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eSkwela Social Franchise Manual version 1.0
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eSkwela Social Franchise Manual_Version 1.0

Dec 02, 2014

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Ave Mejia

The eSkwela Social Franchise Manual version 1.0 gathers everything essential there is to know in the set-up, implementation, management and sustainability of an eSkwela Center (community e-learning center for out-of-school youth and adults). The eSkwela Social Franchise Manual is a written version of the “handholding” assistance
provided to the eSkwela Centers during the project's time with CICT, and will serve as a guide for individuals and/or groups – be it local DepEd Offices, local government units, NGOs, faithbased
groups, civic groups, private sector - who want to take an active role in providing ICTenhanced education to the out-of-school population and add to the growing number of eSkwela Centers in the Philippines.
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Page 1: eSkwela Social Franchise Manual_Version 1.0

eSkwela Social Franchise Manualversion 1.0

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Table of Contents

Introduction...................................................................................................................................................3Preface............................................................................................................................................................4Acronyms........................................................................................................................................................6What is eSkwela?...........................................................................................................................................7

Concept.....................................................................................................................................................7The APEC Education Foundation Years (2006-2007)..........................................................................8The Expansion years (2008-2011).........................................................................................................9Awards.......................................................................................................................................................9Preparing for turnover from CICT to DepEd (2010-11)...................................................................10

Phase Zero - Pre-setup...............................................................................................................................11Question 1: Is an eSkwela Center needed in my community?........................................................11

Question 2: Is my community ready for an eSkwela Center?...............................................................12Question 2: Is my community ready for an eSkwela Center?..........................................................12

Phase 1 – Setup...........................................................................................................................................141a. Contact DepEd.................................................................................................................................141b. Application......................................................................................................................................14

Infrastructure – Space / Room........................................................................................................14Infrastructure – Computers............................................................................................................15Staff....................................................................................................................................................16The eSkwela Application Form.......................................................................................................16

1c. Validation and Assessment............................................................................................................21Assessment of Application Form...................................................................................................21Site Inspection...................................................................................................................................22

1d. Memorandum of Agreement........................................................................................................23Sample eSkwela Center MOA*.......................................................................................................24MOA duties from CICT to DepEd...................................................................................................29

1e. Training.............................................................................................................................................31Training for Learning Facilitators...................................................................................................31Training for Network Administrators............................................................................................31

eSkwela LF and NA Trainings - Design......................................................................................32Training for Center Managers.........................................................................................................33

eSkwela CM Training – Design...................................................................................................341f. Installation of eSkwela learning package....................................................................................36Inauguration / Launch...........................................................................................................................36

Phase 2 – Operations.................................................................................................................................372a. Implementation of the eSkwela Instructional Model................................................................37

Components .....................................................................................................................................37Learning sessions..............................................................................................................................39Working through the modules.......................................................................................................39Using the Learning Management System.....................................................................................40Module Guide as a Learning Scaffold............................................................................................40Best Practices....................................................................................................................................41

2b. Center Management.......................................................................................................................42Getting Local Partner support........................................................................................................43Add-on Programs and Activities.....................................................................................................44Competencies: A Snapshot of the eSkwela Center Management Training.............................44

Service-oriented management..................................................................................................44Social enterpreneurship.............................................................................................................45Social Marketing and Networking.............................................................................................46

Phase 3 – Monitoring and Evaluation......................................................................................................48M&E Definition.......................................................................................................................................48M&E at the program management level............................................................................................49

M&E at the Center level...................................................................................................................50M&E with a purpose.........................................................................................................................52

Annexes........................................................................................................................................................54

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Introduction

The eSkwela Social Franchise Manual version 1.0 gathers everything essential there is to know in the set-up, implementation, management and sustainability of an eSkwela Center (community e-learning center for out-of-school youth and adults).

From August 2006 to April 2011, the Commission on Information and Communications Technology (CICT) handled the management of the eSkwela Project. In the process of “handholding”, or providing personalized assistance and keeping communication lines open to each Center and its proponents, the CICT-eSkwela Project Team learned of the project's nuances and drew from this experience in the improvement of project design and execution. Similar improvements were made in site replication and the eSkwela instructional model; from an initial 4 pilot sites, a total of 105 eSkwela Centers currently make use of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) for non-formal education.

Effective May 2011, the Department of Education – Bureau of Alternative Learning System (DepEd-BALS) will assume program management of eSkwela. Version 1.0 of the eSkwela Franchise manual reflects this significant update and written in detail throughout the document.

The eSkwela Social Franchise Manual is a written version of the “handholding” assistance provided to the eSkwela Centers during the project's time with CICT, and will serve as a guide for individuals and/or groups – be it local DepEd Offices, local government units, NGOs, faith-based groups, civic groups, private sector - who want to take an active role in providing ICT-enhanced education to the out-of-school population and add to the growing number of eSkwela Centers in the Philippines.

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Preface

As we approached the final year of eSkwela with CICT and its impending turnover to DepEd, we at the CICT-eSkwela Project Team felt the need to update and improve on the initial eSkwela Social Franchise Manual to aid in project expansion and a seamless transition process. We learned a lot from the experience of managing the eSkwela Project, and it was clear that the manual's working version, written way back in 2008, was due for an overhaul.

We would have wanted to release this manual during the project's stint with CICT. However, there was never enough time to just sit down and write. There were too many training activities to prepare, local partners to meet, centers to monitor, e-learning materials to review.

Not that we were complaining. Managing the project indeed kept us on our toes, yet in an odd way this assured us we were on to something good. True enough, eSkwela had a quite successful run during this period: alongside the multiple international awards the eSkwela Project has received, it has gained momentum to encourage more individuals and groups to take part in its expansion. More importantly, we have seen Information and Communications Technology for Education (ICT4E) in action - how eSkwela is making a positive impact in the Alternative Learning System and in Philippine education in general, through the support and appreciation it continues to get from its partners (DepEd, public and private sector), implementers (ALS implementers and teachers, Center staff) and beneficiaries (out-of-school youth and adult learners).

We hope to have a made available a clear and useful guide for all future eSkwela partners and stakeholders through this manual. With the help of this Manual, we are confident that eSkwela will continue to grow beyond its years with CICT.

The CICT eSkwela Project Team (2010-2011)

Mel TanLiset Domingo

Jops JosefAve Mejia

Jane AlvarezDyan Corpuz

Vanessa DalmaAimee Emejas

Daryl RoxasMark Sinapilo

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Free and Open Source software was used in making this Manual.(LibreOffice 3.3 on Ubuntu 10.04)

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Acronyms

A&E Accreditation and Equivalency

BALS Bureau of Alternative Learning System

CeC Community eCenter

CICT Commission on Information and Communications Technology

DepEd Department of Education

ICT Information and Communications Technology

ICT4BE Information and Communications Technology for Basic Education

ICT4E Information and Communications Technology for Education

LCE Local Chief Executive

LGU Local Government Unit

LMS Learning Management System

LP/s Local partner/s

OSYAs Out-of-school youth and adults

M&E Monitoring and Evaluation

PhilCeC Philippine Community eCenter Program

RC eSkwela Regional Coordinator

RT eSkwela Regional Team

TESDA Technical Education and Skills Development Authority

tPCA telecentre.org-PhilCeC Academy

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What is eSkwela?

Once a flagship project of the Commission of Information and Communications Technology (CICT), eSkwela (sounds like eeskwela, pronounced with a long e) is a program of the Department of Education – Bureau of Alternative Learning System (DepEd-BALS) that uses Information and Communications Technology (ICT) to enhance educational opportunities for the country’s out-of-school youth and adults, thus doing its share of bridging the widening digital divide and social chasms between those who are educated and those who are not.

At eSkwela, ICT becomes the delivery mode for DepEd's Alternative Learning System (ALS):

• an ICT-equipped learning center, or an eSkwela Center– that is, a computer laboratory (at least 4 computers) with a local network and internet connection – becomes the venue for an ALS learning session

• ICT-based learning materials, collectively known as the eSkwela learning package, is used by the ALS learners and teachers. The package includes:◦ ALS print modules converted into electronic or ICT format, otherwise known as

eSkwela e-modules;◦ eSkwela e-module guides for learners to guide them in studying each e-module; ◦ a Learning Management System (LMS) where eSkwela teachers and learners can

access the e-modules and e-module guides and conduct ICT-based learning activities• practice of blended learning, a combination of teacher and computer-aided instruction• integration of project-based learning, where learners use ICTs available at the eSkwela

Center as tools for making projects (text, photo, audio, video, multimedia productions) in context to what , to demonstrate authentic learning

Concept

The eSkwela Project traces its beginnings back in 2006, during the time of Dr. Emmanuel C. Lallana as a CICT Commissioner, when he was asked to head its newly-formed Human Capital Development Group (HCDG).

When HCDG was still figuring out how it could live up to its name – to develop the country's human capital – Dr. Lallana thought it only makes sense for HCDG to partner with the Department of Education, look at the Philippine educational system and how ICTs can help improve it. This eventually paved the way for the provision of internet-connected computer laboratories to public high schools that is the iSchools Project, one of CICT-HCDG's projects under its ICT4BE Program.

It became clear, though, that the non-formal education system – better known as DepEd's Alternative Learning System – was also in need of an ICT intervention.

“One of the most powerful graphs that I have seen when I was in government was produced by DepEd”, recalled Dr. Lallana during the eSkwela Close-out ceremonies*. “This is the graph of what happens to the 100 who enroll in Grade 1. For every 100 who enrolled in Grade 1, 14 will finish college.” He wondered what happens to the 86 who fall by the wayside through 12 years of schooling.

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“I found out that we are taking care of them with all of less than 1% of the DepEd budget. I thought that was particularly unjust. And so I said, technology must have a solution to this; technology has to find a way to solve this problem, to provide meaningful education for the majority who are out-of-school.”

In refining the eSkwela idea, Dr. Lallana also looked at non-traditional models such as the charter schools in the US and the NotSchool.net project1, an initiative in the United Kingdom that provides online learning opportunities for people excluded from mainstream education. Upon bringing the proposal to DepEd's Bureau of Alternative Learning System, its Director, Dr. Carolina S. Guerrero, lent its support for the eSkwela idea and would be willing to sign off a partnership between CICT-HCDG and DepEd-BALS to implement it.

The APEC Education Foundation Years (2006-2007)

Public funds could not be accessed to finance eSkwela at that time, so CICT and DepEd decided to look at other sources of funding. CICT applied for a grant from the APEC Education Foundation (AEF), which recognized the potential of eSkwela. AEF approved only 6 out of 49 grant applications, and eSkwela was one of the six.

During the AEF grant period, CICT would be in charge of project management. The grant would be used in converting an initial 35 ALS print modules into e-learning format, providing the computer equipment to set up 4 eskwela pilot sites – one in the capital, one in each island group – as proof of the eSkwela concept, training the ALS teachers who would be assigned at the pilot sites, and monitoring project implementation.

eSkwela delivered these tasks and more: positive feedback from eSkwela learners and teachers

1http://www.kslll.net/Documents/Summary_case%20studies_UK.pdf

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as well as improved test scores (A&E exam) also indicated how ICTs can enhance and improve educational opportunities for those who are out of school. Consequently, AEF granted access to additional funds for follow-through activities (eSkwela ICT Camp, an open source software training activity for eSkwela learners and teachers; eSkwela Content Development Conference for the content reviewers and developers), thus building on eSkwela's initial success.

The Expansion years (2008-2011)

CICT and DepEd agreed that eSkwela should continue beyond the AEF grant period. This prompted CICT to request for budget allocation from the eGov fund, which would become eSkwela's source of funding for the next three years.

Much of the fund would be allocated and used for the development of the eSkwela instructional model (how ICTs will be used to enhance ALS), particularly in content development through the conversion of the ALS print modules into digital form(or e-modules) as well as the preparation of corresponding e-module guides.

However, under the eGov funding, CICT would not be able to provide the computer equipment for the additional Centers; instead, it planned to involve the local community – the DepEd division offices, LGUs, civic groups, NGOs, faith-based groups, and the private sector - in providing for the computers, infrastructure (the room or space for the Center, electric and internet connection fees), and center staff salaries/honoraria. As additional support to local partners, CICT would develop and prepare capability-building activities for the implementers, continuous “handholding” to eSkwela Centers, and project monitoring and evaluation.

Roadshows were held for each of the country's regions as an initial activity to promote eSkwela to potential donors and funders. In addition to assisting these local partners (LPs) through the eSkwela setup process, CICT was also active in project advocacy. More eSkwela Centers would be established as the number of local partners increased.

By July 2011, there would be 105 eSkwela Centers in the country that have been established and are being operated, managed and sustained by local partners. To date, an eSkwela Center can be found in a container van converted into an internet kiosk, in public markets, computer laboratories of private and public schools, barangay halls, in existing Community eCenters (CeCs). Local partners have made innovations of their own by making their eSkwela Centers mobile (computers transported from one area to another by motorcyle, van, or tricycle) and by making eSkwela available to other marginalized groups (street children, abused women and children, former club dancers / entertainers who have yet to complete their basic education). A teacher at one eSkwela Center has also started a distance learning model variety of eSkwela for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).

Awards

The eSkwela project was first acknowledged internationally in 2008 when it received a Certificate of Commendation at the UNESCO ICT in Education Innovation Awards. eSkwela would go on to receive another award from UNESCO at the 2010 King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa Prize for the Use of Information and Communication Technologies in Education, besting 46 other entries from 30 countries. Just before the turnover from CICT to DepEd, eSkwela was

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recognized for the third time, having been selected as one of the Laureates at the the 2011 Computerworld Honors Program.

Preparing for turnover from CICT to DepEd (2010-11)

Long before the eSkwela turnover process started, CICT knew eSkwela had to cease being a project and become a full-fledged delivery mode of ALS. Also, it understood that DepEd is the government agency who has the mandate on education, and it was only appropriate for it to take on the reins of eSkwela sooner than later. For CICT's Chairman, Sec. Ivan John E. Uy, CICT's role “is not education – its role is to look at how ICTs can be used as a tool to help everybody gain more knowledge and be able to exploit this tool for better education. CICT is the “e” in eSkwela. Our role is to act as a catalyst, to intervene in strategic areas using ICTs as an empowering tool.”*

While eSkwela was in the midst of expansion, preparations for the eventual turnover of eSkwela from CICT to DepEd were already being made through a series of capability building activities for selected DepEd staff (DepEd-BALS, Regional Coordinators from the DepEd regional offices, eSkwela trainers). They would be eventually organized to manage the eSkwela program, as shown in this chart:

Effective 1 May 2011, DepEd assumed the role of lead agency responsible for implementing and managing eSkwela. DepEd-BALS has also taken the cue from eSkwela and is supporting the further integration of ICTs in the Alternative Learning System, starting its own variant of eSkwela (e-learning) and working towards making the A&E exams available online. BALS also plans to tap computer laboratories of public schools for eSkwela, while continuing to provide assistance to parties who will initiate the establishment of new eSkwela Centers. Some of the eSkwela Regional Coordinators have already started training their regional teams in order to prepare them for their upcoming tasks.

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Phase Zero - Pre-setup

The rest of this manual is divided into the following phases:

Phase 1: Setup - all preparatory tasks needed to establish an eSkwela Center

Phase 2: Operations – day-to-day and strategic activities of an eSkwela Center

Phase 3: Monitoring & Evaluation – simultaneous with phases 1 and 2; M&E data to be used to improve setup and operations

But before you proceed to phase 1,we would like you to go through Phase 0 (pre-setup) and think about the following questions:

Question 1: Is an eSkwela Center needed in my community?

The answer might seem obvious that yes, there is a need for an eSkwela Center not just in your community but everywhere, that there is a significant number of people that have yet to finish grade school or high school and that eSkwela can definitely step in to address this problem. But it is always a good exercise to really know your community in order to get a better grasp of what it needs, than immediately assuming that eSkwela is needed outright.

These activities will help you determine whether your community needs an eSkwela Center:

• Gather data on out-of-school youth and adults in your community. We recommend that you get relevant information on the educational profile of your community – hard facts and figures, statistics – that should be readily available, accessible and updated. You can approach the DepEd district / division office or your LGU's planning and development unit, as both maintain disaggregated, comprehensive records of the out-of-school population within their jurisdiction. Once you get a better picture of the educational situation by studying the said data, you can now make an informed decision on whether

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an eSkwela Center is best for your community. It will also guide you in planning for your eSkwela implementation, which you will eventually have to think about once you are in the eSkwela application stage (such as number of computers needed to serve the target number of learners to be served, corresponding space required, schedule of eSkwela sessions so that the target number of learners will be served).

