Laguna uses buses as mobile learning laboratories

MANILA: Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chair J. Prospero de Vera III led the inspection of several buses that will be used by state universities and colleges (SUCs) in Laguna as mobile learning laboratories.

“Many SUCs gave students tablets and gadgets so they can join online sessions. What is unique in LSPU (Laguna State Polytechnic University) is that they've decided to bring connectivity to the needy students,” said de Vera.

Held at the Siniloan campus of LSPU, the units are converted school buses that have been equipped with computers with internet connection, and even an air-conditioning system in order for students to be able to attend classes and concentrate on their lessons.

Each bus can accommodate 15 students and it will be brought to municipalities with LSPU students who can’t afford the necessary tools like computers and Wifi connection, which prevents them from getting a good education.

LSPU has provided the students flexible learning options including an asynchronous system where students can access and use online materials at their time.

“We have been coordinating with local government units so that we can park these buses and identified students can use the computers for the day. The electrical connection needed to run the equipment and air-conditioning will be shouldered by the LGU,” said LSPU President Mario R. Briones.

LSPU determined which students needed the assistance from a survey conducted during the pandemic. Their campuses are located in Sta. Cruz, San Pablo, Siniloan, and Los Banos in Laguna.

“CHED has been instructing SUCs to open only when they are ready and to exhaust all options to assist hard to reach students for the first semester of the school year 2020-2021. I am happy to see that LSPU is doing this,” added de Vera.

Photo from the CHED Facebook page

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