“I am amazed with the technology that the schools have at present. The way of teaching is changing and updating day by day. So engaging younger teachers might be more effective.” – Viveka

Every educational set-up today is aiming at being in the technological race. Technology is the ‘now-logy’ that is moving the global community and the success of every endeavor depends on how effective technology has been utilized in the process.  The trend now especially in education is to make information communication technology an integral component of learning. Technology is no longer only reserved for sophisticated organizations or schools.  Even the  schools in the remotest village in a less developed country would have at least one or two computers for pupils to know how it looks like even if they do not have electricity to operate them.  Sometimes, teachers would show drawings of it and teach their pupils at least its parts or components.

UIC Graduate School 

Technology has brought in much more newness in business, marketing, health sector and above all in education where it all begins. Educational institutions are very much equipped with technology having it woven into their curriculum and extracurricular activities. In some advanced countries, interactive boards and screens have replaced the age old dusty chalk boards to eliminate memories of teacher controlled lessons to knowledge facilitator.  Computers are enough for every students while the use of laptops, ipads and cellular phones are encouraged for learning. Audio visual centers are equipped also with modern technology enough for all to enable effective learning. However there are also many more
Institutions or schools who show interest in the use of technology and yet are still hesitant to open up, engage students and fully utilize it for learning.  Hence, the subtle disappointment of learners in the instructional process through their expression of boredom, disappointment with school and seemingly ‘disordered attitude’ tagged ‘troublesome’. Students would like to express themselves fully, to explore new ideas, enhance their knowledge and be in tune with changes, with what is new and with time.

UIC High  Teacher and School Students learning engagement

Most teachers are very much aware that students are much more advanced in the use of technology.  In a recent discussion with a colleague at the workplace regarding the modern trends in education, we humbly realized our own lack of adequate knowledge of the full utilization of technology and lamented how some educational gadgets such as interactive boards are left unused and locked up in the school’s storage. There was a strong acknowledgment of the ease at which students can manipulate technology, exploring and discovering answers before the teacher’s lesson starts in class. Both of us affirmed this notion and my colleague shared how she was having difficulty solving a problem and during the class period, one of her students was able to offer an alternative solution that she least thought of.

From my observation, the most the teacher does in terms of the use of technology is very limited and so the chalk board is still widely used and a preference for some. To ensure the full implementation in the curriculum for more effective and broad learning, the teacher her/himself would have to be literate and adept with technology to enable an excellent and appropriate implementation and blending in the subject. In fact, technology in most of our learning centers is still an ‘add-on’ or a subject on its own for the students advantage. I look forward to seeing teachers move further by asking students to use their gadgets: laptops, cellphones, iPads, iPods in class discussions and learning in all other subjects other than during computer lessons. Often in some schools, cell phones are dreaded and students’ use of it during class period is either controlled, limited or prohibited.  However, we all are aware that if used responsibly, these gadgets have a world of knowledge and innovation stored in and waiting to be accessed.

The advancement of technology is so rapid and while schools in some countries are constantly discovering better ways to fully implement technology in their curriculum and educational system, others are still struggling to catch up with this fast movement  The result in most economically challenged society is the slowing down of development while brilliant ideas die out naturally and are never recovered because of lack of the common factor which is finances – money to get the needed technology and the courage to make a breakthrough in learning with and through technology.

When the education received is not solid, innovative, challenging and dynamically responding to the signs of the times, the growth and development of society fails.  This is the reality that some leaders fail to be constantly conscious of. Schools, institutions would have to make enough budgets available to prioritize the equipping of their classrooms and offices adequately with the needed technology for effective teaching and learning.  They would have to invest in training programs for dynamic and interested teachers to lead in creating the right environment for advanced learning. They would have to be open to orient and allow the proper use of this technology by their students for productive learning.

It is now the time to explore, to venture into new ways of teaching and learning.  Teachers would have to make the challenging effort of exploring and venturing into modern ways of teaching to make learning appealing and engaging. Lesson plans can be prepared using storyboards; assignments can be sent and accomplished online; lessons can be discussed and commented online; students can discuss and share ideas with each other online as well. Therefore, if the proper used of technology is encouraged, teaching can be fun and skills updated; learning can be exciting and engaging; schools will be saving many lives and redirecting their students’ fresh and strong energy into productive use.