Additionally, this data is will come in handy when you are already convincing groups and individuals in your community to support the setting up of an eSkwela Center, particularly in writing proposals to potential local partners.

• Find out about existing programs for out-of-school youth and adults in your community. Most probably, there are other groups in your community that already have programs for OSYAs – it could be programs on livelihood, arts, sports, basic computer literacy. Approach these groups and ask how they started and how they implement their programs. There could also be opportunities to collaborate and complement each other's programs in the future, so it is best to start building relationships with these organizations.

Question 2: Is my community ready for an eSkwela Center?

You and your community should not only be ready to use and benefit from eSkwela, but should also be able to support it. Setting up an eSkwela Center is not a mere matter of copying the e-modules into computers. A lot of thought, planning, and action is essential; seeking help from your community makes these processes a whole lot easier.

• Find out about available ICT facilities that can be used for eSkwela. You do not have to start from scratch in setting up an eSkwela Center. The space and computer equipment needed for an eSkwela Center may already be available in your community. Talk to those who are in charge of these facilities and find out if it can be used for eSkwela:

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✔ computer laboratories of schools - private or public, primary, secondary or tertiary)✔ Community eCenters – usually located in LGU offices (barangay, municipal or city

halls)✔ Internet / gaming cafés✔ Computer schools✔ other computer laboratories or similar facilities in your community

• Talk to groups and individuals in your community who can support the eSkwela Center. Setting up an eSkwela Center can be too much of a task for one group. Tap the resources of other groups in your community. By distributing the responsibilities, setting up and implementing an eSkwela Center will not be as difficult. Also local partners will treat the eSkwela Center as their own project and will definitely look after its needs, because they already have a stake on it.

After providing going through the pre-setup exercise and your answers to these questions tell you that your community needs eSkwela and it is ready for eSkwela, you can now proceed to the first phase: setting up an eSkwela Center.

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Phase 1 – Setup

1a. Contact DepEd

The first thing you have to do to start the eSkwela setup phase is to get in touch with DepEd through its eSkwela Regional Teams (RT). DepEd-BALS has assigned an eSkwela Regional Coordinator (RC) for each geographic region to oversee eSkwela's program implementation on a regional level. The Regional Team, led by its RC, can provide additional information about eSkwela as well as guide and assist you in eSkwela setup, operations and M&E.

Working with DepEd's eSkwela Regional Teams has its perks. You will be assured that the Center you are setting up remains faithful to the ICT4E model as intended by DepEd and CICT, the same model that has made eSkwela a successful program. Once your Center is established, it will be included in DepEd's official list of eSkwela Centers and will have access to updates on the learning package (e-modules, e-module guides, LMS) as well as participation in capability-building activities.

Please refer to the Annexes section for the contact information of the eSkwela Regional Coordinators.

1b. Application

The eSkwela model would not be implemented on a wide scale if there are no venues for replication. Essentially, this venue is the first thing that you and local partners have to provide. Whether you will set up a Center from scratch or make use of an existing facility, these requirements should be prepared:

Infrastructure – Space / RoomFour walls, a roof, a door and a few windows - or a room where the eSkwela Center will be situated, is the literal venue for the Center. At the basic level, the Center's server and workstations (computers, computer table and chairs) should fit inside the room. The level of comfort of the learners should also be considered; at least 1.5 square meters should be allocated for each workstation (elbow room included). The following factors also have to be

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considered when choosing a space / room for your eSkwela Center:

✔ proximity to out-of-school youth and adults – the nearer to OSYAs, the better so they would not have to worry about spending money just to get to the Center;

✔ power – enough electric outlets for all the electrical equipment; 1 outlet per device is better. Ideally, the room should also have a separate circuit breaker to avoid overloading

✔ Internet connection – the room should be within the service coverage area of a broadband Internet Service Provider (ISP)

✔ ventilation – because of the additional heat generated by the computer units (especially if your Center would be using CRT monitors), it could get uncomfortably warm inside the Center. Thus, we encourage you to provide airconditioning unit/s. If however, at the time of your eSkwela application your Center could not afford airconditioning, you may choose to provide it at a later time as long as the room is well-ventilated. As long as you are not perspiring inside the Center – with all computers and other equipment switched on – the Center meets the ventilation minimum. Otherwise, it will be uncomfortable for the learners and could damage the Center's computers. Electric fans may be provided for the meantime to improve ventilation.

✔ Security – if possible, you should choose a space/room for your Center where there are minimal theft incidents. It should also be well-lighted and fitted with grills and locks to discourage thieves.

Infrastructure – ComputersYou have to have at least 4 computers for your eSkwela Center: 1 server and 3 workstations. In general, the computers you need to provide for your eSkwela Center do not have to be top-of-the-line; they don't even have to be brand new! The server would be the only computer that has to have higher specs (particularly in processor, memory, and hard disk); as long as the computers are internet / LAN-ready, can play audio, video, animation (Flash) – and play without skipping – these units should be fine and could still be used as workstations at the Center.

Additionally, the following peripheral equipment should be provided:✔ earphones or headsets – one set per computer. Instead of speakers, these will be used by

the learners to listen to the e-modules✔ computer monitors – LCD monitors are recommended; these consume less power and

generate less heat✔ local area network (LAN) – the eSkwela LMS will not run without a LAN; also the internet

connection will be shared to the workstations through the LAN✔ sound card and video cards – usually built-in; if the computer plays sound and video, it

already has both cards✔ furniture – one chair and one computer table per computer unit; long tables that can fit

multiple computers may also be used for the workstation computers. A work table may also be provided for other activities in the Center (meetings with the learners, lecture sessions)

You may refer to the Annexes section for a menu of computer hardware options you can choose from for your eskwela Center.

Because the eSkwela learning package can be accessed by a web browser, it can run on any operating system. If you cannot afford to buy multiple licenses for a proprietary operating system, you do not have to resort to software piracy to get the eSkwela software up and running - an open source operating system such as Linux Ubuntu / EdUbuntu is a very good, if not better, alternative – and its free! You may download it at http://www.ubuntu.com/ (Ubuntu) or at http://edubuntu.org/ (Edubuntu).

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StaffEven if your eSkwela Center has top-of-the line computer equipment, the Center equally needs staff who will run the Center. The most immediate staff that you need for your Center is the teacher. Called an eSkwela Learning Facilitator (LF), he/she will ensure that the eSkwela instructional model is implemented. Ideally, the LF should already be an ALS implementer (either a mobile teacher from DepEd, or an instructional manager from an LGU or an ALS service provider). The proposed LF is required to have basic training on ALS; likewise, he/she should already be a computer user (word processing, spreadsheets, slides, email, web browsing).

Once you find your Center's Learning Facilitator/s, you can proceed to identifying these other personnel:

✔ Network Administrator (NA) – handle the technical requirements of the Center (computer hardware and software troubleshooting). The NA does not have to be on a full-time basis; he/she just has to be available when the Center requires his/her technical expertise.

✔ Center Manager (CM) – ensure that the eSkwela Center's setup and operational requirements are met; this is usually the person involved in filling out the Application Form, meeting potential local partners, sourcing additional funds. In other words, this person could be you!

Some eSkwela Centers have also assigned a Laboratory Manager, who is supposed to be the frontliner or custodian at the Center. However, this is not a required position to fill; the LF or CM can perform this task on top of their main responsibilities at the Center.

A more detailed breakdown of the responsibilities of each Center staff is available at the Annexes section of this manual.

The eSkwela Application Form

Once you are in touch with DepEd, the RC/RT will need more information on your eSkwela setup and operations plans and will ask you to fill out an eSkwela Application Form (see Annexes). Filling out the form should be easy, especially if you already have these basic requirements in place (which you would have already identified in the pre-setup exercise). The form is 5 pages long; Page 1 provides instructions, while Page 2-5 is the actual form proper. You may refer to the page-by-page breakdown and additional guidelines to the Form, as follows:

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1 Type of lead organization

2 Organization and center details, if lead organization is DepEd

3 Organization and center details, if lead organization is non-DepEd - if LGU, NGO, civic org, private sector, faith-based group, etc

4 Contact person- This person will coordinate with the RC during the setup phase

5 Target date of eSkwela operations- if possible, please indicate exact date (dd/mm/yyyy)

6 Target number of OSYAs for first batch of eSkwela learners- should be within the capacity of the eSkwela Center- learner-computer ratio should be 1:1- a learner should attend at least 1 eSkwela learning session a week

7 Schedule of eSkwela sessions- an eSkwela learning session should be at least 3 hours long

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8 Space / Room specifications✔ Room size – in square meters✔ Electric outlets – indicate number of electric outlets✔ Aircon – how many units✔ Circuit breaker ✔ Work table✔ Work space

Page 3

9 Computers- indicate availability and number; an eSkwela Center should have at least 4 computers (1 server, 3 workstations)

10 Internet- availability and type of connection

11 General computer specs- general indication that the computers meet the minimum specs for eSkwela

12 Detailed computer specs (server)✔ Performance (processor, memory, hard disk)✔ Multimedia capability (sound card, video card, monitor, headset)✔ if internet / network-ready

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-

Page 4

13 Detailed computer specs of workstations- if workstations have varying specs, use another page

14 Center Manager✔ Name✔ Office / Organization✔ Relevant experience

15 Network Administrator✔ Name✔ Office / Organization✔ Relevant experience

16 Learning Facilitators✔ number✔ Name/s✔ position / designation

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✔ Relevant experience (ALS training, level of computer literacy and use)

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17 Community Involvement

18 How can eSkwela serve your organization, community and its OSYAs?

19 Name, signature and contact information of the person who filled out the form- this is needed by DepEd for them to respond to your application

20 Name, signature and contact information of the person who noted / approved the form for submission to DepEd- your need to get the head of your organization to sign off so that the planned Center he/she will included in your group's activities and allocate resources to move forward with the application and setup process

You would observe that the eSkwela Application Form not only gathers information, it also gets you to start on planning your approach on the setup process. Expect that you might not have all the setup requirements immediately available. We recommend that you print a copy of the form, study it and start thinking of how you can fill it out completely. If you can answer a portion of the form, fill it out; if you could not answer some questions, it means that some of the required resources are not yet there - so you should start thinking of how to get support from potential local partners in your community.

When you feel that the basic setup infrastructure and staff requirements are in place and have filled out most (if not all) of the information requested in the form, you can send it to your designated eSkwela RC. You can print and send via courier (don't forgot the signatures in page

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5!) or you can send a scanned copy via email.

An online version of the eSkwela Application Form will soon be available but in the meantime, you may download and print the current version, available at http://alseskwela.ning.com/page/site-inquiries. A filled-out Application is also available at the Annexes portion for your reference.

1c. Validation and Assessment

Assessment of Application Form

Once the eSkwela RC receives your eSkwela Application Form, he/she will use it as basis for assessment. Expect to receive from the RC an eSkwela assessment form like this:

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1 Basic information of your proposed eSkwela Center (Location, Lead Organization, Target Operations Date, Contact Person)

2 Status Requirements (Basic)- checklist of the infrastructure and staff requirements

3 Findings and Recommendation✔ Additional information and requirements✔ For immediate action✔ Next steps

4 Status of your eSkwela setup- process flow that lets you see what steps you have completed vis-a-vis steps in the eSkwela setup, operations and M&E

The RC could give your proposed Center a better assessment if you send a completely filled-out Application Form. Also, remember that the assessment already identifies what you need to do to move forward the setup process – so you have to act on the recommendation of your RC as indicated.

Site InspectionIdeally, the eSkwela RC or designated members of the eSkwela RT assigned in your region should validate your eSkwela Application Form by dropping a visit at your proposed Center. However this may be deferred later in the setup or even operations phase of the Center. The RC/RT have to work with their own limited budget at their respective DepEd offices, and also attend to other more pressing tasks (eSkwela is only one of the many things that they do) – which is why you need to provide information and corresponding evidence (pictures), as requested in the Application Form.

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If in case the RC/RT can go to your proposed Center, the site inspection will also be an opportunity for them to meet and talk to you, the head of your organization and local partners about eSkwela. During this visit, you would want these stakeholders to be present, so make sure that you coordinate with the RC/RT on the site inspection schedule.

1d. Memorandum of AgreementTo formalize the commitment of your organization and local partners, an eSkwela Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) will be prepared for your Center. These are the additional advantages of having a Center MOA:

✔ The MOA includes a well-defined list of responsibilities per local partner. So you know what to expect from each partner, and take action if any of the responsibilities are not being addressed.

✔ The MOA will encourage local partners to continue supporting the eSkwela Center. This is especially true in public offices (DepEd, LGU), where there is regular change in leadership. In the case of LGUs, a new Local Chief Executive (LCE) – be it a barangay chairman, mayor or governor - tend to discontinue programs started by their predecessor especially if the previous LCE is a bitter political rival. Since the principal signatories in the MOA only represent their organizations, it suggests that the Center has partnered with the organizations (the LGU) and not the individual (the LCE). Hence, the new LCE will be more inclined to continue supporting the Center because of the MOA.

Note: in addition to the MOA, you may also encourage your LGU partner (if applicable) through the Sangguniang Bayan (council) to prepare and approve a resolution to support eSkwela. Further, you can also ask the LGU to make the support of eSkwela a regular activity through an ordinance. A sample Resolution and Ordinance are attached in the Annexes portion

✔ The MOA will help you get additional funds for your Center. Potential donors and funders look for evidence in order for them to decide which programs and projects to fund. Having a MOA implies that your organization is serious in the implementation of eSkwela and will help convince these groups to support the Center.

If your eSkwela Application Form indicates that your proposed Center meets the basic requirements – as the RC/RT indicated in the assessment - the RC/RT will send a draft version of an eSkwela Memorandum of Agreement. You will be asked to assist in providing additional information needed in the MOA through the MOA Details Form (available in the Annexes section). Once the MOA has been reviewed by each local partner, it will be signed by the principal and witness signatories.

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Sample eSkwela Center MOA*

*CICT responsibilities to be transferred to DepEd after turnover of eSkwela

1 Local partners, with the following information for each partner: type of organization, principal office address, complete name of principal signatory

2 “Witnesseth that / whereas” section, or relevant background information on eSkwela and premise of agreement among the partners

3 Signatures of principals and witnesses (on all pages)

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4 Brief description of eSkwela

5 Duties and responsibilities of CICT (transferred to DepEd through the BALS, DepEd Regional Offices)

6 Duties and responsibilities of the DepEd Division Office (always a local partner in all eSkwela Centers

7 Duties and responsibilities of a local partner

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8 Function of the local eSkwela Steering Committee

9 Miscellaneous Provisions

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10 Effectivity and termination

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11 Main signature section for principal signatories

12 Main signature section for witnesses

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13 Acknowledgement, with ID details of principal signatories

MOA duties from CICT to DepEd

In anticipation of the eSkwela turnover, duties and responsibilities of the CICT will be transferred to DepEd through its BALS and Regional Offices. The matrix below reflects the changes due to the turnover:

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Duty / Responsibility DepEdBALS, RO

DepEdDivision

LPs

1 Assist in the setup of a working relationship between the parties involved in the implementation of the eSkwela Center.

2 Organize and conduct capability-building activities pertinent to the operation of the eSkwela Center, including training on center management, network administration, training for learning facilitators.

3 Provide electronic versions of the DepEd-BALS' print modules and a Learning Management System (LMS) customized for the eSkwela Center;

4 Coordinate with the eSkwela Centers network administrator in the setup, testing and installation of the Center's computer equipment and network peripherals

5 Monitor and evaluate (M&E) the implementation and operation of the eSkwela Center as well as recommend the best strategies and options for its sustainability.

6 Provide the principal and primary funding for the operations of the eSkwela Center as may be allowed by law.

● ●

7 Assign and supervise the District ALS Coordinators, mobile teachers and instructional managers who will be assigned as the learning facilitators at the eSkwela Center and who will implement the Instructional Model.

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8 Select the OSYAs who will participate as learners at the eSkwela Center. ● ●

9 Provide for the training expenses and all possible incentives for professional development activities of the center manager, network administrator, mobile teachers and instructional managers at the eSkwela Center;

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10 Promote the integration of ICT in the ALS curriculum by, among others, encouraging and supporting ICT-related initiatives and projects of mobile teachers / instructional managers and learners.

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11 Facilitate the conduct of eSkwela training activities by providing administrative and logistical support whenever necessary.

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12 Grant permission for the utilization of any or all of the following, for the conduct of eSkwela learning sessions: Space/room, Computer units, Multimedia and network peripherals learning sessions.

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13 Ensure that the eSkwela Center has uninterrupted electricity and broadband Internet connection.

