around schools, inching its way through rough roads and crossing wooden bridges, to give students in the barrio a ride to cyberspace.

If you come from any of the regions where there is an MITC and would like to have the MITC in your school, just get in touch with the nearest DepEd or DOST office and request for a schedule. So, what are you waiting for? Sakay na!