A Narrative

LIBIS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
(Libis, Quezon City)

The KidSmart Computer was donated by IBM and EduQuest sometime in 2000. Libis Elementary School was fortunate enough to be one of the recipient schools of the KidSmart Early Learning Program together with some other public elementary schools.

Under the said program, teachers of grade one and two together with their principal were trained to use the software and the module that goes with the computer unit that is encased in a child-friendly and very attractive compartment.

During the training, teachers were trained to use the software effectively and integrate the different interactive activities/programs in the KidSmart Computer with their lessons. Also, the principals were thought on how the program works and its importance to the teachers and pupils.

Considering that it was new and high tech in the perception of the grade one and two pupils, they were overwhelmed by the program and readily accepted it. It was a big success then and was considerably a great help for teachers, since they were readily provided with a very visual, hands-on and interactive teaching materials in addition with their existing daily teaching kits.

Because of this, the principal then, Dr. Pacita C. Manga provided one classroom for the KidSmart Computer where the teachers can conduct their classes using the said computer.

The program went well in about 3 years or so and shown great improvement in the learning of pupils most especially in the fields of Mathematics, English and Science. Notable effect of the program was the pupils' quick absorption of the lessons, since the KidSmart Computer software provided visually appealing, hands-on and interactive approach of teaching/introducing the lesson.

With the help of colorful characters, enchanting music, smiles, and giggles, the activities became more of playing than studying. Plus, reproductive activity sheets and artworks are included to provide additional learning opportunities before and after using the software. Using the computer as a tool, pupils gain a sense of accomplishment and skill...

Another, the pressure of performing well in the Division Achievement Test and National Achievement Test of grades three and six pupils that the school gets from the DepEd and the Division Office diverted the school principal' and teachers' focus on the said diagnostic tests. Also, the program "zero non-reader" made the teachers most especially of grades one and two concentrate and adopt division approved/recommended reading proficiency programs like Read-A-Thon, Summer English Reinforcement Class, Drop Everything and Read, Remediation Classes and many others.

Finally, the insufficient number of classroom to cater to all the pupils caused by the demolition of the two school buildings (equivalent to 5 classrooms) brought about by the C5/B. Serrano/Katipunan Interchange Project had driven the new principal to convert some of the auxiliary room including the room where the KidSmart Computer was completed.

These turn of events had caused the program to be idle. Until finally when the 16-room SB building was completed that the KidSmart Computer found its new home at the SB E-Library together with the 10 other computer units and some other reading materials.

Now, we are trying to revive the program with of course the help of our former partners and full support of the new principal Mrs. Thelma T. Co in cooperation with the Lotedibrarian/E-Librarian. It is hoped that the reintroduction of the program to grades one and two pupils will once again strengthen their basic foundation.


Cecilia L. Alinea
Master Teacher II
Libis Elementary School