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14 Link the eSkwela program with existing community initiatives. ● ●

15 Make recommendations on the designation of a Center Manager and Network Administrator for the eSkwela Center according to the requirements set by the Steering Committee.

● ●

16 Assist in the M&E of the eSkwela Center’s operations. ● ●

17 Assign a point person for the local eSkwela Steering Committee. ● ●

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1e. Training

Even if a proposed eSkwela Center has completed the infrastructure and computer equipment requirements, the setup process is only halfway done if the Center staff does not undergo the required training.

Training for Learning FacilitatorsAs the eSkwela learning facilitators (LFs) is the Center staff directly involved in educating the out-of-school youth and adult learners, the LFs are the first of the Center staff to be trained. A 4-day training sessin, the eSkwela LF training will prepare the proposed LFs on the eSkwela Instructional Model. A select group of DepEd ALS personnel (mobile teachers, District ALS Coordinators or DALCs) from the DepEd Division Offices have been trained by CICT as eSkwela trainors for LFs; with training management being handled by the Regional Coordinators (RCs), the trainors regularly conduct training sessions for LFs of upcoming eSkwela Centers.

The assessment of your eSkwela Application Form should indicate that your proposed Learning Facilitators will participate in an eSkwela LF training. Apart from trainings organized by the eSkwela RT, you must know that additional eSkwela LF trainings are conducted only when there are enough participants from potential eSkwela Centers. Thus, we strongly recommend that your proposed LFs attend the training once you are invited by your respective eSkwela RC or a representative of the eSkwela Regional Team (RT); they will coordinate with you regarding details of the said training activity.

Remember, your proposed LFs should have the prerequisite Basic ALS training (conducted by the DepEd Regional Offices) in order to participate at the eSkwela LF training. Basic ALS concepts are not included in the LF training design, so make sure your LFs already took ALS training beforehand. Otherwise, you may inquire about an upcoming schedule of a Basic ALS training from your respective DepEd Regional Office so your proposed LFs can attend.

Training for Network AdministratorsThis 5-day training is usually conducted in parallel with the LF training. At the NA training, your proposed eSkwela Network Administrator will be trained on provide technical support for the implementation of the eSkwela Instructional Model.

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eSkwela LF and NA Trainings - Design

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Training for Center Managers

During eSkwela's years with CICT, a training program for Center Managers was also designed and conducted to prepare the CMs for their role of ensuring sustainability of the eSkwela Centers. Unlike the LF and NA training which can be handled by eSkwela trainors, resource persons from CICT's PhilCeC Program were invited as CM trainors. It will be up to DepEd-BALS whether to organize CM trainings the way CICT did. In any case, training courses on Community eCenter (CeC) management are offered regularly by the National Computer Center and Telecentre.org-Philippine CeC Academy (tPCA). Despite being a training activity outside of the eSkwela program, the content of tPCA's CeC management courses are equally relevant to the management and sustainability of an eSkwela Center; additionally, the resource persons of the CICT's previous eSkwela CM training runs are the same faculty who teach tPCA's courses. You may look up the schedule of tCPA's CeC management courses at http://philcecnet.ph/

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To give you an idea of the content of tPCA's CeC management courses, you may refer to CICT's design of the eSkwela CM training – as consulted with tPCA faculty.

eSkwela CM Training – Design

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Additional details on the eSkwela Training Programs are available at the Annexes portion.

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1f. Installation of eSkwela learning packageUpon completion of the LF and NA trainings, your Center will receive the basic eSkwela learning package. The basic package is an installer of the eSkwela Learning Management System (LMS), where your LFs and learners can access the eSkwela e-modules and corresponding e-module guides. Only 35 e-modules and corresponding e-module guides are in the basic package; only after your Center has installed the basic and has successfully completed the infrastructure setup will you receive the full eSkwela learning package (completion of the infrastructure setup may include preparation or renovation of space/room, purchase of required computer equipment, Internet subscription – these are indicated in the assessment of your eSkwela Application Form). The full eSkwela learning package contains all eSkwela e-modules and e-module guides that are certified for deployment, to which all established eSkwela Centers are entitled to.

A copy of the installer (DVD) of the basic eSkwela learning package will be provided to your eSkwela NA before the end of the training. A step-by-step manual on LMS installation is also included in the DVD. Installation of the package should be easy; if in case your NA encounters installation problems, he/she can contact the NA trainor to assist in setup troubleshooting.

Inauguration / Launch

Although not a required activity, you may want to organize a ceremonial event to formally launch your eSkwela Center (a sample program is included in the Annexes portion). You can have a simple ceremony if you opt to channel most of your resources to the operations of your Center. This is an opportunity for you to let the community know about your the eSkwela Center so it could garner more support and attract more out-of-school youth and adults to enlist as eSkwela learners.

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Phase 2 – Operations

2a. Implementation of the eSkwela Instructional Model

The eSkwela Instructional Model integrates the use of Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs) in education. ICT, particularly the Internet, provides learners access to a multitude of resources. It allows learners to actively make choices about how to generate, gather, and share information. In addition, it encourages learners to interact and work together with their peers, teachers, and other experts in the field. The eSkwela instructional model is characterized by a blended type of learner-centered instruction consisting of three elements:

1. computer-aided learning via interactive e-learning modules2. teacher-facilitated instruction & learning as aligned with the pace and need of the

learner3. collaborative group activities and projects

The instructional model seeks to create a learning environment that adheres to the constructivist principle wherein the learner is an active participant in the learning process. The learner gains knowledge by integrating his/her new and previous experiences which is a result of his/her interaction with other people and the environment. Recognizing the importance of collaboration, the instructional model highlights the use of problem-based/project-based learning/authentic learning as an instructional approach. Following this method, learners work on real-world problems and projects to allow them to explore and discuss these problems in ways that are relevant to them. They work in groups, generating relevant data from a variety of sources, analyzing, and deriving knowledge from the information gathered.

Components

• Curriculum Materials - The eSkwela project makes use of e-learning modules that are problem-solving/inquiry based, and encourages the practice of experiential approach to teaching and learning.

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• Learning Management System -A Learning Management System (or LMS) is a software package that enables the management and delivery of online content to learners. Most LMSs are web-based to facilitate "anytime, any place, any pace" access to learning content and administration.2 The LMS that is currently being used in the eSkwela sites is Moodle3. Moodle may be used via the world wide web or may be installed in the local area network.

2From Wikipedia, Available at http://en.wikipedia.org/, Accessed on 13 May 2008.3http://www.moodle.org

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A screenshot of an eSkwela e-module

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• Trainings - A program will not succeed unless the people who will implement it understand what they are doing and are confident to proceed as planned. Skills-training seminars take care of this aspect of the program.

Learning sessions

Learners are required to attend the learning sessions for at least 6 hours a week. Depending on the schedule, a learner will have his/her sessions twice a week (3 hours per session) or thrice a week (2 hours per session).

eSkwela practices the blended learning approach. Part of the weekly sessions goes to face-to-face discussion and interaction with the learning facilitator, and part of it goes to working on the LMS.

Each learner works on a different module depending on the result of his FLT and ILA. The modules he is studying were selected because it suit his needs and interest. Also, learners study the modules at their own pace. There are learners who can finish two modules in one session, but there are also those who can only study one per session.

Working through the modulesLearners work through selected modules by:

a) Completing module pre-test b) Working on module activities, exercises and self-assessmentc) Completing module post-testd) Participating in the discussion forume) Doing the project

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A screenshot of the eSkwela LMS

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Using the Learning Management System

The Learning Management System (LMS) serves as the virtual classroom in an eSkwela center. The LMS allows learning facilitators to manage their classes such as enrolment of learners, grading learner outputs, and customizing courses (See Moodle Tutorial). It also allows communication, interaction and collaboration among facilitators, mentors, experts and learners. Through the LMS, learners can post questions for facilitators, mentors and experts, and work on projects individually or with fellow learners. The LMS also contains the module guide which directs learners on how to work on the assigned module.

Module Guide as a Learning Scaffold

Each of the eSkwela modules is accompanied by a module guide. The guides provide structure to the learning process while also allowing for flexibility and self-paced learning. It specifies the activities that the learner should do and the educational resources that they can use to supplement the eModule. The following can be seen in a module guide:

a) Module overview: description, learning objectives, topics covered

b) Lesson Proper: instructions in studying the lesson, learning activities (i.e. discussion forum, quiz, assignment), and reference materialsa.

c) Project: description, instructions, scoring guide

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The module guides can be customized based on the situation in the centers. Customization can be in the form of:

translating text to the local dialect using other resources in making the project updating educational resources modifying scoring guide/rubric

Best Practices

1. Computer Literacy Sessions - Most of the eSkwela centers would allocate a few minutes each day for basic computer lessons for learners who are not computer literate. For example, learners are given time to play solitaire and jackstones so that they can be familiarized with clicking and double-clicking a mouse, while others use a game which will help the learners build their typing skills. Learners who are more adept at using the computer are more than willing to assist their fellow learners.

2. Orientation about the Module Guide - A module guide is a very important tool in an eSkwela center since it provides structure to the learning process. It can be overwhelming to look at in the beginning especially for first time users, and as such, an orientation on what and how to use it will be very helpful. By briefing the learners on the contents of the module guide, they get to familiarize themselves with its parts and feel at ease with using it.

3. Guidance of the Learning Facilitator - The LFs play an important role in the teaching and learning process in an eSkwela center. In all of the existing centers, LFs simplify explanations when the learners can not understand the lessons, translate terms in words that the learners can understand (usually using the local dialect) and moderate discussion forums.4. Use of Alternative Resources in Making the Project - Some resources may not be readily available to the learners. Thus, it is important that learning facilitators be able to identify other resources that can be used and the same objective will still be accomplished. For example, allowing the use of downloaded pictures since the learners

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do not have a digital camera.

2b. Center Management

An eSkwela Center Manager's work does not end upon the completion of the eSkwela setup process. As bare minimum, the requirements indicated in your eSkwela Application Form should be able to immediately contribute to the operations of eSkwela. The table below is a list of those requirements and required actions for sustainability at the minimum level:

Requirement Required Action (minimum)

Infrastructure - Space/Room

Electrical work ✔ provide quick response to problems in the elecrical work by seeking an electrician's help.

Electric equipment ✔ have damaged / malfunctioning equipment checked by an electrician for repair and maintenance

Furniture ✔ Check if furniture is in good condition and facilitate repairs, if needed

Infrastructure - Computer equipment

Computer hardware ✔ in case of malfunction or damage to computer hardware, seek the NA's advise and assistance for troubleshooting and repair

Computer software ✔ report cases of software errors to NA for troubleshooting and solution (e.g., workstation not able to access e-modules through LMS)

Internet connection ✔ Coordinate with NA in case of interruption in Internet connection

Staff

Learning Facilitators ✔ Monitor attendance of center staff

Center Manager

Network Administrator

You must have observed that the actions listed in this table fall under the function of a Laboratory Manager, and that these actions are custodial and administrative in nature. Further, these actions do not solely have to be the responsibility of the Center Manager, as these can also be performed by LFs, especially if your CM is not based at the Center. As additional reference, you may refer to the day-to-day management issues relevant to an eSkwela Center as identified in The Community Telecentre Cookbook.4

Perhaps more important than the custodial function is the managerial function of the CM, as the primary responsibility of the eSkwela Center Manager is to ensure the Center's sustainability. Not only does the CM has to have the setup requirements in place, he/she also has to ensure that the Center continually receives support in order to keep these requirements in place.

The next table lists down the recommended actions vis-a-vis requirements, which are more

4Jensen, M. and Esterhuysen, Anriette (2001). The Community Telecentre Cookbook, pages 75-79. available at: http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0012/001230/123004e.pdf

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aligned with the duties and responsibilities of the eSkwela Center Manager:

Requirement Recommended Action

Infrastructure – Space/Room ✔ plan on alternative venues if commitment of LP who provided space/room has a terminal date

✔ make improvements on the eSkwela Center by getting additional funding from local partners (e.g., airconditioning units, electrial work)

Infrastructure – Computer Equipment ✔ seek local partners who can contribute in improving the computer equipment (e.g., additional computers, upgrading of hardware, acquisition of multiple licenses for proprietary software)

✔ convince LPs to continuously provide for the payment of Internet connection, or better yet, upgrade to faster connection

Staff ✔ Secure the support of LPs in providing continuous salaries / honoraria of the Center staff

Getting Local Partner support

Notice from the previous table that much of the managerial functions revolve around securing the support of the local partners, which the CM can do through the following:

✔ Oversee preparation of communication materials for program advocacy. The CM should be able to convey the Center's need for support through communication materials, in a way appealing to potential LPs

✔ If needed, write funding proposals – applicable to seeking assistance from grant-giving institutions. A grant writing proposal template is available at the eSkwela website, http://alseskwela.ning.com/page/site-inquiries, also available at the Annexes portion.

✔ Develop and implement fundraising activities – usually intended to get support from the community. The CM should carefully plan such activities (e.g. benefit concert, play, movie screening, raffle) to raise the desired target amount.

✔ Initiate contact and communication with potential LPs. – as CM, it is always good to know who to approach in getting more support for the Center. One will never know when an extra hand is needed in Center sustainability; thus, the CM should find ways on how to get through these potential partners.

✔ Accommodate individuals and groups who want to support the Center and identify ways on how they can provide concrete support. Because of its reputation as a very good and high-impact project, there will be instances where your eSkwela Center will be at the receiving end of donations – however small it may seem (e.g., second-hand computers, DVDs of educational software). The CM should provide assistance to donors and inform them how the Center is using their donated goods; surely, they will remember your Center and could probably provide a more subtantial donation in the future.

✔ Continuously update the local partners on the implementation of eSkwela. The CM would want to keep the Center's local partners happy, and this is one way to do it. LPs would appreciate knowing how the support they provide eSkwela makes a positive impact on

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the lives of its out-of-school learners. Updates should not only be limited to good news, though; LPs would also like to know the challenges encountered at the eSkwela Center, and offer their advice or perhaps offer the solution.

✔ Address conflict brought about by transition within local partners. The CM should be able to mediate and provide the voice of reason in cases of conflict among eSkwela partners (e.g., change in leadership, change in priorities). CMs with an LGU as partner should especially anticipate such conflict and be able to recommend solutions to ease tension, and still make ailing partners fulfill their commitment of support.

Add-on Programs and Activities

The eSkwela Center Manager can also initiate add-on programs and activities once the sustainability of the Center is ensured:

✔ As an additional source of funding, the CM can propose that the eSkwela Center be made available to the public for computer rental or as an Internet café when eSkwela learning sessions are not held. The income from the rental or Internet fees can then be used as additional funds for the Center (e.g. purchase of supplies, printer ink);

✔ The CM can propose a partnership with the local Public Employment Service Office to help eSkwela learners find jobs once they are certified as graduates of the ALS program;

✔ if the community is in need of additional eSkwela Centers, the CM can initiate the setup process of additional Centers.

Competencies: A Snapshot of the eSkwela Center Management Training

Reading up on the previous pages on Center Management, you might have already decided that the responsibilities of a Center Manager are more challenging than what you originally thought. Also, it might have already occurred to you that merely performing the functions of a Laboratory Manager or “custodian” amounts to very little in the long-term sustainability of the Center. Hence the Center Manager should not only address the day-to-day operations of the Center, but should also have the following competencies (as indicated in CICT's design of the eSkwela Center Management Training):

1. Service-oriented management – while “service with a smile” is something that all CMs should aspire for, being service-oriented does not stop with the positive attitude . A CM should be able to internalize the critical role that he/she plays at Center, and how poor performance of those roles would lead to the non-fulfilllment of the eSkwela Center's objectives. A CM can serve with a smile because he is confident about the eSkwela Center's performance, which is also a reflection of the good job the CM is doing.

With a service-oriented management perspective, the CM always has the clients in mind,(the clients in this case are out-of-school youth and adult learners at the Center). A good CM understands that the quality of work he puts in the setup and management of the Center has repercussions to the learning experience OSYA, as well as the success of the OSYA after staying with the eSkwela program.

For example: when the Internet of an eSkwela Center gets disconnected due to inability to pay for the subscription fees, the CM should understand that the learners are being deprived of the online resources available on the net, and the opportunity to interact

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with learners and LFs from other eSkwela Centers. thereby decreasing the quality of the learning experience. While a service oriented CM would have acted on the problem earlier, is it is not too late for the CM to raise the funds from potential local partners to reconnect the eSkwela Center to the Web.

As a service-oriented manager, a CM should also have these competencies:✔ Sound decision-making – because a good CM has an intimate knowledge of how

the eSkwela Center runs, he/she is confident to call the shots regarding its day-to-day operations while still observing the general direction of the Center as set by DepEd and the local partners.

