GOVPH

STEM students of Angelo L. Loyola Senior High School explaining their robotics technology

Students of Angelo L. Loyola Senior High School (ALLSHS) in Carmona, Cavite, will enjoy learning various science-related lessons and concepts with the launch of the 21st Century Learning Environment Model (CLEM).

It served as one of the main highlights of the opening day of the 2024 Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week (RSTW) celebration in CALABARZON.

The future-ready classroom aims to develop 21st-century skills among students, including creativity, collaboration, communication in science, and critical thinking through innovative learning practices and a conducive physical environment.

“This classroom is not just about introducing state-of-the-art technologies or modernizing our teaching tools. While these are certainly important aspects, more than that, this project represents a transformation in how we teach, how we learn, and how we think about the future,” affirmed Mrs. Laarni S. Doliente, the ALLSHS Principal, in her welcome remarks.

The 21st CLEM is a classroom setup equipped with facilities designed for mobility and connectivity to promote collaborative teaching and learning through education, information, communication, and creative immersive technologies that bridge the technological gap between teachers and students.

STEM students of Angelo L. Loyola Senior High School introducing their robotics technology to LGU officials, DOST officials and guests 

Furthermore, it supports the Department of Education's (DepED) K-12 curriculum, including the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) track and other strands. The facility also aims to promote a culture of science and technology in schools and the community, recognizing its crucial role in local and national development.

Through the Access to Resources and Innovations in Science Education (ARISE) Project of the Department of Science and Technology - Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI), the 21st CLEM was designed and established in 2016, providing educational training, monitoring, and further research and development for the project.

In total, there have been 16 school adopters, including those in Carmona, Cavite, in the Luzon area, with more set to be established in the Visayas and Mindanao regions. The classroom is applicable from elementary to tertiary levels.

Students of ALLSHS expressed their excitement and shared the importance of having the facility, especially in this generation.

“Tingin ko po, kaya po importante mag-launch ng learning facility na inclined po sa technologies, is because po these days, since yung Gen Z and Millennial po… Mas engaging po sa katulad po naming kabataan yung mga technology tulad ng 3D printing, robots… kasi techy po kami,” shared James Carlo R. Tibre, a Grade 12 STEM student.

[“I think the reason why it’s important to launch a learning facility that is inclined towards technology is because nowadays, for Gen Z and Millennials, technologies like 3D printing and robots are more engaging for us youth since we’re tech-savvy.”]

For Hanamiel Gamutan, a Grade 11 STEM student, she believes that technology is essential for the nation's progress.

“Kung wala ito [mga teknolohiya] or inventors, maybe mahihirapan tayong mas mag-grow as individuals or as a whole nation. I think it is also significant to study or to have this specific learning [facility] kasi we’re having mas broader knowledge regarding modern technologies,” Gamutan points out.

[“So, if we didn’t have these technologies or inventors, maybe it would be harder for us to grow, both as individuals and as a nation. I think it’s also important to study or have this specific learning facility because it gives us broader knowledge of modern technologies.”]

Lastly, Juliana Wells A. Young, also a Grade 11 student, expressed her gratitude for having the facility in their city as a STEM student.

“I think it is important na magtayo tayo ng mga ganitong klaseng facilities kasi as a STEM student, hindi po gaanong karami yung places dito sa Carmona na mapapag-aralan mo or places kung saan pwede kang makipag-meet up sa mga groupmates mo. As a STEM student, alam po natin kung gaano ka-importante yung research sa curriculum natin.”

[“I think it’s important to build these kinds of facilities because, as a STEM student, there aren’t many places here in Carmona where you can study or meet up with your groupmates. As a STEM student, we know how important research is in our curriculum.”]

Meanwhile, Ms. Josephine S. Feliciano, the SEI Project Leader of 21st CLEM, hopes to replicate the project in other schools, particularly at the elementary level, prioritizing low to average-performing schools.

“Our goal is for all Philippine schools to be a 21st Century Learning Environment Model. So, let’s move on from the armchairs and transition to future classrooms. Hindi ito mahirap i-achieve; in collaboration and cooperation with your LGUs and the provincial government, as well as the Department of Education, DOST, and SEI, we can achieve this,” encouraged Ms. Feliciano for other interested schools.

Additionally, Ms. Feliciano mentioned that they plan to conduct an impact study once they reach 30 school adopters. Other future plans for the project include organizing a conference to recognize the best adopters and their activities and achievements.

Other activities during the opening ceremony included ceremonial turnovers and the signing of Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) for various DOST projects with partner stakeholders. The event concluded with a press conference and project visits to DOST-assisted initiatives.

This year’s RSTW in CALABARZON features forums on sustainable communities and the green economy, along with various S&T competitions such as robotics and quiz bees, culminating in awarding ceremonies.

For more information on the activities and forums, please visit the official Facebook page of DOST CALABARZON (https://web.facebook.com/dostcalabarzon). (By Kesha Shua V. Leosala, DOST-STII; Photos by Henry De Leon, DOST-STII)