Using Technology - UIC High School Computer Lab

For some young teachers who dared to move in the direction of the new paradigm of teaching with the aid of technology, the profession is proving life giving, enriching and enjoyable. The old and traditional way of preparing and carrying lesson notes, the system of ‘the teacher knows it all’ is in the past. I would like to suggest that younger teachers who are themselves much inclined to technology and have been oriented in the system as students be mainly challenged and further prepared to lead in effecting the move towards the use of technology in teaching. Young teachers have the full vigor, enthusiasm and creativity in the use of technology to arouse interest and excitement for learning in their students who can easily identify with their teachers’ methods of instruction. On the other hand though older teachers may find this new form of teaching way too advance beyond their grasp and intimidating, with a little effort and interest, they can learn through online programs, participate in training workshops, etc. There is no age limit in exploring. It is important that schools also provide the technological training and skills instructors need for effective teaching for students full potentials to be utilized, affirmed and encouraged to developed.

Whether we like it or not, we are all in the technological race now and have to learn to dance with it.  Yes, there is a need for balance so that it does not really loose the value of personal touch or communication but it all depends on our creativity in utilizing online learning advantageously.  It may not be convenient until we begin to understand and learn to use it appropriately, allowing it to enhance our teaching ability and enjoy our profession.  It is only then that we can continue to be part of the ongoing technological race of the century by making a great difference in the lives of our students and challenging them to be active participants in the development of our society.

High School Students in a group discussion

“We don't care what people know, we care what they do. It's all about performance.” - Michael Allen

The pride of every teacher, mentor or trainer is to see their students put into practice whatever they have been taught and above all make it part of their lives  even as they graduate and move on in life.  Every school is proud of her products when they make it to higher positions and hold responsible post in their workplaces and in society.  Yes, it is all about what is done with the knowledge that is acquired. It is all about productive output.

UIC Students: group discussion

Very often, I encounter learners so busy about their performance tasks and it amazes me to  see their creativity and intelligence exhibited during their assignment.  The discipline of  staying up late to complete their task, the sacrifice of spending  much money to get the best  material for their project and the sense of teamwork that is shown by all is a clear indication  of the  desire to produce and present the best performance task.  The obsessive desire for success can also sometimes lead to using the wrong means to gain. The performance may be good or bad based on the means and the end desire of the  individual.  Hence, every society or organization faces the challenge of dealing with the back ground, the  quality of performance and output of its members.

UIC: Spiritual Enrichment Encounter

Annually, thousands of students graduate from church-based schools and go into the workforce in and outside their countries. These schools provide quality and wholistic education to their graduates.  Good moral and religious values are  integrate in their curriculum.  For example, UIC has its Core Values: Faith, Excellence and Service with their related values consistently integrated in all subjects using what it calls the RVM Pedagogical plan for its lessons. These schools have religious activities as well to develop the  moral and spiritual life of their students who it is hoped are to make a difference in a general turmoil society of corruption, indiscipline and selfishness.Yet we all hear about people in high positions in our society who have good religious educational background, caught and accused of serious offenses.  We keep asking, what went wrong?  who is wrong? Where is the problem?  What happened to all the moral and religious formation received from home, church and school?  We feel concern regarding the outcome of all the education, knowledge and values formation received by our leaders, policy makers, government officials down to the person employed in the lowest position and employment.

Corruption is becoming a common reality. Getting a descent employment today would depend on knowing and being related to a higher official at the company.  The trend is no longer employing people who deserve the ‘job’ and can perform better without much hassle. Nepotism can eradicate honesty, and transparency in any organization while affirming the adage: ‘blood is thicker than water’ so employing a close relative is an assurance of security camouflaged corruption. People entrusted with responsibilities try to slice out a greater portion of the profit for their self gain without paying attention to the common good.  These and many more indecent practices are common today.