✔ Resource management – the ability to support eSkwela operations through efficient and innovative use of limited resources will come in handy for the service-oriented Center Manager.

✔ Center relations – The idea of “friend-raising” is an equally effective strategy as fundraising in gettting support for the Center. You'll never know who would be in a position to help the eSkwela Center at some point in the future. A grateful graduate of the eSkwela program who wants to give back to the Center, a stranger who sends an email inquiry on eSkwela, a masters student who wants to write a thesis on eSkwela – these are just some of the random people that a CM would interact with in managing the Center. A good CM understands the importance of stakeholder relations, and how far these relationships would go in sustaining the eSkwela Center.

2. Social enterpreneurship – While an eSkwela Center is an ICT4E program with development-oriented objectives (i.e., as opposed to profit-oriented), entrepreneurial principles do apply in a social context and may be used to sustain the eSkwela Center.

There have been instances when some eSkwela CMs have been hesitant to practice social entrepreneurship, as they had an impression that anything with the word “entrepreneur” on it automatically means earning revenue for personal gain. After all, the eSkwela program is a delivery mode of the ALS program of DepEd – and essentially still a government program. A social enterprise earns revenue but never for personal gain; instead the currency that is driving social enterprises is the achievement of their development objectives. (more information is available at Social Enterprise Coalition's “Social Enterprise Explained”).5

In eSkwela, the nonprofit objective has already been defined; it is up to the CM to lead the charge in taking the discipline of business to eSkwela, including the following:

✔ Developing a business/sustainability plan – A CM should be able to write a business plan for eSkwela to strengthen its case for getting support from potential local partners. Moreover, the exercise of writing an eSkwela business plan will enable the CM to know the program inside out. As an added bonus, the contents of the business plan may be used to prepare communication materials for program advocacy.

a sample Business / Sustainability Plan Outline

5http://www.socialenterprise.org.uk/data/files/publications/Social_Enterprise_Explained_- _May_2011.pdf

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(based on CTC Net's CTC Start Up Manual, with minor revisions)6

I. Program 1. Needs assessment

2. Program description

3. User projections

II. Operations 1. Organization, governance and staff

2. Timeline

3. Operational needs

4. Communications

5. Self-assessment and program evaluation

6. Possible challenges and solutions

III. Financials 1. Setup expenses

2. Initial impact (after setup)

3. Operational expenses

4. Current support

5. Projections

A detailed guide on the business plan outline is available at CTC Net's CTC Start-Up Manual (link: http://www.ctcnet.org/ctc/ctcnetmanual/ch9.pdf)

3. Social Marketing and Networking – Similar to social entrepreneurship, social marketing has practical roots from the profit sector (advertising, public relations, market research) but “the intent is to create positive social change”.7

Before developing a social marketing plan, the CM should be able to identify the scope of the problem (i.e., an eSkwela stakeholder's negative behavior) and devise a way how to achieve behavioral change. The CM will find opportunities to use social marketing for the eSkwela Center, especially in convincing the community to provide support to the Center (e.g., the CM can decide to erase the stigma of ICTs having a negative influence to students); a social marketing plan to promote eSkwela to out-of-school youth and adults (e.g., how to encourage out-of-school adults who do not want to join eSkwela because of “technophobia”).

a sample Social Marketing Plan Outline 8

1. Executive Summary

2. Background, purpose and focus

3. Situation analysis

4. Target audience profile

5. Marketing objectives and goals

6http://www.ctcnet.org/ctc/ctcnetmanual/ch9.pdf 7Serrat, O. (2010). The Future of Social Marketing, pp. 8-9. available at: http://www.adb.org/documents/information/knowledge-solutions/future-of-social-marketing.pdf83 Serrat, O. (2010). The Future of Social Marketing, p. 2. available at: http://www.adb.org/documents/information/knowledge-solutions/future-of-social-marketing.pdf

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6. Factors influencing adoption of behavior

7. Positioning statement

8. Marketing mix strategies

9. Plan for monitoring and Evaluation

10. Budget

11. Plan for Implementation and campaign management

Much of the work in center management is social in nature, as it involves interaction and coordination work with stakeholders. Likewise, networking does not only occur between the Center implementers, supporters and beneficiaries, as written in previous pages; the CM can also network with fellow CMs from other eSkwela Centers. During its CICT years, the staff of all eSkwela Centers across the country were invited to participate in conferences, training workshops and participatory planning workshops. As DepEd will most probably organize similar activities in the future, CMs no longer have to meet face-to-face to maintain communication with fellow CMs and take advantage of remote networking via ICTs. The eSkwela website (http://alseskwela.ning.com). CICT has formed online communities for eSkwela Center staff (LFs, NAs, CMs). CMs can talk to fellow CMs on real- time (online chat) or by leaving a message or posting a CM-relevant entry at the discussion forums. A bulletin board is also available for announcements (CM capability-building activities, monitoring and evaluation, or simple greetings from one CM to another).

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A screenshot of the eSkwela CM online group

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Phase 3 – Monitoring and Evaluation

Once the eSkwela Center in your community has been established and has started operations, the need for monitoring and evaluation (M&E) arises. The experience of implementing eSkwela will both have good and not-so-good moments; having a good program M&E will enable Center implementers and local partners to improve and enhance eSkwela.

M&E Definition

You will find below the OECD (2002a) definition of monitoring and evaluation9,:

Monitoring - is a continuous function that uses the systematic collection of data on specified indicators to provide management and the main stakeholders of an ongoing development intervention with indications of the extent of progress and achievement of objectives and progress on the use of allocated funds.

Evaluation – is the systematic and objective assessment of an ongoing or completed project, program, or policy, including its design, implementation, and results. The aim is to determine relevance and fulfillment of objectives, development efficiency, effectiveness, impact, and sustainability. An evaluation should provide information that is credible and useful, enabling the incorporation of lessons learned into the decision-making process of both recipients and donors.

The development of the eSkwela M&E was based on UNESCO's ICT-In-Education Toolkit (http://www.ictinedtoolkit.org/usere/login.php). The CICT eSkwela Project Team identified an initial set of indicators, which was provided to a select group of eSkwela Center staff for review. The revised set of indicators were grouped according to the relevant project 94 Kusek, J. and Rist, R. (2004). Ten Steps to Results-Based Monitoring and Evaluation System, p. 12. available at: http://www-wds.worldbank.org/external/default/WDSContentServer/WDSP/IB/2004/08/27/000160016_20040827154900/Rendered/PDF/296720PAPER0100steps.pdf

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components (infrastructure, instructional model, community) and further classified according to type, source, form and frequency.

M&E at the program management level

The eSkwela Regional Teams (RT) from DepEd will continue to employ the M&E developed my the CICT-eSkwela Project Team, through the following:

1. M&E Forms – indicators were grouped together to come with the following set of forms:

Component Form

Instructional Model LF interview guide for site visit

Learner interview guide for site visit

Center Management Site profile

Spot check rating sheet

Site visit report

Schedule of eSkwela learning sessions

Minutes of steering committee

2. Site Visits – expect members your DepEd RT to visit your eSkwela Center to gather M&E data. As with the practice of CICT, the site visits will both be announced and unannounced, inorder to get authentic data. The DePEd RT will also administer the eSkwela M&E forms during the site visit.

3. Multimedia – M&E data is not always in the form of hard data and can be available in other media: pictures, video, sound bites.

4. eSkwela website - To complement the site visits - done less frequently because of restrictions in resources - other methods of keeping in touch with the eSkwela Centers are being utilized. Correspondence through the World Wide Web is a reliable and cost-effective means (Email, chat, through the eSkwela Ning site). Beginning in 2010, the Center Managers participated in eSkwela Online Meetings, where they to give updates and raise concerns through a chat engine integrated with the eSkwela Ning site. The eSkwela implementers can also post multimedia M&E data at the website.

5. M&E Information System – soon, the eSkwela M&E forms will be made available online and do not have to be administered manually, which will make it easier for the Center staff (data input) and Regional Team (data consolidation).

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M&E at the Center level

The responsibility of monitoring and evaluating eSkwela Center does not fall on just the eSkwela RT, but also on the Center staff. Your eSkwela RT will require your full participation in its M&E activities (e.g., accomplishment of M&E forms, participation in eSkwela online meetings), but M&E is not just about completion of requirements from a unit that is somewhat removed from the direct implementation of your eSkwela Center. It is actually the Center staff that is in the best position to use M&E data and analysis to make improvements in eSkwela implementation.

Apart from the eSkwela M&E forms, you may also use these other data gathering modes:✔ Observation – often the most underrated M&E data gathering mode. Remember that

while M&E instruments covers numerous indicators at one time, qualitative indicators do not translate well into forms; observation is an important M&E data gathering strategy

✔ Email archive – provides a transcript of exhanges among various eSkwela stakeholders

✔ Discussion forum entries at the eSkwela LMS – a good indicator on whether the learners were able to learn and articulate their ideas on the eSkwela e-modules

✔ Surveys – could be useful in rating, evaluation of the eSkwela learning experience

✔ Interviews – to validate data in eSkwela M&E forms

✔ Focus Group Discussion – probe deeper into collective concerns and recommendations of eSkwela stakeholders

✔ Video recording – setting up a video camera to record an eSkwela learning session without disrupting natural process of an eSkwela learning session

✔ Independent evaluator – to produce an objective M&E report

Remember that M&E of your eSkwela Center gets more complex from year to year. According to the UNESCO ICT-In-Education Toolkit, you should look at the following for each class of evaluation:

In the first year, you will only look at how well your eSkwela was established and operated. On the second year, it focuses more on the degree of proper use. It is only on the fourth year where evaluation can focus on long-term impact (effectiveness, subsequent application, degree of national effect).

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What does this say to you? It just means that in order for you to see the fruits of the hard work you have put in for your eSkwela, it should have gone through the rigid setup process, observed the Instructional Model, and sustained by it local partners and stakeholders. However, it does not mean that you are not already seeing the positive impact on the first years; most probably, you will see how stakeholders and beneficiaries have benefitted from eSkwela. You may use the indicators below (developed by CICT and the select eSkwela implementers) and see if you can add or improve on it.

Component Indicator

Instructional ModelAttendance rate of learners

Attendance rate of teachers

Integration of ICT

Level of confidence of learners in ICT usage

Level of confidence of teachers in ICT usage

Level of proficiency of learners in ICT

Level of proficiency of teachers in ICT

Level of proficiency of teachers in the planned pedagogy

Percentage of eSkwela learners over print module learners

Percentage of full time eSkwela learners over print module learners

Percentage of learners who are ICT users

Percentage of passers over completers

Percentage of passers over takers

Percentage of teachers who are ICT users

Practice of blended-learning approach

Practice of self-paced learning

Rate of log-ins in the eSkwela LMS (learners)

Rate of log-ins in the eSkwela LMS (teachers)

Community supportLevel of awareness of eSkwela in the community

Additional eSkwela partners (NGOs, private individuals, cooperative

Additional ICT equipment and supplies provided by the community

Amount of funds

Disconnection of utilities service (due to non-payment)

Frequency and regularity of TPCA meetings

Tie-ups with other community-oriented projects/activities

Type of support

InfrastructureAccess to and use of computers and other ICTs

Internet bandwidth per learner

Internet reconnection lead time

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Internet service time

Internet interruptions

Interruption in utilities

Number of hours per week for eSkwela

Number of computers per 100 learners

Repair and maintenance lead time

Service time

Technology-related policies

Utility downtime

Utility reconnection lead time

Utilization rate of computers

Utilization rate of other ICTs at the Center

TrainingCapability of eSkwela facilitators in implementing the eSkwela Instructional Model

ICT literacy rate among eSkwela Center implementers (CM, NA, Lfs)

New Center staff trained by outgoing/current staff

Performance of Center Manager

Performance of Network Administrator

Performance of Learning Facilitators

M&EActions taken based on M&E results

Barriers in implementation

Complete and on-time accomplishment of M&E instruments

Lead time, submission of reports to program management

Type and frequency of M&E

M&E with a purpose

Before you reach the M&E phase of eSkwela, you and your eSkwela partners have gone through the challenging task of setting up and operating an eSkwela Center. You can refer to the eSkwela Center Life Cycle to see where you are in terms of your eSkwela implementation. Take note that setting up good M&E practices at your eSkwela Center will enable you to go the full route (community expansion, i.e., set up additional eSkwela Centers). It is always good to start small so you can learn from your initial eSkwela experience and apply that in the expansion of eSkwela in your community. Also, make sure that the monitoring and evaluation

data you gather does not end up in storage; it should be used to adjust and improve your eSkwela implementation plan.

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The Power of Measuring Results 10

• If you do not measure results, you cannot tell success from failure. • If you cannot see success, you cannot reward it. • If you cannot reward success, you are probably rewarding failure. • If you cannot see success, you cannot learn from it. • If you cannot recognize failure, you cannot correct it. • If you can demonstrate results, you can win public support.

Source: Adapted from Osborne & Gaebler 1992.

104 Kusek, J. and Rist, R. (2004). Ten Steps to Results-Based Monitoring and Evaluation System, p. 11. available at: http://www-wds.worldbank.org/external/default/WDSContentServer/WDSP/IB/2004/08/27/000160016_20040827154900/Rendered/PDF/296720PAPER0100steps.pdf

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Annexes

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Annex Filename

A Contact Information of eSkwela Regional Coordinators

B Computer Hardware options for eSkwela Centers

C Roles of the eSkwela LF, CM, NA, steering committee

D eSkwela Application Form

E MOA Details Form

F Guidelines – Memorandum of Agreement (Review and Signing)

G eSkwela Training Programs

H Sample – program of activities, eSkwela inauguration

I M&E Form - Interview guide (Learning Facilitators)

J M&E Form - Interview guide (Learners)

K M&E Form – Site Profile

L M&E Form – Spot Check Rating Sheet

M M&E Form – Site Visit Report

N M&E Form – Schedule of eSkwela Learning Sessions

O M&E Form – Minutes of Steering Committee Meeting

P Grant proposal template

Q Sample ordinance

R Sample resolution

S Sample budget computation / costing of (eSkwela setup)

T Filled-out eSkwela Application Form

U Sample eSkwela project proposal

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Contact Information of eSkwela Regional Coordinators

Region Regional Coordinator Office Address Email AddressCAR Dr. Jose A. Bogwana Wangal, La Trinidad, Benguet (074) 422-5187 [email protected] I Ms. Vivian Luz S. Pagatpatan DepEd Region I, San Fernando City, La Union (072) 607-8183 [email protected] II Mr. Romulo S. Ancheta DepEd Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya RO 2 (078) 805-3828 [email protected]

Region III Mr. Reynaldo F. Licay (045) 455-2314 [email protected]

Region IVA Ms. Elaine T. Balaogan (02) 647-6886 [email protected]

Region IVB Ms. Mariflor B. Musa (02) 637-2912 [email protected]

Region V Mr. Ricardo M. Tejeresas Rawis, Legazpi City (052) 482-0369 [email protected] VI No RC [email protected] VII Dr. Vivian L. Yarte DepEd RO VII, Lahug, Cebu City (032) 414-7323 [email protected] VIII Dr. Victoria A. Briones DepEd RO VIII, Candahug, Palo, Leyte (053) 323-3854 [email protected] IX Ms. Lucena C. Yañez DepEd RO IX, Airport Road, Tiguma, Pagadian City (062) 215-3794 [email protected] X Ms. Edith B. Lago-Ortega DepEd Cagayan de Oro, Yacapan cor. Velez CDO (8822) 724-969 [email protected] XI Mr. Henry Antonio R. Pasquito DepEd RO XI, F. Torres St. Davao City (082) 227-9342 [email protected] XII Mr. Johnny M. Sumugat DepEd RO XII Carpenter Hill, Koronadal City (083) 228-8825 [email protected] Ms. Marilyn F. Antiquina DepEd RO Butuan City (085) 342-8207 [email protected] No RC [email protected] Dr. Felicino C. Trongco Misamis St., Bago Bantay, Quezon City (02) 929-4348 [email protected]

ANNEX A

Office Phone Number

DepEd RO III, Government Center, Maimpis, City of San Fernando, PampangaDepEd RO-IV-A, Karangalan Drive, Karangalan Village, Cainta, RizalDepEd RO IV, MIMAROPA, Meralco Ave. Cor. St. Paul Road, Pasig City

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Hardware Options for the eSkwela Project

Ncomputing X550/L130 HMR – Refurbished Brand New Computers

Description Thin client technology. Can connect additional workstations to 1 server; user units share the resources of the server.

