Despite being released some 15 years ago, the all-Filipino developed DOST Courseware, which was originally intended to uplift the science and mathematics education in the country, appears to be more relevant today since the implementation of Department of Education’s (DepEd’s) prescribed blended delivery mode of education during the pandemic.
“We are delighted that our intended beneficiaries are downloading and installing the DOST Courseware especially during this time. We observed a significant increase in activity for the SEI MS Windows download website which already registered 66,433 hits, while the mobile application from Grades 1- 8 now has 80,784 installations for the Android version, and 1,961 for the Apple version as of October this year.” Josephine Feliciano, Project Manager and Science Research Specialist, Science Education Institute (SEI) said.
There are three platforms of the DOST Courseware – the MS Windows, Android and Apple IOS. For MS Windows there are 413 lessons from Grades 1 to 8 science and mathematics that may be downloaded from the SEI website at www.sei.dost.gov.ph. For mobile devices, there are 112 lessons available in Google Play and 20 lessons in Apple Store. Likewise, the mobile applications are also available for download at DepEd Commons portal.
The DOST Courseware streamlines and standardizes the lesson presentations in science and mathematics using cost-effective technology solutions. It also helps develop competitive learners to enhance their learning using ICT, and provide teachers with supplemental tools and resources that can assist them in lesson planning and blended teaching.
Since its inception in 2004, the DOST Courseware becomes all the more relevant now when the pandemic left the authorities, administrators, parents and students with no choice but to allow learning to take place at home.
Additional lessons will be added in Android versions this December 2020, and new modules for Grades 9 and 10 will be produced in 2021 with level-up interface and functionalities to adapt to the new delivery mode, Feliciano added.
All versions of DOST Courseware, that was jointly developed by an all-Filipino team from SEI, Advanced Science & Technology Institute (ASTI) for digitization, DepED, Philippine Normal University, and University of the Philippines-National Institute for Sciences and Mathematics Education (UP-NISMED) are all for free.
The DOST courseware will continue to be vital in the future as a learning tool since it has proven useful as supplementary teaching and learning resource for teachers and learners, especially in subject areas that are quite challenging.
To learn more about the features, platforms, functionality and accessibility of the DOST Courseware, catch their seminar on DOST Courseware in Science and Mathematics for E-Learning for Grades 1-8 on 29 November, 10:00 to 11:00am at the National Science and Technology Week (2020 NSTW) virtual celebration and exhibit.
The public is invited to the 2020 NSTW celebration. For more information and updates regarding the 2020 NSTW, please visit the www.nstw.dost.gov.ph and its Facebook page or send your message at nstw.secretariat@gmail.com and nstw2020.promotions@gmail.com. (S&T media service, Geraldine Bulaon-Ducusin)
science story in the link below:
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Medical and agri sectors gain from nuclear R&D, applications
By Allan Mauro V. Marfal, DOST-STII
As the 48th Atomic Energy Week celebration (AEW) kicked-off on 07 December 2020, government officials and lawmakers underscored the significant contributions of various nuclear-related research and technologies, which improved the products and services in the medical and agriculture sectors.
According to Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña, nuclear science and technology (S&T) continue to contribute in various developments in health, livelihood, public order, agriculture, and the future prosperity of the country.
“Nuclear and radiation applications have long since (been) proven instrumental in various applications. These include raising the yield of our crops, diagnosing and treating various diseases, and improving the competitiveness of our products,” said de la Pena.
In fact, DOST-Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) has been spearheading new frontier research on nuclear and radiation applications in the Philippines that have potential contributions to the economic and societal progress.
The DOST-PNRI Director Carlo A. Arcilla said that they have been harnessing the benefits of nuclear far beyond power generation.
“We are proud at DOST-PNRI spearheading another great leap in our country’s nuclear medicine capabilities. With enough support, PET-CT and Cyclotron facilities will arise here in Quezon City, which will make diseases like cancer more affordable to Filipinos.
Dir. Arcilla also added that DOST-PNRI continues to apply the unique advantage of nuclear for noble applications. These include increasing crop yield with irrigation process and formulas, extracting uranium from seawater, and developing native fabrics for treating wastewater.
He also shared that DOST-PNRI is looking forward to expanding irradiation processing as a whole with the upgrading of COBALT-60 into a fully-automated facility.
“While the COBALT-60 was for the longest time the only facility of its kind in the Philippines, we are proud to report that technology adaptors are now planning to establish their own commercial irradiators in different parts of the country,” said Dir. Arcilla.
Meanwhile, in her video message, Senator Nancy Binay said that nuclear and radiation research products had far-reaching effects on society yet, the value of nuclear research beyond power generation are often overlook.
“The ongoing COVID pandemic has emphasized how crucial nuclear technology is, not only in protecting and improving our way of life but in safeguarding our life itself,” said Sen. Binay.
She cited the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test as an example, which is a key element in the government’s efforts to combat the spread of COVID-19 is a nuclear application, and its derived techniques continue to serve as reliable tools in investigating, detecting, preventing, and containing the outbreak of various diseases.
Meanwhile, Sen. Binay also said that there is overgrowing evidence of how isotope and radiation techniques contribute to our agriculture and guarantee food security.
“Through these, we were able to help our farmers through the development of crop varieties that yield more and can withstand pests’ diseases and harsher effects of climate change,” Sen. Binay added.
The AEW virtual celebration runs until 11 December under the theme, “Agham at Teknolohiyang Pangnukleyar: Sandigan ng Kalusugan, Kaayusan, Kabuhayan at Kinabukasan.” It highlights the latest developments in the local nuclear S&T and its role in addressing the pressing problems through virtual fora and exhibits.
The annual AEW celebration is mandated under Presidential Proclamation 1211 in 1973, which aims to generate awareness on the safe and beneficial uses of nuclear S&T.
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PH nuclear S&T innovations go online at Atomic Energy Week
Online is the way to go this season as the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (DOST-PNRI) celebrates the 48th Atomic Energy Week (AEW) from December 7-11, 2020. Throughout the week, the Institute will use the online platform to showcase the latest developments in the local nuclear S&T community.
Comprising virtual events, contests, exhibits, and a research conference, this year’s online celebration will be simulcast across various social media platforms to reach more attendees while ensuring everyone’s safety.
With the theme “Siyensiya at Teknolohiyang Pangnukleyar: Sandigan ng Kalusugan, Kaayusan, Kabuhayan at Kinabukasan,” the Institute highlights the atom’s role in addressing pressing problems in the society and in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The theme also highlights nuclear energy’s potential in contributing to economic recovery and adapting to the “new normal” particularly through the government’s recent interest in nuclear power as the government studies its inclusion in the energy mix.
Part of the week’s celebration is the 2nd Philippine Nuclear Research and Development Conference which runs December 8 to 10, with its plenary sessions to be made available to the public via the PNRI FB page. Filipino scientists, professionals and policy makers will present on the latest nuclear and radiation-related innovations as well as the growing role of nuclear science in the country’s larger development policy.
For individuals interested in the usual open-house exhibits, no need to fret as researchers will also host virtual exhibits and demonstrations of DOST-PNRI’s latest technologies. Completing the participants’ simulated visit experience is the PNRI virtual map which will be launched during the event.
Guests will also be treated to a number of contests they can join to win exciting prizes.
The annual AEW celebration, as mandated under Presidential proclamation No. 1211 in 1973, aims to generate awareness of the Filipino people on the beneficial uses of nuclear science and technology. For more information, visit the DOST-PNRI Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/PNRIDOST/ or you may contact the Institute at information@pnri.dost.gov.ph.