UIC: Religious and Values Formation Activity

Can we then say that the Catholic or Christian schools educating, forming and inculcating the right values in its students are failing in their mission to prepare future leaders with the correct attitudes, values and inner-directedness?

 Educational learning centers need to evaluate and redefine their way of helping their students imbibe the good or Gospel values and change lives not just minds.  When the heart, the totality of the person changes, performance will be positive and would change society as well. The effective education received would manifest itself in the ultimate performance of the individual. As scripture says, ‘action speaks louder than words.’ All of us therefore are challenged to be part of the wholistic development of our students for a better peaceful and secured society.

Students Population: UIC Basic Education

“The most effective, successful professionals are constantly learning, they take the time to apply what they have learned, and they continually work to improve themselves.” - Joel Gardner

There is no end to learning in life.  As long as we are alive and sound, we continue to be thrilled about all the newness around us and to discover what more there is.  Courage, Interest and enthusiasm to grow is a key factor here while fear of failure is ruled out. It is only when we keep trying at something that we can begin to discover many other aspects of it, broaden our knowledge and improve our performance. 

UIC Successful Professionals

There are many who have been successful in various ventures or enterprises. They would always say that their success is the result of hard work, perseverance and humility.  It is hard work in learning something  new, going beyond what we know, questioning it, experimenting it to discover its importance and productivity and then courageously apply it.  But it does not end there because in every second there are new discoveries and change is taking place, and so such success driven persons continue to find ways to  improve so as to further succeed in bringing newness and development.  
It takes perseverance to be  patient with the self even when the effort fails and one has to probably start all over again; or when discouragements and difficulties sets in during the process of learning.  It takes humility to trust in oneself   and  believe  in the possibility of success and growth.

In this modern world, where technology is the trend towards development, teachers as professionals are double-challenged to move beyond their comfort zones of contentment with the traditional way of practicing their profession  and to venture into this new path of accompanying young minds to be responsible learners.  The challenge is for all of us young and old to keep exploring and learning new and effective methods of teaching either personally or/and by  participating in various updating programs for effective output.

UIC Basic Ed Faculty: PLC Group Discussion 

In my workplace, I have recently observe some teachers who are becoming constantly aware of the inevitability of the  need for applying technology in teaching.  Hence, the challenge to ask for help from co-teachers who have the skills, participate in computer updating programs and explore so that they can utilize it in  teaching. I am beginning to see much improvement in the teaching techniques of some of these teachers and the active  participation of their learners. There is also a feeling of confidence and contentment seen in their disposition.

UIC Learning Center

Personally, I marvel at my own improvement in the use of technology in studying and learning and some of my colleagues have commented on my little improved ways of becoming comfortable exploring and making use of online materials and varied skills in my ministry to the students and faculty.   Few months ago, I  never thought I could blog and even use it to accompany others in their spiritual growth.  I am beginning to realize the power of technology and how it can be an effective venue for expressing ourselves, sharing  and receiving ideas for ours and others growth. Surely, I am enjoying this new discovery and I am not  near to stopping.

I will continue to work hard at discovering and
learning because it is a very beautiful and  much more effective means of evangelisation and reaching out to a wider community especially in this  modern world of technology. Definitely, when we dare to learn and persevere in our effort, we enhance knowledge, broaden our views and become active participants in creating a better developed world.

TAMBULI: The Rhythm of Life

Source:  http://ces.pnp.gov.ph/menu_ces_logo/logo.php

The sound of the great horn echoed in the distance.  TAMBULI - from birth  to  death, from the womb to the tomb.  It sounds loud and low, reaching far and wide,  touching the soul. It is heard even in the seemingly distracting movement of tech  nology, globalization, new ideas and advancement.

The musicians persevere with the blowing of the rhythm of Tambuli in a new  style.  It adopts but remains rooted and deep in the fiber of its hearers. Subtly and  unconsciously they carried on: celebrating it in rites and rituals, in fiestas and ‘bayanihan’ spirit; living it in the family closeness; echoing it in a nationalistic principle and lifestyle; exhibiting it in their religiosity - ‘Makadiyos’; sharing it in their strong social support - ‘makatao’.