Refurbished computers from an Australian leasing company. HMR guarantees that all units are working

Complete system, as what can be bought from major computer stores

Specs (workstation) N/A: shared resources of the serverOne set of the X550 kit includes: 1 PCI card w/ 5 ethernet ports, 5 access devices One set of the L130 kit includes: 1 access device; 1 workstaion, 1 access device.(The access device replaces the system unit in a full set-up, device to which the monitor, keyboard, mouse of each workstation will be connected)

Petium IV 2.4 Ghz512MB RAM, 40GB HDD, CD-ROM, FDD, USB, SOUND and LAN CARDMonitor, keyboard, mousew/ WinXP Professional OS and Office 2003

INTEL CELERON 430JETWAY 131 Motherboardw/ onboard video, sound and LAN1GB DDR2 RAM, 160gb HarddriveDVD optical drive, keyboard, mouse speaker, ATX Casing, AVR

Price per unit X550: P 24,750.00/setL130: P 9,999.00/set

P 7,530.00 (per unit) P 14,429.00 (per unit)

Additional components needed for whole set-up

1 Server. For each access device: Monitor, keyboard, mouse, patch cord, AVR. Software: for server only since these will be shared through each access device

1 server, 8-port or 16-port switch, patch cords, AVR 1 server, 8-port or 16-port switch, patch cords, AVR; Software for EACH unit.

Warranty 3 years for Ncomputing products (acesss devices and PCI card)

3 months, can arrange for 6 months but with additional cost

Usually 1 year

Maintenance Low: access devices hardly needs maintenance. Center only needs to maintain/upgrade the server.

Mid to high: maintenance is done per unit since each workstation has a full system unit with complete parts.

Mid to high: maintenance is done per unit since each workstation has a full system unit with complete parts.

Pros Low cost solution – centers don't need to buy full system units. Low electricity consumption: 3-watts (X550) and 5-watts (L130) per acces device. Savings on software – only the server needs software.Enough for the eSkwela model to work and other basic office tasks, web-browsing & media viewing.

Lowest cost option - price indicated is for the complete set.

Brand new, easier to repair/replace since newer models.Workstations be used for different uses – graphics editing, simple video production, etc.

Cons Limited use – not for heavy graphics editing, etc.Workstations will not be useable if the server crashes

Unsure how long the units will last or before the units experience problems since second hand units. Replacement parts may be hard to find since these are old models. May become obsolete faster since these are old models. Power consumption can be high since it is still a full system unit. Per unit maintenance.

High power consumption since each user will use a full system unit.Usually the specs of the units will be bough will be more than what the center needs, thus the units are not maximized. Per unit maintenance.

Remarks X550: Max of 10 computers to 1 server, workstations should be less than 10m from the server. L130: Max of 30 computers to 1 server, recommended for workstations more than 10m from the server.

Demo unit was tested by the eSkwela Project Team and it worked with the eSkwela model.

Total Price (w/ Ubuntu)

5 units + 1 server: P 75,149.00 / P 104,444.0010 units + 1 server: P 128,749.00 / P 181,689.00

N/A. Units comes with pre-installed Windows XP OS and MS Office

5 units + 1 server: P 95,894.0010 units + 1 server: P 167,789.00

Total Price (w/ Windows)

5 units + 1 server: P 87,178.00 / P 181,689.0010 units + 1 server: P 140,778.00 / P 193,718.00

5 units + 1 server: P 62,849.0010 units + 1 server: P 104,369.00

5 units + 1 server: P 138,118.0010 units + 1 server: P 240,208.00

Please see additional sheets for detailed information.

ANNEX B

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Hardware Options for the eSkwela Project

eSkwela ProjectOptions for Hardware Requirements of the Centers

Option 1: NComputingNcomputing is a thin-client solution which lets you share the resources and applications installed in one PC (server) to several computers through an access device where all you need to connect is a set of keyboard, mouse, monitor and earphones (optional for sounds).

Basically, you won't need to buy a separate system unit/CPU for each user. The only system unit you will need to buy is the server.

The number of additional units you can connect share the server with will depend on the Ncomputing model that will be purchased. For the X-series, it will utilize the PCI-card slot of the server to connect 3 (min) additional computers using the available ethernet ports at of the Ncomputing PCI card. For the L-series, you can connect a maximum of 30 computers using ethernet cables and a switch. The number of computers that you can connect together will be dependent on the number of L-series units you buy and number of available ports in the switch minus 2 ports (one for the server and one for the router).

Each access device has the following ports: keyboard, mouse, monitor and headset/earphone. Only the L230 model has a USB port.

To know more about Ncomputing, visit their website at www.ncomputing.com

Option 2: HMR HMR is a company that is into surplus equipment selling. The computers being offered in this option comes from an Australian leasing company and were refurbished to working conditions. The seller guarantees that they only get units from Australia that are working. A test unit was also tested at CICT and was proven to work with the requirements of the eSkwela Project model.

Option 3: All brand new

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Hardware Options for the eSkwela Project

Model Description Price per unitCash out for 5 units + 1

serverCash out for 10 units + 1

serverRemarks

NcomputingModel X550

With one (1) X550 kit, you can connect five (5) additional computers. One kit inlcudes one (1) Ncomputing PCI device with five (5) ethernet ports, five (5) access devices and the V-software installer.

P 24,750.00 TOTAL CASH OUTLAY:P 75,149.00 – if Ubuntu OS (open source) is usedP 87,178.00 – if Windows OS and MS Office will be used

Breakdown:P 24,750.00 – for one (1) set of X550 kit

P 24,850.00 – for five (5) of Bnew LCD monitors

P 800.00 – for five (5) of Bnew keyboards

P 600.00 - for five (5) of Bnew mouse

P 650.00 - for five (5) of Bnew 10m patch cords

P 1,950.00 – for five (5) of AVR

P 21,549.00 – one (1) server unit

P 8,530.00 – Windows 7 Professional OEM for server (not included in computation if Ubuntu)

P 3,499.00 – MS Office 2007 student for server (not included in computation if Ubuntu)

TOTAL CASH OUTLAY:P 128,749.00 – if Ubuntu OS (open source) is usedP 140,778.00 – if Windows OS and MS Office will be used

Breakdown:P 49,500.00 – for two sets of X550 kitsP 49,700.00 – for ten units of Bnew LCD monitors

P 1,600.00 – for ten (10) units of Bnew keyboards

P 1,200.00 – for ten (10) units of Bnew mouse

P 1,300.00 – for ten (10) pieces of 10m patch cords

P 3,900.00 - for ten (10) units of AVR

P 21,549.00 – one (1) server unit – complete with monitor

P 8,530.00 – Windows 7 Professional OEM for server (not included in computation if Ubuntu)

P 3,499.00 – MS Office 2007 student for server (not included in computation if Ubuntu)

Remarks:• Ncomputing gives 3-year

warranty on their products (PCI card and access device)

• Price can still be further reduced if the site has existing and working hardware/peripherals (monitor, keyboard, mouse) since it can work with existing hardware

• Server needs to have better specs in order to share its resources; quoted server is sufficient

• Initial capital layout may prove to be a bit higher than the lowest cost option, but savings that will be generated will come from the electric consumption saved from daily use, low maintenance requirements/expenses, and the number of software licenses (if Windows/MS Office will be used) needed (since you only need to purchase 1 OS license and 1 Office for the server; access devices need no OS/Office to run since this will be shared through the server)

Pros: • Low-cost solution, since the

center won't have to buy a whole system unit;

• Low electricity consumption – power consumption of the X-series is just 3-watts (compared to a full system unit that has a power consumption of 110-watts avg.);

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Hardware Options for the eSkwela Project

Model Description Price per unitCash out for 5 units + 1

serverCash out for 10 units + 1

serverRemarks

• Low-maintenance – since the access device has no moving parts, it is easier to maintain. The only part you have to upgrade or replace is the server and the peripherals;

• access device need not be upgraded or replaced (if broken only);

• One-unit upgrade – all you need to do to upgrade the entire system/network is to upgrade the server and the entire Ncomputing system/network is also upgraded

Cons: • Limited use - not recommended

for use with heavy graphics editing, or the like. But enough for the eSkwela model, and word processing, basic office applications, web browsing, and media viewing (or the basic computer needs of community e-centers); Units will not work if the server crashes or experiences technical problems.

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Hardware Options for the eSkwela Project

Model Description Price per unitCash out for 5 units + 1

serverCash out for 10 units + 1

serverRemarks

NcomputingModel L130

No PCI card to be installed on the server. Shares the server to the access devices through the switch and ethernet cables. One (1) access device, one workstation. Can share the server upto 29 computers. Recommended with centers that have workstations more than 10 meters away from the server.

An L130 kit includes only one (1) access device and the V-software installer.

P 9,999.00 TOTAL CASH OUTLAY:P 101,444.00 – if Ubuntu OS (open source) is usedP 113,473.00 – if Windows OS and MS Office will be used

Breakdown:P 49,995.00 – for five (5) units of L130 kit

P 24,850.00 – for five (5) of Bnew LCD monitors

P 800.00 – for five (5) of Bnew keyboards

P 600.00 - for five (5) of Bnew mouse

P 780.00 - for six (6) of Bnew 10m patch cords

P 1,950.00 – for five (5) of AVR

P 21,549.00 – one (1) server unit

P 920.00 – 8-port switch

P 8,530.00 – Windows 7 Professional OEM for server (not included in computation if Ubuntu)

P 3,499.00 – MS Office 2007 student for server (not included in computation if Ubuntu)

TOTAL CASH OUTLAY:P 181,689.00 – if Ubuntu OS will be usedP 193,718.00 – if Windows OS and MS Office will be used

Breakdown:P 99,990.00 – for ten (10) units of L130 kits

P 49,700.00 – for ten units of Bnew LCD monitors

P 1,600.00 – for ten (10) units of Bnew keyboards

P 1,200.00 – for ten (10) units of Bnew mouse

P 1,430.00 – for ten (11) pieces of 10m patch cords

P 3,900.00 - for ten (10) units of AVR

P 21,549.00 – one (1) server unit – complete with monitor

P 2,320 – 16-port switch

P 8,530.00 – Windows 7 Professional OEM for server (not included in computation if Ubuntu)

P 3,499.00 – MS Office 2007 student for server (not included in computation if Ubuntu)

P 2,320.00 – 16-port switch

Remarks:• same as the X-series, but has a

5-watt cosumption

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Hardware Options for the eSkwela Project

Model Description Price per unitCash out for 5 units + 1

serverCash out for 10 units + 1

serverRemarks

HMR PhilippinesRefurbished PCs

Petium IV 2.4 Ghz512MB RAM, 40GB HDD, CD-ROM, FDD, USB, SOUND and LAN CARD

w/ WinXP Professional OS and Office 2003

P 7,530.00 TOTAL CASH OUTLAY:P 62,849.00

Breakdown:P 37,650.00 – five (5) workstations

P 21,549.00 – one (1) server unit – complete with monitor

P 780.00 – five (5) pcs of 10m patch cords

P 1,950.00 – five (5) units of AVR

P 920.00 – 8-port switch

TOTAL CASH OUTLAY:P 104,369.00

Breakdown:P 75,300.00 – for ten (10) workstations

P 21,549.00 – one (1) server unit – complete with monitor

P 1,300.00 – for ten (10) pieces of 10m patch cords

P 3,900.00 - for ten (10) units of AVR

P 2,320.00 – 16-port switch

Remarks: • 3 mos warranty given by seller; • Comes with CRT monitor; option

for LCD but to add 3,000.00 pesos to price;

• Units comes from Australia and are refurbished units;

• Seller guarantees that the units are working when they buy them;

• Test unit tested by CICT is working and works well with the eSkwela model;

• Seller can also come up with refurbished server options.

Pros:• Lowest cost

Cons: • not sure how long they will last

or before the units experience problems;

• replacement parts may be hard to find since these are old models;

• may become considered outdated faster since these are old models;

• Power consumption is high since it is still a full system unit

• and Mid to high maintenance - Replacement/repairs that will be done is per unit since each unit is treated as a separate workstation.

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Hardware Options for the eSkwela Project

Model Description Price per unitCash out for 5 units + 1

serverCash out for 10 units + 1

serverRemarks

Brand new computer

(based on the minum requirements of the eSkwela Project; computed using SRP pricelists of major computer stores in the Philippines)

P 14,249.00/ workstationP 21,549.00/serverP 8,530.00 – Windows 7 Professional OEM for serverP 2,540.00 – Windows 7 Stater Edition OEM (per workstation)P 3,499.00 - MS Office 2007 student (per unit including server)

TOTAL CASH OUTLAY:P 95,894.00 - if Ubuntu OS (open source) is usedP 138,118.00 – if Windows OS and MS Office will be used

Breakdown:P 71,245.00 – for five (5) workstations

P 21,549.00 – server

P 780.00 – for five (5) pieces of 10m patch cords

P 920.00 – 8-port switch

P 8,530.00 – one (1) Windows 7 Professional OEM for server

P 12,700.00 – five (5) Windows 7 Stater Edition OEM for the 10 workstations (not included in computation if Ubuntu)

P 20,994.00 – six (6) units of MS Office 2007 student - per unit including server (not included in computation if Ubuntu)

TOTAL CASH OUTLAY:P 167,789.00 - if Ubuntu OS (open source) is usedP 240,208.00 – if Windows OS and MS Office will be used

Breakdown:P 142,490.00 – for ten (10) workstations

P 21,549.00 – server

P 1,430.00 – for eleven (11) pieces of 10m patch cords

P 2,320.00 – 16-port switch

P 8,530.00 – Windows 7 Professional OEM for server

P 25,400.00 – ten (10) Windows 7 Stater Edition OEM for the 10 workstations (not included in computation if Ubuntu)

P 38,489.00 - MS Office 2007 student - per unit including server (not included in computation if Ubuntu)

Remarks: Everything brand new

Pros: Can be used for different uses – graphics editing, simple video production, etc. (but this can also be done on the server)

Cons: • High power consumption since

each user will use a full system unit;

• Most of the computer resources (in terms of power and specs) are usually untapped with what is being done in most of the community e-centers. This translate to wasted energy and high electricity consumption;

• Mid to high maintenance - Replacement/repairs that will be done is per unit since each unit is treated as a separate workstation.

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Center Manager

The designated eSkwela Center Manager shall be responsible for overseeing, monitoring, and sustaining all aspects of the Center’s operations – both as an eLearning Center and as a Community eCenter. He/She shall be the main link among the eSkwela Project Management Office of CICT and local eSkwela Steering Committee. He/She shall report directly to the Head of the local eSkwela Steering Committee.

The eSkwela Center Manager is designated to manage the day-to-day operations of the Center, including but not limited to the following:

• ensure that the Center Policies and Procedures are enforced at all times;• ensure that the facilities of the center are maintained in good working order;• take responsibility for the administration of any money collected by the center on a daily basis,

if any;• maintain relevant up-to-date records for the center;

Together with the eSkwela PMO and the local eSkwela Steering Committee:• set up a schedule to maximize the use of the Center, with priority given to non-formal

educational purposes;• plan for and ensure technical and financial sustainability of the Center;• promote the Center to the community;• keep the community informed of the activities of the Center• Attend eSkwela-related meetings, conferences, and training workshops, as necessary;• Submit the following reports to the eSkwela PMO at the end of every quarter or as needed:

Progress/Operations Report, Monitoring and Evaluation Report, Financial Report, and Incident Report/s; and

• Undertake additional tasks to benefit the Center as directed by the local eSkwela Steering Committee and/or the eSkwela PMO.

Learning Facilitators

The designated eSkwela Learning Facilitator shall be responsible in assisting learners as they go through the non-formal education modules of eSkwela. He/She shall report directly to the designated eSkwela Center Manager.

The responsibilities of the eSkwela Learning Facilitator shall be as follows:

• Identify the learner’s entry level capacity through the completion of literacy tests;• Define the learners’ learning needs and identify the most appropriate means for meeting those

needs through the formulation of Individual Learning Agreements among the learners;• Provide necessary support for learners to achieve their learning goals through the use of

eSkwela learning modules and other supplementary materials;• Monitor the learning modules used by the learners based on the Individual Learning

Agreement;• Perform formative and summative assessment of learners’ learning;• Assist the learner in the completion of assessment requirements for accreditation and

certification;• Attend eSkwela-related meetings, conferences, and training workshops, as necessary; and• Submit all the necessary reports on the learners’ to the eSkwela Center Manager.

ANNEX C

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Network Administrator

The designated eSkwela Network Administrator shall be responsible for ensuring that the Center’s equipment and systems are working properly. He/She shall report directly to the designated eSkwela Center Manager.

