The Smart Schools Program is a community service
initiative of Smart Communications Inc., in partnership with the
Philippine Business for Social Progress, with the support of the
Department of Education.
The Smart Schools Program (SSP) is a community service initiative of Smart Communications Inc. that promotes Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in basic education through partnerships with public schools, its officials and parents-teachers-community associations (PTCAs). Specifically, it aims to provide public school teachers with Internet access through the PLDT group's wide range of communications solutions, access to online content and teacher training on ICT. It is implemented through the Philippine Business for Social Progress, with the support of the Department of Education. and a team of individuals, recognized in the their respective fields in the academe and business, comprising the Smart Schools Program Advisory Board.
- Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP)
PBSP is the implementing arm of the Program. PBSP conducts groundwork for Smart Schools, facilitates logistical set-ups, implements ICT trainings, and monitors development milestones.
- Department of Education (DepEd)
DepEd , through its Adopt-a-School Program, supports the Smart Schools Program through the assistance of its division offices. The agency provides tax incentives to private institutions that assist in the upgrading and modernizing of public schools.
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The SMART Schools Program is anchored three components, namely:
- Access
- Content
- Training
Access
The Program offers additional computers and peripherals to augment the school’s computer laborartory as well as networking of the computers in the lab. Previously, the Program offered one year, free of charge, unlimited Internet access and connectivity through the PLDT group's wide range of connectivity solutions, depending on the school's requirements.
Content
The Program provides access to relevant, educational content through the Smart Schools Program website, www.smartschools.ph, an online incentive program under its “School Mo, Panalo!” program, and hosting of the school’s website.
The Program also provides training on web and content in preparation for the “Doon Po Sa Amin” (DPSA) Learning Challenge (www.doonposaamin.ph). The DPSA Learning Challenge is a project where teachers and students of Smart Schools Program partner schools will be encouraged to use computer and Internet technologies to generate web-based information and educational materials about their respective communities. This project is in line with the Program’s thrust to promote ICT integration in basic education.
Training
The Program offers teacher training on Basic Computer Literacy, ICT Integration in the Classroom, Basic Troubleshooting and Maintenance, Leadership for School Heads, and Web & Content.
The Program also supported 50 public school teachers from member schools of the Smart Schools Program through a masteral program on Instructional Media and Design. This advanced training and development program dubbed “Smart Mentors” aims to equip teacher-champions with the tools necessary to empower them to mentor other teachers in the science of Instructional Design. During the 11-month action-research course, the scholars are tasked to mentor at least 15 other teachers in Instructional Design.
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The Smart Schools Program was launched in a series of activities from December 5 to 7, 2004. A press briefing was held in Cebu City to officially announce the Program. The second activity was through the PLDT Group's participation at the 1st ICTs in Basic Education organized by the Foundation for Information Technology in Education (FIT-ED) at the Waterfront Convention Center in Cebu City from December 6 to 7, 2004.
The Smart Schools Program has three pilot schools: Malabon National High School (MNHS) in Malabon City for Luzon, Science and Technology Education Center (STEC) in Lapu-Lapu City for the Visayas, and Jolo National High School in Jolo, Sulu for Mindanao.
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