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2015.10.23

【Research Plan】Assessment of ICT for Education on ASEAN Integration (Philippine K-12 Basic Education Program)

Hello, everyone! This is M1 Lian Castillo from the Philippines. I have recently entered University of Tokyo, consequently Yamauchi Laboratory this fall. I am pleased to meet your acquaintance.

Formerly heavily trained in the hard sciences, I graduated last 2012 with a degree in Computer Science major in Instructional Systems Technology. I previously worked with the Philippine government agency for alternative learning in developing software to aid mobile teachers for teaching Basic Literacy to adult learners.

For 3 years I worked full time with enterprise technology for Investment Banking IT service management. After my brief corporate stint, I sought further studies in Japan to learn more than just academics. Now, I explore new grounds as I tackle the softer sciences under the GSII - ITASIA Program and Learning Environment with Yamauchi Lab.

【Overview】

Currently, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has been fully implementing the Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI). IAI will spearhead the internationalization of various sectors in member countries. Information and Communications Technology (ICT) will be a key enabler for integrating these sectors, including education. The use of ICT to constitute educational progress will be one of my main focuses for this research.

In line with this, the Philippines specifically has been readying the education sector for changes in its basic education program. For most of its years since independence, the country followed on 10 years basic education before further studies in university or vocational school. It was only recently, 2011 that the Philippines had begun transition from this to the K-12 (13 years) international standard. This year, the final phase is reaching conclusion with Senior High School being implemented for schoolyear 2016-2017.

【Goal】

As there are plenty of studies on ICT for Education in first world countries, I would like to make a specific case for this particular development and on this point in time with the Philippine education system. I would want to explore the cases and how it would be sustainable to implement ICT methodologies in basic education for the developing country culture.

Ultimately, I strive to marry the soft sciences with the hard sciences, both of which are necessary in sustainable development. It will be a challenging task, among other challenges that come with studying as a foreign student. I hope to exceed expectations in the 2 years of my stay. がんばります！

【Lian Sabella Castillo】