The responsibilities of the eSkwela Network Administrator shall be as follows:

• Ensure that the hardware, software, and systems of the center are maintained in good working order and updated, as necessary;

• Maintain and update the eSkwela Learning Management System;• Recommend strategies to ensure technical sustainability of the Center;• Attend eSkwela-related meetings, conferences, and training workshops, as necessary;• Submit the following reports to the eSkwela Center Manager at the end of every month or as

needed: System Monitoring Report, Incident Report/s, and other relevant reports; and• Undertake additional tasks to benefit the Center as directed by the eSkwela Center Manager.

Regional CoordinatorsOnce the eSkwela Project has been successfully turned over to DepEd, the Regional Coordinator will assume the following roles:

1. Set-up of eSkwela Centers – provide handholding assistance to individuals and organizations interested in setting up an eSkwela Center within the region, which includes the following:

• respond and provide assistance to inquiries about the eSkwela project;

• conduct project orientation meetings with potential eSkwela partners;

• assess eSkwela Application Forms and recommend strategies on how to meet the requirements in setting up and eSkwela Center

• validate data gathered in the eSkwela Application Forms through site visits;

• facilitate the preparation of eSkwela capability building activities, including training workshops for eSkwela learning facilitators, network administors, and center managers.

• Prepare the draft Memorandum Of Agreement (MOA) among the eSkwela partners, as well as include revisions from the partners in the final version

• Represent the eSkwela Project in related events and activities in the assigned region, which includes the following:

• inauguration ceremony of a new eSkwela Center;

• education events where eSkwela is invited (e.g., exhibit, fair, expo, conference)

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• Prepare project advocacy materials as needed (brochures, sample e-modules, tarps, slide presentations)

2. Operations and Sustainability of the eSkwela Centers – monitor and evaluate the eSkwela Centers within the region, including the following:

• Provide templates of the M&E forms to be filled up by the eSkwela Center implementers;

• Gather accomplished M&E forms on a regular basis

• Conduct announced and unannounced site visits

• During site visits, conduct the following M&E methods:

• Steering Commitee meeting

• interview / focus group discussion with learners

• interview / focus group discussion with implementers

• observation (documented in a site visit report)

• Consolidate and analyze M&E data through periodic reports, to be submitted to DepED-BALS.

• Using the M&E data as basis, recommend strategies on improving the operations of the eSkwela Centers and ensuring their sustainability.

Steering Committee

• Supervise the preparations for the Center’s operations;• Grant permission for the Learning Facilitators, Center Manager, and Network Administrator to

undergo training as deemed appropriate by CICT and/or DepED;• Conduct regular steering committee meetings to discuss and decide on concerns and issues

pertinent to the Center’s implementation and operation;• Undertake additional tasks to benefit the Center.

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Guidelines: Filling out the eSkwela Application Form

• Please make sure that you fill out all items completely. Please provide details as necessary, particularly on the section “AVAILABILITY OF INFRASTRUCTURE REQUIREMENTS”.

• Please make sure that the application form is duly signed by the head of the organization initiating the setting up of an eSkwela Center.

• Include photos of the proposed site:◦ at least 2 photos of the interior room◦ at least 2 photos of the exterior building/room◦ photos of the computer units◦ photos of the Center Manager, Network Administrator and Learning Facilitator/s

• Your DepEd eSkwela Regional Team will send an application assessment which includes recommendations in order for the proposed site to move forward in the set-up process.

• You can send a scanned copy of the duly accomplished and signed application form and the required photos via email to the eSkwela Regional Coordinator assigned in your area:

CAR Jose A. Bogwana [email protected] Region 7 Vivian L. Yarte [email protected]

Region 1 Vivian Luz S. Pagatpatan [email protected] Region 8 Victoria A. Briones [email protected]

Region 2 Romulo S. Ancheta [email protected] Region 9 Lucena C. Yañez [email protected]

Region 3 Reynaldo F. Licay [email protected] Region 10 Edith B. Lago-Ortega [email protected]

Region 4A Elaine T. Balaogan [email protected] Region 11 Henry Antonio R. Pasquito [email protected]

Region 4B Mariflor B. Musa [email protected] Region 12 Johnny M. Sumugat [email protected]

Region 5 Ricardo M. Tejeresas [email protected] CARAGA Marilyn F. Antiquina [email protected]

Region 6 No Regional Coordinator [email protected] ARMM No Regional Coordinator [email protected]

NCR Felicino C. Trongco [email protected]

• When sending the eSkwela application documents via email, please indicate in subject heading:“eSkwela Application Form - <location of proposed site>”

ANNEX D

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APPLICATION FORM

Please indicate (mark with an “x) the organization initiating the set-up of an eSkwela Center:DepED LGU NGO Civic Org Other If other, please

specify:     

If DepED initiated, please indicate the following:

Region      

Contact Person (for eSkwela set-up and this form)

Name      ALS Division, District       Position      Location of potential site (please indicate exact address

      Office / Organization

     

If Non-DepED initiated, please indicate the following:

Name of Organization       Telephone      Location of proposed site (please indicate exact address)

     Email      

Target Date of eSkwela Operations:       AVAILABILITY OF INFRASTRUCTURE REQUIREMENTS

Space/RoomTarget Number of OSYAs for first batch of eSkwela learners:

     

Schedule of eSkwela sessions (Please mark planned operating hours and days with an “X”)

Room Size

(in sq. mtrs.)

Electric Outlets (no. of slots)

Aircon(no. of units)

Circuit Breakers(availability and use)

AM M T W Th F Sat Sun

     square meters

     slots

     

No circuit breakers installed

computers and airconditioning units share one circuit breaker

separate circuit breakers for computers and airconditioning units

8:00 – 9:00

9:00 – 10:00

10:00 – 11:00

11:00 – 12:00

PM

1:00 – 2:00Worktable

WorkSpace

Chairs (no. of chairs)

Computer Tables2:00 – 3:00

3:00 – 4:00 Available

Not Available

Available

Not Available

     

Lacks tables for units

Uses long tables, units / users are placed / positioned very close together

Uses long tables, with ample space between units / users

one table for each computer

4:00 – 5:00

5:00 – 6:00

6:00 – 7:00

7:00 – 8:00

8:00 – 9:00

DATE RECEIVED BY DEPED:

______________________

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Computers Yes No Internet Yes NoIf yes, what Dial-up DSL /

Broadbandtype (mark x)

How many?      

If yes, indicate service provider:      

If Broadband, What speed?      

Computer Specs - GeneralYes No

Do the computers run on Windows? (if yes, please indicate version – Windows 98, 2000, XP or Vista)Can you play audio (CDs, mp3s) in the computers?Can you play video (VCDs, DVDs) in the computers?Are the computer units networked? (with LAN cables or wireless)

Computer Specs - DetailedYou may ask the resident IT/computer expert in your office (Network Administrator, MIS, programmer):

Technical SpecsPerformance Multimedia Capability

Internet / Network-Ready

Processor MemoryHard Disk

Hard Disk (available

space

Sound Card

Video Card

Monitor Headset LAN Card

1 Server PC

Intel Pentium III (less than 866MHz)

Intel Pentium III (866MHz and above)

Intel Pentium Dual Core and above

Less than 1GB

1GB

More than 1GB

Less than 80GB

80GB

More than 80 GB

Less than 10GB

10GB

More than 10GB

Thin clients / NComputing

Built-in

Separate sound card

None

Built-in

Separate video card

None

CRT

LCD

No

Yes

None

LAN Card

Wireless LAN Adapter

SoftwareType Software Name License Type Version

Operating System

      Licensed

Open Source

Unlicensed

     

Application

      Licensed

Open Source

Unlicensed

     

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Technical SpecsPerformance Multimedia Capability

Internet / Network-Ready

Processor MemoryHard Disk

Hard Disk (available

space

Sound Card

Video Card

Monitor Headset LAN Card

Workstation PCsNumber of Units:

     

Intel Pentium III (less than 866MHz)

Intel Pentium III (866MHz and above)

Intel Pentium Dual Core and above

Think clients / NComputing

Less than 512MB

512MB

More than 512MB

Thin clients / NComputing

Less than 40GB

40GB

More than 40 GB

Less than 10GB10GB

More than 10GB

Thin clients / NComputing

Built-in

Separate sound card

None

Built-in

Separate video card

None

CRT

LCD

Less than half of the units have headsets

Half of the computers have headsets

More than half of the computers have headsets

None

LAN Card

Wireless LAN Adapter

SoftwareType Software Name License Type Version

Operating System

      Licensed

Open Source

Unlicensed

     

Application

      Licensed

Open Source

Unlicensed

     

AVAILABILITY OF STAFF REQUIREMENTSCenter Manager Network Administrator

Name            Office / Organization            Please indicate relevant experience (educational background, work experience, training)

           

Learning Facilitators How Many?      

Name Position / Designation

Relevant Experience (yes or no)Trained in ALS?

(If Yes, please indicate date of training)

Computer user? / Does he make use of the computer for routinary tasks

(e.g. reports, letters, etc)?

Does he/she make use of the Internet (e.g. e-mail, browsing,

chat)?

1.                             

2.                             

3.                             

4.                             

5.                             

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Community InvolvementPlease indicate (mark with an “X”) the involvement of your community in the implementation of eSkwela (please specify for NGO, Civic Org, or Other):

How can eSkwela, as a project, serve your organization, your community and its out-of-school youth and adults?

     DepED LGU NGO

Civic Org Other

Provision of Space/Room for eSkwela      Renovation of space/room (if needed)      Electricity      Internet      Airconditioning Units      Headsets      Computer Tables and Chairs      Supplies (print modules – for modules where eSkwela e-modules are not yet available; materials for learner portfolio)

     

Computers      License for OS (if proprietary; i.e. Windows)      Repair and Maintenance of computers      Center Manager, salary      Network Administrator, salary      Learning Facilitators, salary      

Accomplished by:(Name & Signature)

      Noted by:(Name & Signature of Immediate Superior / Head of Organization)

     

Position/ Designation:       Position/ Designation:      

Contact Number/s:     

Contact Number/s:     

E-mail Address:       E-mail Address:      revised as of 17 May 2011

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Details – Memorandum of AgreementPlease fill up completely and send back to CICT ([email protected])

NOTE: This form will help CICT prepare the final MOA for your eSkwela Center; Principal and Witness signatories DO NOT have to sign this form – we are only asking for the relevant information, as requested below.

1. ORGANIZATION

1A. COMPLETE NAME 1B. INITIALS

1C. REGISTERED UNDER

(Include No.)

1D. COMPLETE ADDRESS

Department of Education Division of ___________

2. PRINCIPAL SIGNATORY

2A. ORGANIZATION

(Initials)

2B. COMPLETE NAME

2C. POSITION 2D. GOVERNMENT ISSUED ID

Type No. Date of Issue

Place of Issue

DEPED DIVISION Schools Division Superintendent

3. WITNESS

3A. ORGANIZATIO

N(Initials)

3B. COMPLETE NAME 3C. POSITION

DEPED DIVISION

ANNEX E

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GUIDELINES – Memorandum of Agreement (review and signing)

IA. Memorandum of Agreement (draft)

1. The MOA draft is based on a previous template reviewed by the CICT legal office (pre-turnover to DepEd), and has been consulted with and approved by the DepEd-BALS eSkwela team. Please focus on reviewing the tasks and responsibilities of the parties of your organization and not so much on the style, format, or syntax.

2. Please have the MOA reviewed by the head of the local partners or their alternate / designate. Also, please bear in mind that the draft version of the MOA is not intended to be printed and signed yet. The DepEd-eSkwela Regional Team will prepare the final version after gathering the details (as specified in II. MOA Details Form) and revisions particular to your eSkwela Center. A copy of the final version will be sent to you via email (based on the revisions in the said draft MOA), for printing and signing of the local partner signatories.

ANNEX F

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3. Please coordinate with the other partners of your eSkwela Center re: the review of each organization's duties and responsibilities at the eSkwela Center. You may refer to the table below for the partners applicable to your Center:

eSkwela local Partner Office to contact re: review of eSkwela MOA

DepEd Division Office* Schools Division Superintendent

LGU If barangay: Barangay ChairmanIf municipality/city: Mayor

If province: Governor

NGO / Civic org President / Chairman or equivalent

Church / religious group Pastor / Bishop or equivalent

Local business Owner / proprietor

*For the non-DepEd-led eSkwela Centers, please bear in mind that the DepEd Division Office will be included as one of the eSkwela Center's local partners.

We highly recommend that you set an appointment with the concerned signatories for MOA review and secure verbal approval in the same meeting to avoid unnecessary delays.

4. Once the MOA has been reviewed by all the partners, please inform your respective eSkwela Regional Coordinator (RC) or a member of the DepEd-eSkwela Regional Team. You may also clarify or raise questions on the MOA via telephone or email (contact information available at http://alseskwela.ning.com/page/eskwela-faqs-for-potential)

5. The DepEd-eSkwela Regional Team (RT) will prepare the final version of the MOA (including the revisions and signature fields per page), and will be sent to you via email for printing. The routing of the MOA for signing (principal and witness) is as follows:

• RT sends final MOA soft copy via email to local partners • local partners print and sign the MOA• local partners to send signed MOA copies back to RT• DepEd Regional Office to sign the MOA• RT to send signed and notarized MOAs to local partners

Again, we highly recommend for you to set an appointment with the concerned signatories and have the MOAs signed in the same meeting to avoid unnecessary delays.

Number of original copiesThe number of original copies of the MOA is dependent on the number of partners for your eSkwela. If for example the local partners of your eSkwela include the DepEd Division Office and an additional organization, you will print 5 copies, the breakdown of which is as follows:

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Group No. of original copies

DepEd Division Office 1

Additional organization (could be LGU/NGO/civic org etc.

1

DepEd Regional Office 2(1 for records, 1 for Regional Team)

Notary Public 1

The CICT-eSkwela Project Team will keep in touch with you to assist once the MOAs have been finalized.

IB. MOA Details Form

1. In relation with the eSkwela draft MOA, the following information on the local partners are needed to prepare the final version:

• official, complete address of each partner• details of principal and witness per local partner - including complete name, position,

Passport Number and date of place and issue (principal signatory only; if principal does not have a passport, a valid government-issued ID - GSIS / SSS / Driver's License / PRC - may be used instead. Community Tax Certificate, or CTC Nos., also known as cedulas are no longer accepted in MOAs.

2. Please furnish your RC/RT with the aforementioned information by fillling out the attached eSkwela MOA Details Form.

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eSkwela Training Programs1. Basic course on ALS (5 days) – required training before eSkwela LF training

The basic course on ALS is suited particularly for those who are implementing the eSkwela project but are not from the DepED BALS. The content of the training are the following:

• Advocacy and Social Mobilization• Network and Linkages• Assessment of Learners• Teaching and Learning Strategies• Utilization of digitized modules and LMS• Community immersion

For those who would like to avail of this training, you may send a letter of request to DepED BALS. DepED BALS will send the trainers so the schedule of this training has to be coordinated with them. You would also have to shoulder the transportation, meals and accommodations of the trainers.

2. Learning Facilitator’s Training(5 days)

The LF training looks into reviewing the eSkwela instructional model and the appropriate strategies to be used for teaching. Its main objective is to orient and train its participants on the effective use of ICT to improve the teaching and learning process in the context of alternative education. It is hoped that the participants will be equipped to enable their teaching to be more:

• Learner-centered• Thematic• Blended• Experiential

The training introduces the participants to the use of a discussion forum as a tool for stimulating critical thinking and a way in which learners can interact with their co-learners and facilitators. It also emphasizes the principle of project-based learning wherein learners do projects that integrate life skills and lessons learned from the module. Lastly, it presents relevant monitoring procedures and alternative assessment strategies (e.g. performance-based, online, contextualized activities) and how it can be applied.

The participants of this training are the Learning Facilitators (paid and/or volunteers).

3. Network Administration Training

The Network Administration training aims to equip lab managers and technicians with skills on networking systems and procedures as well as proper equipment maintenance. They will also be trained on the use of the Edubuntu operating system, as well as the installation and maintenance of the digitized modules and the LMS.

ANNEX G

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The participants of this training are the assigned Network Administrators or the person assigned to provide technical support to the eSkwela center.

4. Center Management Training

The Center Management training covers the eSkwela set-up, operations and sustainability. Its main objective is to train the participants in setting up, operating and sustaining an eSkwela center.

The participants of this training are the Center Managers and a representative from the local eSkwela steering committee.

