DOST’s Coursewares: Curbing National STEM Struggles

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With the Philippines' decade-long struggle with low academic performance in math and science, it is crucial to implement strategies to improve these outcomes. It has been a consistent and observed trend for the country to score poorly on the PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment), placing the Philippines below the global academic average.

The Department of Science and Technology - Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) developed Coursewares designed to integrate inside the curriculum and classroom settings established by the Department of Education in order to curb the continuous academic decline. These supplementary materials aim to bridge the gap of accessibility to quality materials in the field of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

Eliminating academic challenges

In the 2022 PISA assessment, the Philippines placed 77th out of 81 participating countries. The country recorded an average score of 356 points in science and 355 points in mathematics, both way below the global average. Despite minor improvements from previous years, these results highlight ongoing significant challenges in the education system's ability to meet international standards in these critical areas.

PISA 2022 Worldwide Ranking: https://factsmaps.com/pisa-2022-worldwide-ranking-average-score-of-mathematics-science-and-reading-2/

The courseware underwent multiple validations and revisions to ensure utmost quality of the materials before implementation, creating a more viable mitigating tool for the below average academic ranking. The DOST-SEI courseware team, under the leadership of Josephine Feliciano, highlighted the level of content quality their courseware has to offer.

“Our education technologies follow the Software Development Cycle where Quality Control and Assurance is conducted through reviews of the modules from Alpha to Charlie Version before deployment.”

- Josephine Feliciano

On the quality assurance of DOST coursewares

This project is not only designed as a supplementary, but also as a stand-alone offline educational tool that allow the users to operate the software independently and gain mastery of the lessons. In its current stage, the software is nearing completion of

its online package for distribution to off-grid areas and schools.

Stirring the future: What’s next for DOST’s coursewares

Despite being an online learning platform, the project still faces challenges in logistics and distribution of their innovations and softwares to particular stakeholders.

Feliciano said that partnerships with providers, institutions, government, and non-government organizations would help bolster their distribution to help reach even more people.

Opening the doors for potential international linkages, DOST-SEI’s courseware is one of the country’s representatives at the National Science and Technology Fair in Thailand.

Feliciano expressed excitement for the upcoming opportunity to collaborate and benchmark their innovation on the international stage. She added that their team aims to leverage this showcase by contributing to the global educational pool in the STEM fields.

“DOST’s goal is [to] have our technologies reach not just the last mile beneficiaries in the country but to be at par with international quality standards.”

- Josephine Feliciano

On the continuous development of DOST coursewares

DOST’s courseware aims to implement multilingual features for the Philippines for a more universal local application, ensuring efficiency in information dissemination with the future possibility of trans-language features to cater to other countries as well.

** This article is part of the "SPICE: Science and Technology Promotion for International Contest and Exhibits" campaign for the National Science and Technology (NST) Fair Thailand 2024. For more information and event updates, visit the DOST-TAPI website at www.tapi.dost.gov.ph.

The courseware is a readily-available interactive classroom software application designed for both K-12 students and teachers. The software contains interactive multimedia materials aiding to deepen the understanding of complex mathematical and scientific concepts.

DOST returns to international stage - showcases at NSTF Thailand

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The Department of Science and Technology - Technology Application and Promotion Institute (DOST-TAPI) intensifies its internationalization campaign further for international recognition once again at the 2024 National Science and Technology Fair (NSTF), Thailand on August 16-25, 2024.

The 2024 National Science and Technology (NST) Fair Thailand’s Official Cover Page (Photo reference from this website:

https://www.bkkkids.com/family-friendly-event-in-bangkok/nst-fair-2024/)

This participation signifies the Philippines' goal of pursuing a global presence in science and technology while reinforcing DOST-TAPI's mission to strategically showcase Filipino innovations on an international stage. NSTF Thailand is recognized as one of Southeast Asia’s largest and most influential science and technology events, providing a platform for Filipino inventors to display their cutting-edge innovations.

NSTF Thailand: A Premier Platform for Philippine Ingenuity

The 2024 edition of the fair is set to focus on the theme "FUTURE SCIENCE OMMUNITY FOR ALL." This theme underscores the importance of cultivating 21st-century skills crucial for industrial and national economic goals, while also addressing global challenges such as promoting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and embracing the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy (SEP).

For the Philippines, NSTF Thailand represents a golden opportunity. It allows Filipino inventors to engage directly with a global audience, including investors, industry leaders, and potential collaborators.

DOST is once again set to showcase alongside major industry leaders at NSTF Thailand 2024, spotlighting the exceptional expertise of leading Filipino inventors.

Take a look at the technologies representing the Philippines:

1. Kooha

Inventor(s): Department of Science and Technology - Advanced Science and Technology Institute (ASTI)

Kooha is an Android app that leverages AI and machine learning to transform environmental data into actionable insights for experts in monitoring and disaster risk management. As a participatory tool, it raises community awareness on disaster risk reduction and the importance of data science.

2. REIINN (Resilient Education Information Infrastructure for the New Normal)

Inventor(s): Department of Science and Technology - Advanced Science and Technology Institute (ASTI)

The REIINN initiative creates frameworks and infrastructure to provide accessible learning resources, including modules for Grades 1-12, gamified math, and virtual museum tours. It also bridges the digital divide by deploying community LTE networks and utilizing datacasting technology for distance learning.

