Blended learning solution for 21st century classrooms

Teaching and learning in today's educational landscape pose significant challenges to schools and institutions that are unable to keep up with the trends of the times. This is compounded even further by the introduction of a brand-new K to 12 curriculum that leaves students and teachers with more questions than answers. How can schools bridge the divide between old methods of instruction and new ways of learning? How can the K to 12 curriculum be made more responsive to this sweeping shift in teaching and learning?

Bearing these questions in mind, the Philippine Normal University (PNU) National Center for Teacher Education, together with Vibal Publishing House, Inc. and the Vibal Foundation, presented the "2nd Digital Education Conference: K to 12 & Teaching and Learning with Technology." The 2-day conference was held on May 20-21 at the PNU Center for Teaching Excellence Auditorium, HRD Building (across the main building of PNU), PNU campus in Taft Avenue, Manila, while the subsequent workshops on teaching and learning with technology using the K to 12 curriculum was conducted on May 22-23.

The conference featured talks by leading ICT and industry figures. The event also witnessed the launch of Vibal's pioneering line of innovative e-learning solutions meant to bolster the entry of Filipino classrooms into the age of digital learning.

Dr. Ester B. Ogena, president of PNU, delivered the welcome remarks for the conference. Salman Khan, creator of Khan Academy, kick started the series of lectures with his talk, "Education for Anyone, Anywhere," which he presented (fittingly) via Skype teleconference. Dr. Rosalina J. Villaneza, chief of curriculum of DepEd's Bureau of Elementary Education, presented on "K to 12 Curriculum and Technology Integration" while Dr. Marilyn U. Balagtas of PNU gave a talk on "Assessment and Technology." This was followed by a presentation on "The La Salle Green Hills and La Salle Zobel Experiences: Early Technology Adopters" by Br. Dennis Magbanua FSC of La Salle Zobel and Mrs. Amy Galang, High School Principal of La Salle Green Hills.

The highlight of the conference was the launch of V-Smart offline e-learning solution by Gaspar A. Vibal, president of Vibal Publishing House, Inc. V-Smart represents a leap from the traditional modes of instruction and learning, spawning an ecosystem for digital learning that presents a comprehensive suite of solutions including an integrated e-textbook reader, classroom learning management, social learning platform, and classroom and mobile device management system.

The second day of the event featured sessions on Media Literacy, Social Media in the Classroom, plus simultaneous digital classroom presentations by Apple, Microsoft, Samsung, and Vibal. Days 3 and 4 proceeded with the Summer Course on Technology Integration in the K to 12 Curriculum for selected participants.

The “K to 12 & Teaching and Learning with Technology” conference was organized by Vibal Publishing House, Inc., Vibal Foundation, and PNU, with support from Apple, Microsoft, and Samsung.