TAMBULI remains strong, untarnished and refined, tightly woven in the Filipino  web of life.  It is carried around as they sail across the oceans to the distance -  making much difference by touching lives with its soothing, gentle, mesmerizing   and yet powerful message revealed in its music:  The message of life to the full.

Values are life  They describe and reflect our background, culture, personality,  behaviors and attitudes.  Values are basic convictions about what is right or wrong.  They lay the foundation for understanding of attitudes and motivation because they influence our perception. Values give meaning and definition to our identity. 

TAMBULI - the rhythm of life will continue its beating and share its meaning of  life.  TAMBULI lives with humanity while influencing and transforming.

_____________________________________________________________________

v Tambuli is an indigenous Filipino instrument fashioned from the Carabao horn  which produces long, melodious sounds.  It was used in ancient times prior to  the coming of Christianity to summon villagers to the barangay elders’ meeting  or to warn the society of danger like fire or pirates.  It is still used not for the  same reason but as a beautiful instrument that adds uniqueness to music. 

The sound of the Tambuli is a meaningful representation of values that influence our worldview, attitudes, life perception and have a lasting impact on our lives. Even during this age of technology, the basic upheld values of life will continue to linger,  reforming and transforming our life.

CHRISTINE LAGARDE: A TRAIL BLAZER, A WOMAN OF OUR TIME

https://www.google.com.ph/url?source=imagesharvardmagazine.com 

A leader is said to be someone with a charisma to draw others,
guide and directs them in the achievement of a specific purpose. 
For some, there are born leaders, others would say leaders are made 
and still others, leaders earn their title. Christine Lagarde may be 
ascribed all of it but basically, she earned her success through hard work and perseverance. 

Christine Lagarde is a kind of woman whose life impressed me as a very strong willed and principled person. I first saw and listened to her during an
interviewed on CNN by Correspondent Richard Quest regarding her view about a bestseller book she was reading. It was not until a fortnight ago when she was featured by CNN on its program Leading Women.

LEADING WOMEN is my favorite program because it links me to
women who are making marks in the world. Their stories to climb up to the top, 
sustain their presence in the midst of challenges of gender
issues and criticism that does not discourage them, but gives them the
urge to persevere is tremendously inspiring.

In that late night interview hosted by CNN Correspondent

Gabriela Frias, I listened attentively to Christine Lagarde with the

greatest admiration for a French woman who pushed her way forward

and climbed to the top in 2011 as the first female Managing Director

of the world’s single biggest bank, the International Monetary Fund

(IMF) establishment 70 years ago. She has been performing her task

with great confidence especially during the crucial scandals and financial

crisis era of IMF. So she honors women as having the gift to sort out mess 

and put things aright.  That is what she hasbeen trying to do

and from her sharing, she has been doing it all in favor of women.

When asked about the significant of her role as the first female leader
of IMF and as I would imagine, the only female presence heading and
chairing a male dominated advisory board, she said: “That's the reason
why I think I want to do a good job, because I don't want to let my
female colleagues around the globe down. I don't want them to turn
around to me and say, you know, ‘why did you make a mess out of
it?’ So I feel an added burden and an added responsibility as a result
of that.”

Yes, I share this fear with her very much. It is the kind of blame
game that any pioneer would avoid.  As the pioneer African Sister
in my congregation I am wary of people blaming me in the future
for my wrong decisions and actions.  For Christine Legarde who is up
at the very  top, she  sees her pioneering role  as both “hard and an
opportunity”. she is challenged to leave a powerful and inspiring legacy
of strength and hope for all women in the world especially where they
encounter all forms of abuses and challenges of womanhood.

As a woman and a mother, Christine is very much conscious of the
challenges women face and  love  to interact with them especially
when she visits other countries listening to their stories which
otherwise they will not share in the presence of men. As her way of
knowing what is happening in reality on ground when she visits places,
she does not isolate herself  with only theministers, leaders and
influential people but goes out to verify the truth.This in my opinion
is the mark of a true leader who has experienced reality and remains
in touch with it.