3. Virtual Laboratory Application in Science (VLAS) Project Inventor(s): Department of Science and Technology - Science Education Institute (SEI)

VLAS is a 360° 3D biology lab simulator that offers virtual experiments and theoretical knowledge in an immersive environment. It helps users familiarize themselves with lab equipment and methods through interactive modules

4. SIMATAR (Strategic Intervention Material for Teaching with Augmented Reality)

Inventor(s): Department of Science and Technology - Science Education Institute (SEI)

SIMATAR transforms smartphones into science labs with comic-style 3D simulations of complex scientific phenomena, such as typhoons and earthquakes,using Augmented Reality. This innovative app enhances science education by making abstract concepts more tangible.

5. DOST Courseware

Inventor(s): Department of Science and Technology - Science Education Institute (SEI)

DOST Courseware is a free, interactive software offering multimedia Science and Mathematics resources for Grades 1-12. Available across multiple platforms, it supports teachers and students in mastering complex concepts through engaging, Filipino-developed content.

6. Make-roscope™

Inventor(s): Engr. Jeremy C. De Leon

The Make-roscope™ is a compact, affordable microscope that attaches to a smartphone or tablet camera, magnifying organisms up to 400 times. It offers a user-friendly, portable alternative to traditional compound light microscopes.

7. STARBOOKS

Inventor(s): Department of Science and Technology - Science and Technology Information Institute (STII)

Opportunities for Collaboration and Growth

DOST-TAPI’s participation at NSTF Thailand opens doors to promoting and commercializing local technologies internationally. Aligned with its mandated functions, the DOST further fulfills its mission by accepting the invitation from Thailand’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation, which explores globalization potential, as well as recognizes the global significance of Philippine inventions.

STARBOOKS is an offline digital library that provides access to a vast collection of Science & Technology materials, aiming to democratize STEM education. It ensures that even remote Indigenous communities have equitable access to quality educational resources.

Opportunities for Collaboration and Growth

DOST-TAPI’s participation at NSTF Thailand opens doors to promoting and commercializing local technologies internationally. Aligned with its mandated functions, the DOST further fulfills its mission by accepting the invitation from Thailand’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation, which explores globalization

potential, as well as recognizes the global significance of Philippine inventions.

What Parks and Gardens to Visit in Tokyo? We Selected the 6 Most Beautiful

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Tokyo is known as a vast and modern city where life constantly pulses with a wild rhythm. Yet, you can still find many places here where you can take a break from the hustle and enjoy moments of peace in the embrace of nature. Be sure to add Tokyo's parks and gardens to your list of destinations for your trip to Tokyo. Let's take a look at some of the best natural spots in Tokyo that are worth visiting.

1. Ueno Tokyo Park

One of the most famous and visited parks in Tokyo is Ueno Park. Located in the northern part of the city near Ueno Station, it attracts about 10 million tourists annually. It is ideal for walks, picnics, relaxation, and education. The park is home to several museums and Japan's first zoo. In the spring, hundreds of cherry blossoms bloom here, making it the perfect place to enjoy the traditional Japanese festival "hanami," where people have picnics with their loved ones and appreciate the fleeting beauty of the cherry blossoms. However, it remains a beautiful place throughout the rest of the year, where you can admire nature.



2. The Imperial Palace East Garden in Tokyo

In the very heart of Tokyo lies the central garden belonging to the Imperial Palace. This garden is open to the public and combines greenery, water features, and historical fortifications, including original palace towers and gates. For nature lovers, it is the perfect place to immerse yourself in silence and tranquility, even though you are in the center of the city. Gardens in Tokyo, like this one, entice visitors with their beauty and history. However, it is closed on Mondays, Fridays, and holidays, so be sure to plan your visit carefully in advance.



3. Meiji Shrine and Surrounding Forest

The Meiji Shrine is the largest Shinto shrine in Tokyo, and if you wish to combine a spiritual experience with a visit to a nature spot, it is the perfect choice. The shrine is surrounded by a beautiful, dense forest with large, mature trees whose massive crowns will shield you from the hustle and bustle of the city. The complex also includes several gardens, including an iris garden that blooms beautifully in June. Adjacent to the shrine is Yoyogi Park, where you can have a picnic or play outdoor sports.

4. Shinjuku Gyoen

The Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden in Tokyo is unique in that it combines Japanese, French, and English styles and is known for its variety of flowers, trees, and ponds that you can discover. The garden is designed so that in every season you can admire different blooming plants. Therefore, no matter when you visit, you are guaranteed a beautiful sight. Locals often take nature day trips to Shinjuku Gyoen because it offers a peaceful and quiet refuge right in the heart of the bustling Tokyo city.

5. Hama Rikyu Garden

During your trip to Tokyo, be sure to visit this fascinating nature spot where you can see traditional Japanese culture combined with the modern cityscape. You can even reach this Tokyo garden by taking a water bus, called a suijo, which sails from Asakusa to the island of Odaiba. Once there, you can stroll along the paths that lead around ponds, teahouses, and beautifully manicured trees.

6. Rikugien

For lovers of traditional Japanese culture, Rikugien is one of the most beautiful gardens in Tokyo. This garden was designed based on waka poetry and famous landscapes depicted in classic Japanese poetry. Rikugien is at its most stunning in autumn, when the tree leaves turn various shades of red and orange. The garden is considered a work of art that perfectly embodies the principles of harmony, balance, and tranquility. For those seeking gardens to visit in Tokyo, Rikugien is one of the must-see locations.

Unique Natural Scenery

Despite its modern and fast-paced lifestyle, Tokyo offers many beautiful natural spots where you can peacefully admire the beauty of nature with a clear mind. The parks and gardens are beautifully maintained, and it would be a shame not to visit at least one of them during your trip to Tokyo. Be sure to include them in your itinerary and enjoy a day away from the city's hustle and bustle.