Trainee QualificationseSkwela centers should be guided by the selection criteria in sending participants for the training. The basic qualifications are as follows:

1. Training for Learning Facilitators

1.1 Should have already undergone the Basic Training on ALS• understands the 4As of adult learning• can identify active learning strategies • familiar with pre-entry requirements of a learner such as FLT and ILA

1.2 Familiar with various learner assessment strategies (authentic assessment, teacher-made tests)

1.3 Are regular computer and Internet users (not just computer literate, i.e. must be using the Internet and office productivity tools for regular work, research, and communications)

• can do basic computer operations i.e. starting-up a computer, moving and clicking the mouse, identifying and using toolbars and icons

• can create documents using productivity tools such as MS Word/Writer, Excel/Calc, Powerpoint/Impress

• can search information using a web browser i.e. yahoo, google• uses e-Mail to communicate and exchange information• familiar with other communication tools (chat, social networking sites,

forum)

1.4 Will be assigned as learning facilitator in the eSkwela center

2. Training for Network Administrators2.1 Have a working understanding and knowledge of computer and network equipment, peripheral devices, software applications and drivers

• Can install and configure a variety of computer components to work together properly

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• Can install/configure/(patch)/manipulate operating systems, software applications and drivers (open source or proprietary)

2.2 Demonstrate knowledge in computer networking• Understands networking concepts (network topologies, protocols, etc.)• Understand the meaning of common error messages• Able to install and configure a simple local area network

2.3 Perform maintenance of computer hardware and network• can determine hardware or software problems• install and update anti-virus, anti-spyware and other software

applications to secure and maintain computers and networks• can develop laboratory policies, procedures, and practices related to

use of computers/technology

2.4 Exposure to ubuntu/open source software

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./ CICT

./ Cebu City Government

./ Rotary Club of Cebu, Cebu PortCentre

./ Hon. Joy Augustus Young

./ Hon. Jocelyn G. Pesquera

With deep gratitude, we wouldlike to express our heartfelt '

gratefulness and sincerestappreciation to all those who inne way or another I contributed

the success of this momentousevent.

pecial thanks to the following:

Dr. Emmanuel C. Lallananlls serves as your IDYUanOD

ANNEX H

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PART I - LAUNCHING CEREMONY

Invocation....................................... Mrs. Rebecca T. OuanoTejero ALS, Coordinator,Center Manager

Pambansang Awit........................... Dr. Victorina S. VelosoES1, ALS

Welcome Remarks.......................... Dr. Lorna E. RaneesSchools DivisionSuperintendent

Acknowledgement .

Greetings .

Project Overview .

Message

Introduction of the Guest of Honor ..

Mr. Woodrow M. DenuyoAsst. Schools Div. Superintendent

Hon. Tomas R. OsmenaMayor - Cebu City

Dr. Emmanuel C. LallanaOutgoing CICTCommissioner

Dr. Angelo Timoteo M.Diaz de RiveraCICT Commissioner

Dr. Carolino B. MordenoDirector IV, DepED RO VII

Honorary Message _..,' ;~• Hon. Jesli A. LapusDepEd Secretary

Launching Statements :......... Dir. Goffrey L. RodriguezDirector IV, CICT RO VII

Mr. Antonio D. YnocPresident, Rotary Club ofCebu, Port Center

PART II. Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

PART III. Blessing of the eSkwela Laboratory

PART IV. Signing of MOA and Deed of Donation by the 4 Partneragencies

CICT4- LGU~ DepEd4- Rotary Club of Cebu, Port Centre

PART V. Merienda Cena

M,. A,.d,llW SOlO,.~g>~

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Page 1 of 2

Interview Schedule

Notes: a. These questions may be asked in individual interviews or during a focused group

discussion with LFs. b. If possible, please do an audio recording of the interview/ discussion. c. Answers may vary depending on which module/module guide. You need to probe

which they are referring to when they give a particular answer. Or you could take up each module separately (one by one).

Name of Center: ________________________________________________________ Date: _________________________________________________________________ Interviewees/FGD Participants: ____________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ 1) On average, how long does it take for a learner to complete a module using the

module guide?

2) Are the learners participating in the discussion forum? How often? How do you find the quality of their participation?

3) What do you think are the advantages of having the discussion forum? What are the disadvantages of having the discussion forum, if any?

4) Are the learners making use of the recommended Web resources listed on the module guide? 4a) If yes, do they find the resources useful for learning the module better?

ANNEX I

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Page 2 of 2

4b) If not, why are they not using the recommended Web resources?

5) Are the learners doing the project specified in the module guide? 5a) If yes, what has been their experience in doing the project? For example, do they doing the project difficult? Do they think it is worth their while and useful for meeting the module objectives? 5b) If not, why do they think are they not doing the project?

6) How useful are the module guides in helping the learners meet module objectives?

7) What suggestions or recommendations do you have for improving the usefulness of the e-modules? the module guides?

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Page 1 of 2

Interview Schedule - Learners

Notes: a. These questions may be asked in individual interviews or during a focused group

discussion with the learners. b. If possible, please do an audio recording of the interview/ discussion. c. Answers may vary depending on which module/module guide. You need to probe

which they are referring to when they give a particular answer. Or you could take up each module separately (one by one).

Name of Center: ________________________________________________________ Date: _________________________________________________________________ Interviewees/FGD Participants: ____________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________ 1) Madali n’yo bang nasundan ang module guide? Bakit? 2) Nasubukan na ba ninyo na sumagot sa discussion forum? (Have you participated in

the discussion forum?) a) Kung oo, nakatulong ba ang forum para lalong madagdagan ang inyong

kaalaman? (If yes, did the forum increase your knowledge on the subject

matter?)

b) Kung hindi, bakit hindi kayo nakasagot ng forum? (If no, why did you not

participate in the forum?)

3) Ginamit n’yo ba o binasa ang mga recommended web resources na nakasulat sa

module guide? (Did you use/read the recommended Web resources listed on the module guide?) a) Kung oo, nakatulong ba ito sa inyo para mas maintindihan ang modyul? (If yes, did you find the resources useful for learning the module better?)

ANNEX J

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Page 2 of 2

b) Kung hindi, bakit hindi ninyo ginamit ang web resources? (If not, why are they not using the recommended Web resources?)

4) Ginawa nyo ba ang project na nakalagay sa module guide? (Did you do the project specified in the module guide?) a) Kung oo, ano ang naging experience n’yo sa paggawa ng project? Nakatulong ba ito para mas lumawak ang inyong kaalaman? Ano ang pinakamahirap o pinaka-challenging sa paggawa ng project? (If yes, what has been their experience in doing the project? For example, do they find doing the project difficult? Do they think it is worth their while and useful for meeting the module objectives?) b) Kung hindi, bakit hindi kayo gumawa ng project? (If not, why do they think are they not doing the project?)

5) Sa pangkalahatan, nakatulong ba ang module guides sa pag-aaral ninyo ng eModule? Paano ito nakatulong? (How useful are the module guides in helping the learners meet module objectives?)

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Site ProfileSite Control No. Date of Site Launch Complete Site Address

Building / Street City Province

Site PartnersName of Organization Address Current Head of Organization Telephone No. Organization’s Contribution

Steering Committee(member orgs should be Site Partners)

Name of Organization Name Position Start Date Telephone No. Email Address

Site ImplementersName Position Organization Start Date Telephone No. Email Address

Center Manager

Network Administrator

Facilitators (Teachers)

ANNEX K

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Spot Check Rating Sheet Announced SiteUnannounced Date of Visit

4 3 2 1 Score 4 1 Score

0 Electricity

There is power/electricity No power/electricity

0

0

connected not connected

0

0 AC Unit

working not working

0

Learners 0

Present Absent

0

0

Present Absent

0

AVE. SCORE 0.00 out of 4

Accomplished by:

Working condition, computers

All of the units are in good working

condition

More than half of the units are in good working

condition

Half of the units are in good

working condition

Less than half of the units are god working stations

Access to eSkwela

LMS

All of the units can access the

eSkwela LMS

More than half of the units can access the

eSkwela LMS

Half of the units can access the eSkwelaLMS

Less than half of the units can access the

eSkwela LMSInternet

(connection)

Working headsets

All of the headsets are working

More than half of the headsets are

working

Half of the headsets are

working

Less than half of the units are

working

All scheduled learners are

present

More than half of the scheduled learners are

present

Half of the schedule learners

are present

Less than half of the scheduled learners are

present Learning Facilitator

Internet(access per

unit)

All units have Internet access

More than half of the units have Internet access

Half of the units have Internet

access

Less than half of the units have Internet access

Center Manager

ANNEX L

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Site Visit Report

Date of VisitSiteTime start

Name Organization1

2

Note

Time End Prepared by

ANNEX M

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Commission on Information and Communications Technology

Department of EducationRegion ____

Division of ______________

Schedule of eSkwela Learning SessionsS.Y._______________

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY(enter time slot here) (Enter name of assigned

teacher here)(Enter name of assigned teacher here)

(Enter name of assigned teacher here)

(Enter name of assigned teacher here)

(Enter name of assigned teacher here)

(Enter name of assigned teacher here)

(enter time slot here) (Enter name of assigned teacher here)

(Enter name of assigned teacher here)

(Enter name of assigned teacher here)

(Enter name of assigned teacher here)

(Enter name of assigned teacher here)

(Enter name of assigned teacher here)

(enter time slot here) (Enter name of assigned teacher here)

(Enter name of assigned teacher here)

(Enter name of assigned teacher here)

(Enter name of assigned teacher here)

(Enter name of assigned teacher here)

(Enter name of assigned teacher here)

(enter time slot here) (Enter name of assigned teacher here)

(Enter name of assigned teacher here)

(Enter name of assigned teacher here)

(Enter name of assigned teacher here)

(Enter name of assigned teacher here)

(Enter name of assigned teacher here)

(enter time slot here) (Enter name of assigned teacher here)

(Enter name of assigned teacher here)

(Enter name of assigned teacher here)

(Enter name of assigned teacher here)

(Enter name of assigned teacher here)

(Enter name of assigned teacher here)

(enter time slot here) (Enter name of assigned teacher here)

(Enter name of assigned teacher here)

(Enter name of assigned teacher here)

(Enter name of assigned teacher here)

(Enter name of assigned teacher here)

(Enter name of assigned teacher here)

(enter time slot here) (Enter name of assigned teacher here)

(Enter name of assigned teacher here)

(Enter name of assigned teacher here)

(Enter name of assigned teacher here)

(Enter name of assigned teacher here)

(Enter name of assigned teacher here)

(enter time slot here) (Enter name of assigned teacher here)

(Enter name of assigned teacher here)

(Enter name of assigned teacher here)

(Enter name of assigned teacher here)

(Enter name of assigned teacher here)

(Enter name of assigned teacher here)

(enter time slot here) (Enter name of assigned teacher here)

(Enter name of assigned teacher here)

(Enter name of assigned teacher here)

(Enter name of assigned teacher here)

(Enter name of assigned teacher here)

(Enter name of assigned teacher here)

Prepared by: Recommended Approval: Approved by:

(position) (position) (position)

ANNEX N

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Minutes of Steering CommitteeDate of Meeting Site Name VenueTime start Site Ctrl. No.Participants

Name Organization Remarks1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

Agenda

ANNEX O

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SummaryConcern raised Action point Lead org/person Remarks

Other Concerns

Time End Prepared by

Date Prepared

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ANNEX P

A Grant Proposal for the Set-up of aneSkwela Center in ______________

Submitted to: (Name of Grant Organization)Submitted by: (Name of Organization submitting the proposal)

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Executive Summary

The (name of organization) requests that (name of grant organization) support the eSkwela project (a community based e-Learning center for Out-of-School youth and adults) in (name of area here), by providing for the (specify project component) requirement of the project.

(Insert brief background on the locality (district/region) where you plan to set-up an eSkwela Center. Also, include the number of out-school-youth and adults in said locality).

The eSkwela program has had significant success in bringing learning opportunities enhanced by Information and Communications Technology to the out-of-school youth and adults in the Philippines. The Commission on Information and Communications Technology (CICT) and Department of Education - Bureau of Alternative Learning System (DepEd-BALS) – has worked together in recent years, with the local stakeholders – Local Government Units (LGUs), Deparment of Education Division Offices, Non-Government Organizations (NGOs), civic groups, faith-based groups and local businesses - to realize the establishment and operations of eSkwela Centers across the country. The work done by these partners groups has been appreciated by implementing ALS teachers and OSYA learners nationwide. eSkwela as a project has also benn duly recognized internationally (recipient of Certificate of Commendation at the 2007-2008 UNESCO ICT in Education Awards; Honorable Mention at the 2010 UNESCO King Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa Prize for the Use of ICT in Education; Laureate, Computer World Honor's Program).

The success of eSkwela would not have been achieved if not for the critical support provided by local partners. With the same support from both key proponents and local partners, we intend to bring the eSkwela Project to (insert locality/area here. Once realized, the eSkwela Center will serve (insert number of target OSYs and adults to be served by your eSkwela) out-of-school youth and adults in our community. Consequently, the eSkwela learners can gain an equivalent of a high shool diploma, land better jobs and learn life skills.

The Problem

Studies show an increasing number of school age Filipinos that are out of school. A huge percentage of Filipino children and youth aged 6 to 17 years are not attending school. The Department of Education (DepEd) estimated that, in 2003, there were a total of 5.18 million out-of-school youth (1.84 million out-of-school children aged 6 to 11 years old, and 3.94 million young people aged 12 to 15) in the country.1

Further, around 17 million Filipinos – about 20% of the population – have not finished the country’s basic education requirements.

1 Guerrero, C.S. / Bureau of Alternative Learning System. Alternative Learning System: The Other Side of Basic Education. Presentation delivered by Guerrero, C.S., Director of the Department of Education’s Bureau of Alternative Learning System. Metro Manila: Department of Education, 2004.

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(Insert baseline info on number of OSYs and adults in your area here).

The dropout rate for secondary public schools in the Philippines has also significantly increased from 9% in SY 1998-1999 to 13.10% in SY 2002-2003. The completion rate for the latter School Year was pegged at 59.79% -- meaning, out of ten secondary school students, only six actually graduate to the next level. It is further estimated that only four out of ten youths who enter elementary school get to finish high school, as seen in the Cohort Survival Trend graph shown on the right. The graph shows that for every 100 students that enter the formal education system at Grade 1, only 66 graduate from Grade 6 while only 43 graduate from 4th year high school. Every year, there are more and more young people who should be attending schools but are not, due to various reasons.

As illustrated in the succeeding chart (2003 Functional Literacy, Education and Mass Media Survey), parents cite these leading reasons why their children do not attend schools:

• working or looking for work (mostly males) - 30%• lack interest in going to school - 22%• high cost of education - 20% (n.b. – basic education in the country is free; as

such, “cost” would include personal transportation fare, meal allowance, clothing, expenses for materials, projects, etc.)

100

66

58 4

3 23

14

0

34

42 5

7 77

86

0

20

40

60

80

100

Grade 1

Grade 6Graduat

e

HS I

HS IVGraduat

e

College I

CollegeGraduat

e

Enter/Stay

Drop Out

source: Department of Education

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While the Department of Education seeks to bring these young people back to the formal education system, studies show that the existing full-time education model being used by traditional education systems does not work for these out-of-school youngsters.

(Describe the educational situation in your community. Provide hard / numerical data. You may get this from the DepEd Division Office or the LGU).

DepEd's Bureau of Alternative Learning System

In response to this, the Bureau of Alternative Learning System of the Department of Education (DepEd-BALS) has been mandated by virtue of Executive Order No. 356 (September 14, 2004), "to protect and promote the right of all citizen to quality basic education and to promote the right of all citizens to quality basic education and such education accessible to all by providing all Filipino children in the elementary level and free education in the high school level. Such education shall also include alternative learning system for out-of school youth and adult learners." (Section 2 of PA. 9155, The Governance of Basic Education Act of 2001)

The Bureau has developed and is currently implementing various programs, including the Accreditation and Equivalency Program – a self-paced alternative learning / non-formal program that allows learners to proceed with their basic education and prepare

Employment / looking for work30.5%

Lack of personal interest22.0%

High cost of education19.9%

Housekeeping11.8%

Cannot cope w/ school work2.2%

Others9.3%

Illness/disability 2.5%

School is very far1.5%

No school w/in area0.4%

SOURCE: 2003 FLEMMS

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them to take the Accreditation and Equivalency Certification Exam, which if they pass, serves as an equivalent to the High School diploma.2

Unfortunately, despite the big number of target clients, the Bureau receives less than 1% (in the year 2005, the figure was at 0.068%) of the total education budget.

Program Description

To respond to the needs of this underserved sector of society, the Commission on Information and Communications Technology – Human Capital Development Group (CICT-HCDG), in close coordination with DepEd-BALS, proposed to establish Community e-Learning Centers that would be dedicated to serve the learning needs of the out-of-school youth and adult learners through ICT. These e-Learning centers would be called eSkwela – a play on the vernacular equivalent of “school”.

