SmartClass redefines mode of PHL learning in digital era

LEARNING is borderless. In this digital era, it has to keep pace with technological advancements and changes of time.

O ne such academic breakthrough that enabled students to s till continue their studies amid the Covid-19 crisis is “SmartClass,” which was established a few years back under the merger of the AyalaYuchengco education groups. It is an innovative homeschooling program that caters to students from G rades 7 to 10 and recognized by the Department of Education.

L aunched during the onset of the pandemic that resulted in the implementation of online classes, SmartClass now has more than 200 students, and the number of enrollees continues to grow.

U nlike the traditional mode of learning, it encourages students to research and discover their own ways of working on problembased lessons that need delving into multiple subjects to find solutions. This method hones the p roblem-solving abilities of children, letting them develop vital s kills to become future leaders.

Learning the ‘new gen’ way TODAY’S generation is more adventurous and free-spirited. They d efy conventional approaches to exploring new things. With this in mind, SmartClass’ Lifestyle Adaptive Learning model lets students w ork at their own pace and pursue their interests; thus, allowing for a truly personalized learning experience.

T his approach also promotes self-motivation, independent thinking, and imbibing problemsolving skills. With SmartClass, students take control of their studies, and learn based on their individual needs, which help prepare t hem for a rapidly evolving world.

What’s more, this program represents an evolution of the usual h omeschooling paradigm, where parents take on the bulk of their child’s education. With this home e-learning setup, they can get additional coaching to help them b ecome more effective parent-instructors.

For further assistance, children can also consult with individual subject-matter experts for seven different subjects, as well as academic coordinators who facilitate a nd check on the progress of students. With them, students can g ain effective study habits, practice learning organization skills, and be confident to become independent learners.

By providing ample resources and guidance, SmartClass is committed to ensure that every kid gets a world-class education suited to their unique needs and strengths.

The program also has synchronous sessions, usually at an hour, but c an extend to 90 minutes, depending on students’ concerns. These sessions provide real-time interaction b etween students and teachers, as well as allow for personalized attention and support, thereby enhancing t he learning experience.

Flexible education

DUE to its flexible attendance policy, SmartClass students need not have to worry about their edu - cation being hampered by factors s uch as travel or other family circumstances.

R ather than requiring daily attendances, parents take responsibility in guaranteeing that their c hild attends both asynchronous and synchronous classes. Such flexibility is tailor-made to the new lifestyle developing among millennial p arents who give more importance to experiences over possessions, as well as prioritize travel and other activities that broaden their children’s horizons.

A dditionally, SmartClass caters to students who have migrated abroad, or are children of overseas Filipino workers. The program ensures they can continue their education seamlessly wherever they a re in the world.

Indeed, education knows no boundaries with SmartClass as it empowers parents to embrace new lifestyles while nurturing their children’s intellectual growth and development. For more details, visit https://smartclass.com.ph. Roderick L. Abad

ON July 27, the United States government, through the US Agency for International Development (USAID), turned over P9.7 million ($175,000) in education materials and hygiene kits to support Albaybased teachers and out-of-school youth who were affected by Mayon Volcano’s eruption.

The donation, provided through USAID’s “Opportunity 2.0” program, will benefit more than 1,700 learners enrolled in the Department of Education’s (DepEd) alternative learning system (ALS), and 100 teachers in 34 affected barangays in the cities of Legazpi and Tabaco, as well as municipalities of Malilipot, Sto. Domingo, Camalig, Daraga, and Guinobatan.

In addition to teaching and learning materials and hygiene kits, beneficiaries also received psychosocial support.

“Our out-of-school youth have already faced so many challenges in their journey to continue their education,” USAID Philippines Regional Legal Officer Michelle McLeod said. “Through our collaboration with our Philippine partners, we are restoring educa - tion in challenging circumstances, [while] minimizing the effects of disruption in learning.”

“[The] learning kits and psychosocial support from USAID will give our ALS learners and teachers a fighting chance to recover from this disaster,” DepEd’s assistant regional director Bebiano Sentillas said. “[We are] committed to ensuring as little disruption to education so that vulnerable youth may continue to learn and upskill toward a better tomorrow—no matter…the circumstances.”

Earlier this month, the US government, through USAID’s “Advancing Basic Education in the Philippines (ABC+)” program, donated P1.86 million ($33,600) worth of learner and teacher kits to 19 schools, which will benefit more than 6,000 students and 200 teachers affected by the Mayon Volcano eruption.

USAID’s donation of educational and hygiene kits is part of the broader pact of the US government to support the Philippine government in mitigating learning loss and ensuring continuity of education even during crisis situations, such as those caused by natural calamities.

MAPÚA University has named Dr. Dodjie Maestrecampo as its new president and chief executive officer, making him its fourth top official since 1925.

He succeeds Dr. Reynaldo B. Vea, who completed his tenure last June after 23 years of service. The announcement was made at the university’s Intramuros campus, where Dr. Maestrecampo shared his vision and plans for the country’s leading engineering and technological institution.

Known for his visionary academic leadership in technology and education for more than 30 years, Dr. Maestrecampo is concurrently serving as president of Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna and Mapúa Malayan Colleges Mindanao, higher education institutions (HEIs) under the Mapúa University system, and the Ayala-Yuchengco education partnership iPeople Inc.

Under his watch, the university will continue introducing more groundbreaking, future-ready programs and courses that will enable students to hone their global proficiencies using cutting-edge technologies, while bringing positive impact in society.

“In today’s rapidly changing world, it is more important than ever for Mapúa to be at the forefront of education,” said Dr. Dodjie Maestrecampo. “We must equip our students with the knowledge, skills, and values they need to succeed in an extremely agile work force, while they become leaders of digital transformation.”

He emphasized his commitment in leading Mapúa into a new era of excellence, and ensuring that the “university of the future” is where students can thrive, learn, and grow: “I will also work to make [it] a more accessible and inclusive institution. I look forward to working with the Mapúa community to build a brighter future for our university and our country.”

Before becoming head of the three HEIs, Dr. Maestrecampo served as Mapúa’s executive vice president for academic affairs. At that time, he prioritized the university system’s expansion by establishing and heading the operations of the former Malayan Colleges Laguna in 2006, followed by then-Malayan Colleges Mindanao in 2017.

His expertise in technology and education proved instrumental in steering both Mapúa Malayan Colleges’ digital transformation. His foresight and emphasis on integrating digital technologies into the schools’ teaching and learning systems enabled them to seamlessly deliver consistent, international standards and outcomes-based, research-driven education despite challenges before, during, and after the pandemic. Dr. Maestrecampo also played a key role in creating linkages with international universities that facilitated global exposure for students. He also initiated numerous research and development programs to help advance various industries and society.