EDITORIAL: Grains of the Computer Lab

Grains of the Computer Lab

IN THE era of 21st century learning, Information and Communications Technology (ICT) skills are deemed necessary. Junior high school students have been demanding the improvement of the high school computer laboratory citing reports of malfunctioning of equipment. This situation is surely derailing holistic learning that the student should have.

Computer is considered as an add-on subject with only one meeting in a week. In that session, students commonly experience malfunctions or shutdowns in the middle of their work because of broken computers. Students cannot finish accumulative hands-on tasks on time that are given to them because of the lack of wellfunctioning computers — some are even pairing up in one PC. This is not an ideal situation for a teaching and learning process.

It is now high time to level up our system and facilities that has direct impact on the education of our learners. Perhaps our education leaders may consider adding extra hours for computer subject and changing its course name to ICT Education. A clear course guide that outlines the learning objectives that is suited for today’s needs is also a must. There should be an ample time for students to have lecture discussions and hands on activities

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These aspirations could be achieved in an ideal set-up wherein the student to computer ratio is 1:1. One computer laboratory serving over 700 students is not sufficient. Setting up another computer laboratory would be necessary so that all students can get a total learning experience.

Clear guidelines on the utilization of the equipment and imposing a strict discipline while using the laboratory are also vital in sustaining the life of our facility. This is to avoid similar reported incidents that damaged the computers caused by irresponsible users.

The administration may have heeded to the clamor of the students as steps were taken to recover the facility, but this is considered as minor. Recent discussion with members of the student government points out that improvement of the computer laboratory will be costly.

Yes, it will be costly, but what about the fees being paid by the parents of the students? Fees are paid for the learning package of the students. After all, students deserve to have packaged education, a supportive learning environment in which they can work and learn comfortably.