The Department of Science and Technology-Science and Technology Information Institute (DOST-STII) recently conducted a series of webinars to equip science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) teachers with the knowledge, skills and techniques for the latest learning modalities including the use of the Science and Technology Academic Research-Based Openly Operated Kiosks or STARBOOKS.

STARBOOKS, popularly referred to as the library-in-a-box, is an award-winning knowledge and learning resource of the Institute which provide students and teachers with greater access to the latest science, technology, and innovation (STI) information to supplement their textbooks and learning tools.

Of great help especially to those in marginal, remote communities, STARBOOKS contains STEM invaluable content for levels Kindergarten to Grade 12, carrying thousands of information in text, video and interactive formats, including livelihood videos for alternative learning systems.

The webinars are part of the yearlong celebration of STARBOOKS 9th anniversary in partnership with the Unilab Foundation through the Center for Integrated STEM Education, Inc. (CISTEM Inc.), a Unilab Foundation spin-off program that takes the lead in working and collaborating with the government and other agencies in delivering quality STEM education and linking it to STEM careers or the work of the future.

This collaboration is an opportune convergence between the two organizations toward a shared advocacy in promoting STI and STEM education, with CISTEM providing the resource speakers for the webinars.

“The webinar series is only part of what we intend to do under the new normal to augment the educational needs of our students. STARBOOKS is a perfect tool that offers a myriad of information on science, technology and innovation in support of the STEM curriculum. And what is good about STARBOOKS is that it can be accessed even offline,” said DOST-STII Director Richard Burgos.

The first of the 3-webinar series entitled “Reframing STEM Education for the New Normal was held last 29 July 2020 via Facebook Live at the DOST STARBOOKS official FB page. Featured lecturer was Sheryl Lyn C. Monterola, Ph.D., Professor III in the Science Education Area, Division of Curriculum and Instruction, College of Education, University of the Philippines Diliman and CISTEM Executive Director.

Next is the “Remote STEM Teaching for Diverse Learners: An Education Continuity How-to” scheduled on 12 August 2020 at 10:00am also via Facebook Live at the DOST STARBOOKS official FB page. Lecturer is Mr. Tristan C. Orbeta, M.A.Ed., Assistant Professor from Science Education Area College of Education, University of the Philippines Diliman.

Third is titled “Assessment at a Distance: Ensuring Learning from Afar” that will be livestreamed on 19 August 2020 at 10am via Facebook Live at the DOST STARBOOKS official FB page. The webinar will be facilitated by Melvin T. Magsayo, M.A.Ed., Science Teacher III, Senior High School Department (Academic – STEM Strand), Iligan City National High School and CISTEM Deputy Director.

Since its launch in 2011, STARBOOKS has been installed in 4,822 sites all over the country. To further bridge the gap in the access to STI information, the Institute also recently launched the STARBOOKS mobile app; enabling users to be updated on the latest technologies and innovations developed by our Filipino scientists, researchers, and engineers.