Christine as I assess her confident with herself and has build firmly
her inner strength to be able to cope with stress and move on.
Hence, her advice for women in distress is to get over failures, take
the lesson from it and move on.  She encourages women to strive
to persevere and so she said, "I hope that there will be plenty of
other female paintings," Lagarde says. "I feel even worse when I look
around the table unfortunately, because there's only one female
executive director out of 24 around the table."

Christine’s difficult background after the death of her father when
she was a young teenager imbued in her some powerful principles.
According to her if a person want to achieve, three things are
necessary: Hardwork, Study and Learn.The caution there is not to be
guided by one’s ambition to progress but To learn from others and be
humble. The most interesting part of the interview was her experience
as a lady applying for a job at a law  firm  and was told she was a
good recruit and would be given a good job but she should never expect to   
be in partnership because she was a woman.  Feeling discriminated
against, she walked out wondering how effective she can be in such a
firm and she felt so free.

Christine Lagarde is doing very well in her role and no wonder Forbes
rated her as the 5th most  powerful woman in the world.She is a
born leader I guess being “the first” in many leading positions.  
She is wealthy but simple - a virtue that most wealthy and
influential women in our developing society needs to emulate.
Christine even though described as powerful, walksto work and feels
that it is for her the nice and best part of the day.  This is what
I call simple lifestyle of an unassuming and humble person.

Listening to her inspired me tremendously.  Christine Lagarde’s
sharing could probably challenge us also to ask ourselves certain
hard questions:

ü How much are we investing into climbing up the ladder of
   success for service?
ü What difference are we making with our lives in our work
   and in society?
ü Is our output shaping society positively?

Christine Lagarde is an inspiratation for all of us career women and
men who are journeying to the top.

Please know her a bit through the CNN Story highlights below: 

 

Story highlights (CNN)

A woman of many firsts, Lagarde was the first woman to chair the global law firm Baker and 

McKenzie, the first female finance minister of France and the first woman to lead the IMF and is 

in control of the global economy during an extended period of austerity.

This reflects upon this experience."It's a common trait of women, to be concerned about 

the  collective  success more than about their individual visibility respectability  and 

success," she says.

Lagarde is acutely aware that she is a trailblazer in this chiefly male industry every time 

she steps into the IMF boardroom - where the portraits of her male predecessors hang.

She is using her current position of power to draw attention to issues concerning women 

in the global workforce.  "I'm the managing director of the International Monetary Fund...and our 

voice is listened to by policymakers,"  says Lagarde,who is helping coordinate 

empirical research and analysis to provide evidence of the strong contribution that women provide 

to the economy.

What do you think and feel within you in reading about her?  

Her story is interesting.

Your thoughts and comments will be highly appreciated. 

  

read more about her on this link.  

http://edition.cnn.com/2015/01/20/business/5-things-you-didnt-know-about-christine-lagarde/index.html

"Major reason for education is economic, like job decisions. But it is important to realize that there are non- economic benefits also like self actualization and cultural national good." – Bryan

Future economic stability continue to be the main reason for education  in our global world. Most people would conclude that they are pursuing higher  studies for the sake of more work or teaching loads,higher post  ultimately, higher salary. 

Recently during one of our lectures, the professor asked about our reasons for taking up higher studies.  There were good responses of  further knowledge, etc. however, the bottom line was for promotion,  security and stability in a shambled economy. 

High school students would express interest in taking up courses toward popular and financially satisfaction. Courses toward higher paying jobs is what matters most. We all know this and it has been or probably still a hidden reason for striving to horn our skills as academic scholars.

Today, how many care so much about the nationalgood? “These should be taken cared of by the President, the Senate, House of Representatives,the Mayor - in fact, the Government.  That is why we voted them in and entrusted them with the job of promoting and sustaining national development...”as others would argue. Self actualization on the other hand is relegated to the individual background to be unearthed after economic security has been achieved.  

 The desire for financial stability has blinded humanity from seeking to be true to ones self, of being contented and satisfied with what is, of expressing ones potential in a position without seeking for extra reward, of finding  ways  of giving ones best self for the greater good.  It does not matter anymore to be honest and gain  self respect because economic security has gained the upper hand and  is controlling the will to be fare and dignified. No wonder we are in a   societal mess caught up in a web of corruption so difficult to untangle.

