(Photo courtesy: Makati Information and Community Relations Department)

Makati City’s public schools are set to undergo a remarkable transformation by being the first city in the country to have "smart classrooms" that are powered by the so-called Internet of Things (IoT).

This bold initiative under the leadership of Mayor Abby Binay is more than just having fancy gadgets. It's a strategic overhaul aimed at freeing up teachers from the administrative burden that often weighs them down and let them focus on what truly matters: inspiring and nurturing young minds.

How does it work?

(Photo courtesy: Makati Information and Community Relations Department)

At the heart of each smart classroom stands the Hybrid Interactive Board (HIB) – a multi-functional, technological marvel equipped with an Android operating system, 5G Wi-Fi, and a plethora of interactive features. Students will receive notebook tablets linked to a Learning Management System (LMS), creating a seamless digital learning environment.

“The assessment scores of students can be accurately reported through a smart classroom’s HIB,” Mayor Abby explained. 

“This approach will save time, decrease paperwork, reduce teachers' administrative burdens, and allow more time for student-centered activities and the development of teaching strategies and innovations in their smart classrooms," she added.

A total of 400 classrooms in Makati's public schools will initially be fitted with smart classrooms.

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Makati City to create 400 smart classrooms

"We aim to incorporate IoT (Internet of Things) devices into 400 smart classrooms and expand this initiative in the near future," Mayor Abby said.

"Our goal is to continuously provide quality education and modern instructional resources that meet the demands of the 21st century," she added.

Under the program, classrooms are being equipped with interactive whiteboards that replace dusty chalkboards; students are also being equipped with digital tablets; and learning is infused with unlimited high-speed internet. 

The magic lies in the power of IoT

The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to the network of physical objects or "things" embedded with sensors, software, and other technologies that enable them to connect and exchange data with other devices and systems over the internet. 

The primary goal of the IoT is to collect and share data in order to improve efficiency, automation, and decision-making processes. IoT enables these devices to communicate with each other and with central systems, allowing for real-time monitoring, control, and analysis of various aspects of the physical world.

(Photo courtesy: Makati Information and Community Relations Department)

Through IoT, teachers can instantly gauge understanding through tablet-based responses to quizzes and exercises, eliminating the need for tedious paper grading, thereby resulting in real-time student engagement. 

Gone are the days of manual roll calls and attendance sheets. Smart classrooms capture attendance seamlessly and leverage learning analytics tools to generate detailed reports on student performance, which can save teachers hours of administrative work through automated attendance and assessments.

The LMS also adapts to individual needs, recommending resources and tailoring content based on each student's strengths and weaknesses. This reduces the one-size-fits-all approach and empowers teachers to provide targeted support for truly personalized learning paths.

Likewise, the interactive whiteboards foster team projects and group discussions, making learning more engaging and dynamic, highlighting enhanced collaboration among the class.

The benefits also extend beyond teachers. Students become active participants as the interactive nature of the classroom fuels curiosity and encourages creative expression.

Digital literacy also flourishes as students gain invaluable skills in navigating the digital world, preparing them for future careers.

Moreover, resource management is simplified with charging stations within classrooms ensuring uninterrupted learning, while tablet sharing programs can bridge the digital divide for families with limited resources.

“This demonstrates Makati City's commitment to exceeding expectations in providing quality education. Our public-school facilities and equipment are comparable to those in top private schools. We believe our students deserve the best educational services a local government can offer. The dedication of our city's teachers will lead to improved learning outcomes,”  the mayor said.

From October to November 2023, some 692 public school teachers in Makati received hands-on training in the Intensive Hybrid Interactive Smart Classroom Television Orientation and Hands-on Training program across various schools.

Makati's smart classroom initiative is a beacon of innovation, not just in the Philippines, but globally. It demonstrates how embracing technology can revolutionize education, empowering teachers, engaging students, and ultimately, preparing them for success in the 21st century. (JVD/PIA-NCR)