An array of mobile applications geared towards digital literacy was launched by PLDT wireless unit Smart Communications at the “Digital Education For All: No Learner Left Behind” on Friday at the Hole in the Wall, Makati.
The five literacy apps include the tagalog app Bahay Kubo, Cebuano app Kaalam, Arabic apps Taallam and Tahderiyyah, and an app for Davao and Bukidnon’s Matigsalug tribe named Matigsalug.
“Smart believes mobile technology is uniquely positioned to help facilitate learning opportunities, which is why we have tailored initiatives to help address the needs of our partner learning communities,” said PLDT-Smart Public Affairs Group Head Ramon R. Isberto.
The apps are primed to work efficiently with Smart’s School-in-a-Bag, a portable digital classroom equipped with a teacher’s laptop, student tablets, a projector, a DVD player, and a pocket WiFi.
“Our mission is to develop mother tongue based apps as interactive tools that can help support learning strategies, as well as help preserve and promote local culture and heritage for the present and future generation,” Isberto explained.
Aside from the five headlining applications, Smart will be launching more literacy apps for 2019, which includes Sanut Ilokano for Ilokano-speaking regions, Gnare Blaan and Tagakaulo for Sarangani, and a Kapampangan app called Singsing.
The mobile applications are already available in Google Play.
The School-in-a-Bag beneficiaries received Dynamic Learning Program modules, teacher-training courses, and regular monitoring and evaluation from Smart.
“We all need to work together to help build a nation where no learner is left behind,” said Darwin Flores, Smart Community Partnerships Head.