 I do recall about a decade ago when Nursing and Care-giving courses were on top because of the assurance of job acquisition overseas.  Almost about 40% and maybe more of students and professionals were into the Nursing program. Universities and Colleges had the Nursing program topping its enrollment list all throughout the Philippines.  People were taking Nursing as a second course.  Parents were demanding their children to enroll in Nursing and go abroad to help raise their economic status. It was all 

about personal satisfaction and many do not care if the Philippines is depleted ofmedical or health workers for as long as they can learn  more by working outside the country.  

At that time, being the Campus Minister in one of the RVM Colleges 

that also had the highest enrollment in Nursing and improving
its Nursing program facilities, I would  often find myself in serious 

discussions with students regarding their future plans after 

graduation. It was all about plans in the pipeline of  going abroad.  

My argument about serving their country, responding to the

needs of the poor left behind and needing health care at the hospitals 

was not convincing. "Who will take care of 'home' if you leave?"  

I feared that those who will be left behind, who might not have the   chance to go abroad such as the old, frustrated, disappointed will just be ‘nesting’ in their jobs and carrying it out haphazardly to the detriment and collapse of some  Filipino principles of bayanihan, makatao, makadiyos.  It was all about self first, basic needs first before all else. Being educated has for them  one basic focus which is to complete and go abroad regardless of the   dangers and consequences involved, “basta maka abroad...” Thank   God, the exodus of health workers abroad has somehow settled down.

However, the challenging question still persists: 
How can most people be more conscious of the other good aspects of education when their society and country is battling with overwhelming deplorable economic situation? When according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), though the country’s economy has made a significant increase in the past year, the poverty rate is still on the increase of about 19%?  Results from a 2010 Annual Poverty Indicator Survey conducted by the PSA and released on February 15, 2013 indicated that “one in every ten families givesmoney, gift, or favor to facilitate availing of a service from a Government 
Office.  The bottom line - once people are struggling to survive, to prove themselves, to make ends meet, they are still at the bottom of the hierarchy of needs and so education will basically be ultimately linked with economic stability.  

In earlier years most parents would go hungry and poor, would wear themselves out to get their child ren educated in order to get them out of their small  barrio/village and out of ignorance.The world today is far advancing.   Even the ordinary unschooled peasant farmer in the remotest barrio knows and is aware of these global changes. He knows that with  education, he can get out of his poverty and misery, from his ignorance to knowledge of new skills and farming technology that will help  improve his yield at the end of the year.  

It is laudable to come to grip with the reality of the importance of other benefits ofeducation that definitely positively affect a nation’s heritage and future as well as global society as a whole. Education is wealth when properly understood. It leads a person or a whole  nation out of ignorance to growth and development. It is an eye-opener to newness and advancement. It creates enough confidence and commitment leading to an ease feeling, enthusiasm and selflessness. 

Education challenges people to reach and appreciate their full potential. With a formative education, the person is value-packed. This will dictate his / her attitudes, actions and worldview. Through education, the individual would find meaning in his / her identity and potentials which will constantly be discovered. When a person is motivated and can fully actualize him / herself, nothing personal really matters than to reach up higher, be creative and innovative for the greater good.

Regardless of the present economic challenges, a people whose perspective of life is driven by positive values geared toward freedom and development not only of self but of others, will surely seek the path of self actualization.  When a society begins to have more of such persons formed through education to seek the common good, to utilize fully their creativity and giftedness and be productive for love of their nation, that society will be on the clear path to development.  

The presence of Catholic and other Church-founded schools as well as some non-denominational institutions who value high quality and transformative education, invest in inculcating in their students Gospel values. 

These institutions uphold faith and love of God, wisdom and excellence in their academic endeavor, striving to rise above reproach and with productivity basically for service of humanity, for a transformed world worth sacrificing for. Education is advancing by the second in this age of technology. It is not only for ones self gratification but it is moving beyond that. This technology therefore calls for a redefinition of learning and being educated for discovery, sharing and building together a peaceful advanced global world.