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6. 4 research projects of UP Diliman DSC funded by DOST

Despite the pandemic, the Department of Computer Science of the University of the Philippines Diliman conducted 4 DOST-funded research projects on education, healthcare, transportation, as well as scientific modelling and data analytics.

The projects include the “Immersive Technology Applications in Healthcare,” “Developing Immersive Technology System for the Management of Patients with Dementia and Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms”  and “Developing Immersive Gamification Technology System for the Rehabilitation Management of Pediatric Patients with Cerebral Palsy and with Limitations in Mobility.”

Another project named “Handum: The Design, Implementation, and Analysis of a Digital/Mobile Game-based Learning Tool for Primary and Secondary Education” targets to level-up the benefits of a mobile phone in the field of education.

The tool will be helpful in the discussion of the “standardized DepEd Prevention and Control of Diseases and Disorders domain at the Grade 4 and 8 levels.

7. “Will-Skill-Tool” model in tech-driven science and math education

DOST-SEI researchers came up with proposals on how to have a technology-enhanced classrooms to improve how science and mathematics are being taught.

The researchers pointed out that the mobile phones and other technological devices could be maximized in classrooms and can replace the traditional blackboard and pen-and-paper through the Will-Skill-Tool mode.

The “will” or attitudes; the “skill” or teaching ability; and the “tool” or access to ICT were said to be the needed components to meet the advancement.

The importance of study was justified based on the 2019 Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study, which concluded that Philippines ranked last among 57 countries in terms of “scientific and mathematical competence among grade-schoolers.”

8. Screening of the world’s largest Science film fest

DOST and the Goethe-Institute Philippines tied up for the 12th annual Science Film Festival held during the National Science and Technology Week in November.

Viewers were given a chance to watch 35 educational films about cloud computing, biology, climatology and epidemiology for free.

“Health and mental well-being are vital in the aftermath of the pandemic, with many Filipino youths concerned about their and their family’s wellbeing,” Biyo said.

“We hope to reach out to them and empower them through this Festival, even while fulfilling our mandate to deliver quality STEM education to the people.”, he added.

9. Tagisang Robotics: Design. Build. Play.

Despite the pandemic, the SEI pursued the yearly robotics competition and engineering virtually.

“The pandemic affected our youth programs but we believe by trying out new things in our regular projects we can still make the same impact,” Biyo said.

“Given the challenges in mobility, we’re still studying our options on how to go about the actual competitions. But as for the trainings, we made sure our participants remain engaged. In the early months of 2021, we shall have a better sight of how to conduct the contests,” Biyo added.

10. Findings on the 3-year study on STEM subjects unveiled

The UP College of Mass Communication Foundation, Inc. and the DOST presented the initial findings of the 3-year working research project on the attitudes of K to 12 students towards STEM subjects.

According to the researchers, grade school students nationwide have “a neutral to positive attitude, awareness, and knowledge on science.”

The study also revealed that the students prefer a “learner-centered approach” when studying STEM subjects.

“The DOST is always trying to find avenues for this kind of collaborative research that will help us make science work for the people. We are particularly concerned about recent reports that Filipinos are not doing well in STEM, aggravated by the pandemic,” DOST Secretary Fortunato De La Peña said.