The Department of Biological Sciences of the UST College of Science, in cooperation with BIOTA UST Chapter and Phoenix Publishing House, conducted a seminar-workshop on the topic, “Dive into Inquiry in a Technology-Infused Classroom” on September 22, 2018 at the Science Online Learning Environment (SOLE) room of the UST College of Science.
The seminar-workshop, attended by 50 participants composed of Biology teachers in junior and senior high school and college students, was conceptualized to respond to the need for student-centric approaches to meet the 21st century skills and examine digital learning trends and its implication in influencing the current and future delivery of content, pedagogy, and technology.
UST Educational Technology Center Director Asst. Prof. Anna Cherylle M. Ramos, MSc and College of Science Dean Prof. John Donnie A. Ramos, PhD, who also teaches under the Biology Department, delivered and facilitated the lecture and workshop sessions.
The EdTech director delivered a lecture on Inquiry-Based Learning, Digital Learning Trends in Science Education, and Augmented Reality using Dino Encounter App while Dean Ramos presented inputs on Genetic Analysis using DNA2App, Pairwise Sequence Alignment and Applications, Guided Inquiry Workshop, and Open-Ended Inquiry Workshop which provided the participants ideas about experiential and active learning techniques using varied digital tools that can be applied in the classroom.
During the workshop, the participants were allowed to navigate free educational resources for teachers and other open digital tools that can be appropriately integrated in teaching and learning. They used computer applications to simulate science concepts and experimentations. They were exposed to hands-on internet-based learning activities.
At the end of the workshop, the participants were expected to have developed the skill in integrating technology in the teaching-learning process and in identifying the digital theories and pedagogies that are most applicable in the delivery of their lessons.
The workshop was for free according to College of Science Dean Prof. John Donnie A. Ramos, Ph.D., because, “It is some sort of a community extension service of the College of Science and the BIOTA-UST Chapter. The participants are all BIOTA members from both private and public institutions.” The participants were teachers from selected JHS, SHS and HEIs from various schools in Luzon including those who come from as far as Ifugao in the North and Bicol in the South.
The participants were from the following schools: Gen. Ricardo G. Papa Sr. Memorial High School, Batangas State University Main Campus I, Sta. Maria National High School, Polytechnic University of the Philippines – Sta. Mesa Manila, Southville 8c National High School, Tondo High School, DepEd Makati, Division of City Schools of San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, Ateneo Junior High School, Mayamot National High School, University of Nueva Caceres, Quirino State University, General de Jesus College, Holy Trinity University, Immaculate Heart of Mary College, Quirino State University, UST College of Education, Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College-Sta. Maria Campus, Ifugao State University, and Bagumbayan National High School.
Also participating were: University of the Philippines – Manila, Senior High School De La Salle Lipa, Far Eastern University Institute of Technology-Alabang, De La Salle University – Manila, Department of Education-Bagumbayan National High School, De La Salle Lipa, UST Angelicum College, Ismael Mathay Sr. High School, Philippine Malabon Cultural Institute, Remedios Trinidad Romualdez Medical Foundation, Sta. Peregrina High School, St. Mary’s Educational Institute, Laguna Bel-Air Science School, Hope Christian High School, Bulacan State University, BHC Educational Institution, Inc., and Polytechnic University of the Philippines Santa Rosa Campus, Universidad de Manila, and the UST Graduate School.
