TSU rallies support from LGUs for students’ internet connection
In line with the Commission on Higher Education’s (CHED) advisory on using the flexible learning method in lieu of face-to-face classes, Tarlac State University sought the help of local government units from the 2nd congressional district of Tarlac to provide a Wi-Fi area for students during a consultative meeting held on June 11, 2020 at the TSU Main AVR.
TSU President Dr. Myrna Q. Mallari presented the university’s and students’ concerns on Internet connectivity, highlighting that TSU needs the help of LGUs as it “cannot live alone."
LGUs’ participation in flexible learning is through the provision of Internet connection in their municipality, either via a computer laboratory or a Wi-Fi area such as a gymnasium or basketball court.
"Hindi lang po ito for Tarlac State University, para din ito sa Tarlac Agricultural University at sa DepEd. Sa DepEd marami din sila, so kapag nagsabay-sabay ang paggamit, kumusta rin naman po kaya yung connectivity?" President Mallari said.
Meanwhile, LGUs were also tapped to aid in the distribution of printed modules to students in their municipality. However, even with the modules, students still need to submit requirements and perform online quizzes and activities.
TSU has been using Microsoft Teams since 2017 where faculty members can hold classes online. With this, the university was tapped by the Commission on Higher Education Region III (CHEDRO) to lead its higher education institutions in using Microsoft Teams as a learning platform.
According to Tarlac City mayor Maria Cristina Angeles, they will be using the Smart Infocast to send public advisories as well as announcements. This will also be used to inform students on how the printed modules will be delivered to students.
“Actually, ni-link na natin ang Smart with the DepEd; sa city government din meron na, ico-connect na rin natin sila sa mga private schools. Sa ngayon, nagpapagawa pa kami ng letter para makapag-text blast din sa TSU,” Angeles said in an interview.
Tarlac City government has around 500 scholars where the grantees receive 4,000 to 8,000 pesos per semester. Now that face-to-face classes were suspended, Angeles is planning to use the scholarship grants to buy gadgets for the scholars.
Currently, Tarlac City has an e-Library with 10 computer units, but these are not enough to cater to the students’ needs. Angeles said she will meet the other public officials to address this immediate need.
She further said that the Tarlac City LGU is willing to provide and support the students’ needs as they enter the “new normal” scheme.
TSU is set to open the 1st semester of the academic year 2020-2021 on August 3.
TSU key officials and deans will meet the LGUs from the third district on Tuesday, June 16, to discuss the same concerns. They also had a previous meeting with the public officials from the first district, together with the representative from Tarlac Agricultural University in Camiling town, last June 9. [Maria Adelaida D. Calayag]
