Globe Digital Thumbprint Program helps keep schoolchildren safe from online sexual exposure

With many schoolchildren being able to access the internet without adult supervision, they are inadvertently exposed to indecent photos and videos which may not be limited to just actual search anymore. 

Online sites have found creative ways to lure the youth into checking out sexually-charged materials through keywords that may seem harmless, spam emails, or unrelated topics, to expose them involuntarily to sexual activities. 

Much worse is that friends and even strangers are able to force children to share naked photos or videos of them engaging in sexual activities. This situation was highlighted in the recent National Baseline Survey – Violence Against Children (NBS-VAC) which stated that about 2.9% of children have their own nude body or own sexual activities shown via the internet or mobile phone, 28% have been presented images of sexual activities of other people, and 35.4% have received sexually charged, negative, foul words or messages. 

On the other hand, the Department of Justice’s Office of Cybercrime (OCC) reported receiving 37,715 cyber tips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) in 2016 which grew to 45,645 in 2017, while the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) reported 172 cases of child pornography in 2017, up from 62 cases the previous year. 

In view of the alarming statistics and its commitment to child protection, the Department of Education (DepEd) is adopting Globe’s Digital Thumbprint Program (DTP) as part of the K-to-12 Values Education subject to create a safer online environment for the younger members of society (https://youtu.be/8RczUUX46bE). 

DTP was designed to mold children into becoming responsible online citizens through learning modules and workshops that take a closer look at their online behavior and help boost their knowledge regarding digital citizenship and cyber safety for a more enjoyable and protected internet experience. 

“While the internet helps children search information and communicate with their peers, it also comes with a price. Now, there is a higher danger of children talking with strangers especially in social media platforms, forums, and online games. There are also more opportunities for them to be exposed to lewd materials, deliberately or accidentally. However, keeping them away from computers and mobile phones is not the answer. Children must be taught how to protect themselves from these threats,” said Miguel Bermundo, Globe Head for Citizenship. 

Globe, being a leader in digital transformation, has always been a strong advocate of digital literacy, especially in public schools. In 2016, Globe introduced DTP which contributes in creating a safer online environment for the younger members of society. There are four modules under DTP, which include “Digital Insight,” with activities that help students discern proper online behavior to secure their information better; “Digital Impact” tackles issues on technology’s impact on students’ social activities; “Digital Ambition” equips them with skills on using technology to help achieve their life goals; and “Digital Discernment” teaches the youth how to spot false information online. 

For more information about DTP, visit https://www.globe.com.ph/about-us/sustainability/digital-nation/digital-thumbprint.html

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Little Me Academy to Launch Academe Philippine Online High School in Cagayan de Oro

CDO-based school Little Me Academy will launch the Academe Philippine Online High School (APOHS) on October 23rd. This is the first online open high school in the Philippines, catering to learners in grades 7 through 10.

APOHS has partnered with a Japan-based, e-learning platform called QUIPPER, which gives learners a challenging and engaging digital curriculum that is also aligned to Philippine's K-12 Basic Education Curriculum.

APOHS students have the freedom to complete their 100% online coursework wherever they are in the world, ensuring accessibility for Filipino students from around the globe. Because lessons are modular, learners can work whenever they want and at their own pace. This is helpful for students who have fallen behind, optimal for those who want to get ahead, and accessible for any Filipino learner.

"Filipinos seeking high school education come from all sorts of backgrounds - local talents engaged in outside pursuits, children who frequently travel with their families, housebound or working students, and so much more," noted Little Me Academy's Chief Education Officer, Teacher Ram Olandesca. Such situations can make it difficult for these students to be accommodated in traditional classrooms; however, in an online learning environment, limitations arising from location, physical ability, availability, or age are overcome.

"The faculty and staff at APOHS are highly qualified educators passionate about teaching, having undergone rigorous training for years at Little Me Academy," enthused Teacher Ram. "Little Me teachers are known throughout CDO for their dynamism, creativity, and outstanding communication skills. They'll bring that and more to the online school setting with tutoring, live instruction, corrective feedback, daily reminders, and check-ins." 

Socialization is also taken into account at the school. Personal connections and communications are made possible through mandatory, weekly online meetings and in-person meet-ups. "With this," Teacher Ram said, "the APOHS learner gains not just the intellectual profits of a high school education, but the social and emotional growth of a complete high school experience."

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Deped Schools in Mindanao will open on June 5 despite Martial Law situation

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, May 30, 2017 - DepEd Secretary Leonor M. Briones says during the Meeting of DepEd Regional Directors of Mindanao today that Education of our learners will proceed whatever the situation is. Education should not be compromised and we have to reach out to our learners wherever they are because that is our mandate and that is part of the culture of the Filipino.

The secretary's statement would mean that the opening of the school year will still be on June 5, 2017 despite Martial Law situation in Mindanao. However, for Marawi and 8 other barangays in Lanao del Sur and Iligan City will have to be postponed by two weeks. 

DepEd Region X have already conducted an inventory of learners who have transferred to Cagayan de Oro as well as the number of teachers they will be needing for the opening of the school year. DepED and ARMM will work hand in hand in mobilizing teachers who can speak the Maranao language well. ARMM will provide the teachers and the Central office shall provide the funding. 

With regards to the question of whether DepEd is ready for the opening on June 5, Secretary Briones said, “We have to be ready as we can be”. As of the moment, they have already provided temporary learning spaces in response to the problem of school facilities and coordinated with the curriculum group to provide additional books and educational materials for the learners. 

Other things that were considered are the implementation of the ‘Flexi Time’ in every class, providing financial assistance and psychosocial interventions to teachers and learners who were affected during the Marawi Siege and mobilizing the private sectors with all the assistance they can provide.

For students who wish to transfer their schooling to any parts of the country, the Secretary emphasized that children should be welcomed wherever they are and enrollment requirements will be waived.

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