ROUNDTABLE: Are Philippine schools future-ready?

MANILA, Philippines – Wi-fi access, tablets, and mobile & online learning – these are just some of the modern tools transforming classrooms today.

But even as technology becomes vital to every Filipino’s learning experience, connectivity in schools remains an issue. According to a broadband policy brief by Arangkada Philippines, almost 80 percent of public schools in the Philippines still do not have Internet access as of 2015. Most private schools have Internet access but also struggle with providing campus-wide access for their students and teachers.

To create a globally competitive workforce, we need to raise educated and digitally-savvy students first. How can we increase connectivity in our schools? What is the role of citizens and private companies vis a vis government policies? These are important questions to answer.

Join us for a roundtable to discuss the role of connectivity in every Filipino student’s future, and how it can help solve existing challenges in the education sector. Our expert panel will include:

• Tonisito Umali, Department of Education Undersecretary for Legislative Liaison Office, External Partnerships Service, and School Sports

• Arcie Mallari, Founder of Silid Aralan Inc.

• Michelle Tapia, Head for Strategy, Innovation, & Transformation at Globe

This roundtable is moderated by Issa Litton. – Rappler.com