The eSkwela Project is envisioned to provide ICT-enhanced educational opportunities for Filipino out-of-school youth and adults. It likewise aims to help reduce the digital divide and enhance the capacity of these individuals to be successful participants in a global and knowledge-based economy. The initiative responds directly to a national development priority and brings e-learning opportunities and ICT for learning resources to mobile teachers / instructional managers and out-of-school learners in the Philippines in an exciting, innovative, and locally meaningful way.

Under this project, community-based e-Learning Centers or eSkwelas are being established in major centers around the country to conduct ICT-enhanced alternative education programs for interested individuals. These centers serve as venues where out-of-school learners and other community members can learn new life skills and competencies, and/or help prepare learners to rejoin the formal school system, if so desired.

Because of the success of the eSkwela project, it has been upgraded into a regular program and management has been turned over by CICT to DepEd on 1 May 2011,

It is envisioned to provide three tracks to participating learners:

1. Accreditation and Equivalency (A&E) Program – the project provides an ICT-based A&E Program that will enable learners to complete their basic education;

2. Review/ Catch-up opportunity for those who wish to return to formal schooling (i.e. for those who temporarily drop out due to illness, to help out in the farm during the harvest season, etc.)

3. Livelihood – (using existing and planned e-learning modules geared for skills development, livelihood, entrepreneurship, and cottage industries) or ICT-

2 Renaming the Bureau of NonFormal Education to Bureau of Alternative Learning System. http://ops.gov.ph/records/eo_no356.htm accessed: November 17, 2007.

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related skills (e.g. Digital Media Arts Program) for out-of-school adults, housewives, and other community members who wish to update their skills;

eSkwela Centers

There are currently 95 eSkwela Centers across the country, who have so far brought ICT-enhanced learning opportunities to more than 6,000 learners. The eSkwela program encourages a community-led approach, as reflected in the relevant program components:

• Content – CICT and DepEd took on the role of converting the 340 ALS print modules into digital form, taking advantage of ICT features that otherwise are not present in its print counterpart. Additionally, 4 vocational / technical modules from TESDA are being developed – also to be included in eSkwela as an extension program.

• Stakeholder’s Training – DepEd is in the process of conducting a series of training courses for eSkwela Learning Facilitators and Network Administrators. A pool of trainors was formed from the local DepEd officers and staff (one trainor pool per region) and have undergone trainor's training with CICT, they in turn will train the would-be site implementers within their respective regions.

• Infrastructure – This where the local community can come in as partners and provide support. Computer hardware, network peripherals, Internet connection, and allocation of space / room for the Center will be the conuterpart of the local community (LGU, DepEd Division Office, NGO, civic organization, faith-based groups, local businesses)

Distribution of responsibilities (addressing requirements) in eSkwela Center set-up

Requirement DepEd (BALS, Regional Office)

DepEd Division Office

Local Partner (LGU, NGO, civic org, faith-based group, local business)

Content

Training of Center staff

Computers

Space / room

Monitoring and Evaluation

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Plans for eSkwela Setup and Operations

In order to realize the objective of setting-up an eSkwela in (insert name of proposed area), a detailed plan has been laid out, further subdivided into four stages, namely pre-implementation, preparation, and implementation.

Stage 1: Pre Implementation Stage

The (insert name of lead local partner) will spearhead the community mobilization through an orientation on the project and the opportunities where each group can come in as a supporter. It will organize a community mobilization meeting to be attended by the critical stakeholders: the Local Government Unit (LGU), the local Alternative Learning System (ALS) office. The participation of other local organizations (civic orgs, NGOs) is equally important; hence they will also be invited to participate in the initial community mobilization meeting.

Stage 2: Preparation Stage

After the community mobilization series of meeting, commitments from the stakeholders would have been fleshed out. (Insert the details of the support coming from the community – which group/office/agency will provide what project component. Write in narrative and in table/chart form).

Stage 3: Implementation Stage

(this portion should include the following: schedule of learning sessions, IMs and Mobile Teachers, eSkwela site implementers, enrollment process, house rules, and the learning process with emphasis on the blended learning approach)

COST ESTIMATE AND FINANCING PLAN

The estimated cost of setting up an eSkwela Center in _________ is at (amount), with the cost breakdown below (adjust accordingly):

ITEM QUANTITY COST (unit) TOTAL

Computer workstations 21 P15,000.00 P300,000.00

Server 1 20,000 20,000

Scanner 1 5,000 5,000

Printer (inkjet) 1 7,500 7,500

Supplies (in detail, per item)

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Utilities

Electricity

Internet (DSL)

Salaries/Honorarium

Center Manager

Network Administrator

ALS Teachers

TOTAL

(please write how much you would ask for this proposal and for which component – VERY IMPORTANT).

It is also critical to write about the expected impact of an eSkwela Center in your community. You may mention the number of OSYAs who would benefit from this program, how they were given a fighting chance (opportunities to pursue higher education, get a job, or simply learn a new life skill) through the eSkwela project.

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ORDINANCE NO. SP-______ S-2008 ANNEX Q (PO2008-###)

AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING THE (NAME OF PROVINCE/MUNICIPALITY/CITY) ALTERNATIVE LEARNING PROGRAM THAT WILL PLAN AN D COORDINATE THE IMPLEMENTATION AND ADMINISTRATION FO THE MUNICIPALITY/CITY’S ALTERNATIVE LEARNING SYSTEM ACCREDITATION AND EQUIVALENCY PROGRAM UNDER THE (i.e., LOCAL SCHOOL BOARD/OFFICE OF THE MAYOR/GOVERNOR) OF THIS (PROVINCE/MUNICIPALITY/CITY) AND APPROPRIATING NECESSARY FUNDS THEREFOR.

Introduced by (Councilors/BM) Juan Dela Cruz, etc. etc.

WHEREAS, it is a declared policy of the State provided under Section 2 of Republic Act 9155, “The Governance of Basic Education Act of 2001”, to protect and promote the right of all citizens to quality basic education and to make such education accessible to all by providing all Filipino children, a free and compulsory education in the elementary and high school levels. Such education shall also include alternative learning systems for out-of-school youth and adult learners. It shall be the goal of basic education to provide them with the skills, knowledge and values they need to become caring, self-reliant, productive and patriotic citizens;

WHEREAS, Section 12.1 Rules XII of RA 9155 stipulates that the “Alternative Learning System is a parallel learning system to provide a viable alternative to the existing formal education instruction, encompassing both the non-formal and informal sources of knowledge and skills”;

WHEREAS, there are people, due to financial and/other difficulties did not finish either elementary or secondary education, but express willingness to finish secondary education;

WHEREAS, for the last 10 years the Department of Education’s Bureau of Alternative Learning System (DepEd-BALS) intensified their Basic Literacy Program for non-literates and semi-literates as well as the Accreditation and Equivalency System (A&E) for elementary and secondary undergraduates. The A&E Program provides an alternative means of certification of learning which is parallel and comparable to the formal elementary and secondary schools;

WHEREAS, Administrative Order No. 116 mandates all concerned government agencies and local government units to support the Alternative Learning System Accreditation and Equivalency (ALS A&E) that provides an alternative means of certification of learning to those Filipinos aged 15 years and above whoa re unable to avail of the formal school system or have dropped out of formal elementary and secondary education;

WHEREAS, the ALS A&E can be acquired through varied learning support delivery system provided by a trained Instructional Manager (IM);

WHEREAS, the eSkwela Project, a project of the CICT in partnership with DepEd-BALS, is a new mode of delivery system of the ALS that incorporates the power of ICT for education into non-formal education thru the establishment of community e-Learning centers that caters to out-of-school youth and adults;

WHEREAS, the City Government has a pool of Instructional Managers, who have undergone trainings and had been certified by the Alternative Learning Division of Department of Education – (Regional Office) as Instructional Manager of the ALS A&E;

WHEREAS, the City Government having a pool of Instructional Managers has been awarded by the

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Alternative Learning Division of the Department of Education – National Capital Region as an accredited Service Provided of the ALS A&E through its two offices – the Industrial Relations Office and Social Services Development Department.

NOW, THEREFORE,

BE IT ORDAINED BYTHE CITY COUNCIL OF (name of LGU) IN REGULAR SESSION ASSEMBLED:

SECTION 1. There is herby established the (name of LGU) Alternative Learning Program under the Local School Board that will plan and coordinate the implementation and administration the City’s Alternative Learning System Accreditation and Equivalency Program.

Further, the Instructional Managers who had undergone trainings and had been certified by the Alternative Learning Division of the Department of Education – NCR and had been certified by the Alternative Learning Division of the Department of Education – NCR, as Instructional Managers of the ALS A&E are hereby tasked to formulate Implementing Rules and Regulations immediately upon approval of the said ordinance in order to effect full compliance for the same.

SECTION 2. Objectives/Purpose

1. Help the City Government in addressing the learning needs of the marginalized groups of the city’s population including the deprived and underserved.

2. Generate awareness and support in term of resources between and among partner agencies, thus putting all efforts together for the benefit of out-of-school youth and adults including other marginalized group all over the City.

3. Establish network linkages with various organizations in delivering the Alternative Learning System (ALS) programs and project to a wider coverage.

4. City-wide promotion of the Alternative Learning System Accreditation and Equivalency as an alternative pathway of learning for people 15 years of age and above, who dropped out of the formal school system and who wish to finish primary and secondary education.

5. Identification and establishment of possible eSkwela Community e-Learning Center (eSkwela Center) in every barangay or community where the out-of-school youth and adult learners are provided alternative learning programs and receive accreditation for at least the equivalent of a high school education.

6. Act as Service Provider of the Alternative Learning Center.

SECTION 3. Functions. As a Service Provider of the ALS A&E, the Instructional Managers under the supervision of IRO-PESO will have the following functions:

1. On Project Implementation:

1. Oversee the day to day operation of the project implementation of affiliate members contracted.

2. Establishment of the eSkwela Center and provision of all necessary equipment needed to run the said center, including the hiring of the qualified staff.

3. Provide learning support services for the specified number of learners as described in the

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approved ALS A&E project proposal.

4. Undertake activities stipulated in the project to ensure effective implementation of the project. Project includes, but is not limited to, social mobilization activities, enrollment, conduct of learning support service, computer literacy of learners, assessing learner progress, counseling, regular monitoring evaluation, etc.)

2. On Program Administration:

1. Provide basic computer literacy courses and introductory courses to the eSkwela Courseware being utilized at the Center.

2. Provide diagnostic services to determine the level of competency of each learner.

3. Reproduce copies of ALS A&E learning materials, not yet included in the list of digitized ALS modules, for distribution to each individual learner based on learners’ specified needs.

4. Provide regular equipment maintenance and technical support to ensure continued operations.

5. Provide supplementary learning materials as part of its equity contribution based on expressed learning needs of the learners or as necessary.

6. Provide each learner with expendable supplies and materials such as plastic envelopes, paper and pencil.

7. Provide space within the learning center for the conduct of learning group sessions and storage of one complete set of learning materials per learning center and ensure the safekeeping and security of said learning center.

8. Prepare ALS A&E Learning Support delivery System (LSDS) project proposals.

9. Recruit Center Managers that will manage the day-to-day operations of the eSkwela Center.

10. Recruit additional Instructional Managers if necessary.

11. Recruit learners in coordination with the Instructional Managers.

12. Conduct social mobilization and advocacy activities.

13. Monitor and evaluate the performance of Instructional Managers.

14. Evaluate learners’ progress.

15. Coordinate the printing and distribution of instructional materials.

16. Networking and alliance building.

17. Submit program reports to DepEd-BALS District, Division, Regional, and BNFE offices.

SECTION 4. Coverage. Fifteen (15) years old and above, out-of-school youth of (LGU).

SECTION 5. Program Implementation. The first target beneficiaries…/The first eSkwela Center or ALS

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Learning Center will be established at the Poblacion area for reasons of accessibility for both learners and Instructional Managers.

SECTION 6. Funding. An initial funding necessary for the operation shall be allocated and to be taken from the Special Education Fund or from any available funds of the City Treasury.

SECTION 7. Effectivity. This Ordinance shall take effect fifteen (15) days after publication in newspaper of general circulation.

ENACTED: (date)

(NAME OF PRESIDING OFFICER) Postion

ATTESTED:

(NAME) Legislative Staff Officer

APPROVED: (date)

(NAME OF MAYOR/GOVERNOR) Name of Municipality/City/Province

CERTIFICATION

This is to certify that this Ordinance which was APPROVED on Second Reading on (date) was finally PASSED on Third/Final Reading by the City Council on (date).

(NAME) Legislative Staff Officer

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ANNEX R

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ANNEX SSample Budget Computation / Costing for setting up an eSkwela Center(computers excluded in computation; useful if raising funds for Center operational expenses)

AssumptionsNo. of PCs 4 10 20Sessions per day 2 2 2Operating days per week 5 5 5No. of Learners 40 100 200Sessions per week per learner 2 2 2Session months per year 10 10 10No. of ALS Teachers 2 4 4Transpo Fare (one-way) Php30 Php30 Php30Electric Cost per PC Php500 Php500 Php500Internet Connection Fee Php1,000 Php2,000 Php2,000Supplies Cost per Learner Php15 Php15 Php15

ExpensesElectricity Php2,000 Php5,000 Php10,000Repair and Maintenance 500 1,000 1,000Internet 1,000 2,000 2,000Salary - Center Manager 13,000 13,000 13,000Salary - Lab Manager 10,500 10,500 10,500Salary - ALS (2) 21,000 42,000 42,000Supplies 600 1,500 3,000Transportation 480 480 480Total Expenses 49,080 75,480 81,980Cost per learner per month Php1,227 Php755 Php410

MODEL1A

MODEL1B

MODEL1B

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Sample Budget Computation / Costing for setting up an eSkwela Center(computers have to be purchased; no shared facility in community that can be used for eSkwela)

AssumptionsNumber of Computers (workstations for learners) 20Sessions per day 2 one session in the morning, one session in the afternoonOperating days per week 5 operating on weekdaysSessions per week per learner 2Number of Learners 100Session months per year 10No. of ALS Teachers 5Transpo Fare (one-way) Php30Electric Cost per PC Php500Internet Connection Fee Php2,000Supplies Cost per Learner Php15

ExpensesRecurringElectricity Php10,000Repair and Maintenance 1,000Internet 2,000 up to 2.0 MbpsSalary - Center Manager 13,000Salary - Network Administrator 10,500 could be lower (Network Admin. can be part-time)Salary - ALS 52,500 can be removed if ALS Teacher is receiving salary from DepEd/Service provider NGOSupplies 1,500Transportation 24,000 transpo to and from eSkwela Center (twice a week)Total 114,500Cost per learner per month Php57,250

InfrastructureComputer Server Php30,000Computer Workstations 500,000Wireless Adapters 42,000Wireless Router 4,000Computer Tables 31,500Airconditioning Units (2 units) 40,000Monobloc Chairs 9,450Renovation 100,000.00Total 756,950Cost per learner per month Php378,475

TOTAL COST (with Infra) Php435,725

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Sample Budget Computation / Costing for setting up an eSkwela Center(eSkwela will be integrated in an existing computer facility / lab in the community)

AssumptionsNo. of PCs 4 10 20Sessions per day 1 1 1Operating days per week 5 5 5No. of Learners 20 50 100Sessions per week per learner 2 2 2Session months per year 10 10 10No. of ALS Teachers 2 4 4Transpo Fare (one-way) Php30 Php30 Php30Electric Cost per PC Php250 Php250 Php250Internet Connection Fee Php500 Php1,000 Php1,000Supplies Cost per Learner Php15 Php15 Php15

ExpensesElectricity Php1,000 Php2,500 Php5,000Internet 500 1,000 1,000Salary - Center Manager 13,000 13,000 13,000Salary - Lab Manager 10,500 10,500 10,500Salary - ALS (2) 21,000 42,000 42,000Supplies 300 750 1,500Transportation 480 480 480Total Expenses 46,780 70,230 73,480Cost per learner per month Php2,339 Php1,405 Php735

MODEL2A

MODEL2B

MODEL2B

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ANNEX U

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COMMISSION ON INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGYCICT-NCC Building, Carlos P. Garcia Avenue, Diliman 1101 Quezon City, PhilippinesTelefax (632) 920.7412 Trunk Line (632) 920.0101 local 201www.cict.gov.ph

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION – BUREAU OF ALTERNATIVE LEARNING SYSTEMDepEd Complex, Meralco Ave., Pasig CityTelephone Number: (632) 632-1361 to 71www.deped.gov.ph