Ericsson, Qualcomm Wireless Reach, Smart, DepEd–Muntinlupa and PNU partner to train teachers to use technology in the classroom

Ericsson today signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with PLDT’s wireless unit, Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart), the Department of Education in Muntinlupa, and the Philippine Normal University (PNU) to train in-service teachers from nine public secondary schools in the city of Muntinlupa as well as pre-service teachers from PNU on the use of technology for classroom learning and instruction.

Photo shows (standing, from left to right): Erica Cirialdi, Global Program Manager of Wireless Reach from Qualcomm; Ellen Alarilla, Manager for Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility, Ericsson Southeast Asia, Oceania and India; Ms. Carleen S. Sedilla, CESO V, DepEd – Muntinlupa; Nies Purwati, Senior Director of Government Affairs S.E. Asia; Stephanie V. Orlino, Center Head/AVP Stakeholder Management, Group Corporate Communications, PLDT-Smart. Front row, seated, from left: Atty. Christina Choi Castillo, Head of Legal and Senior Group Legal Counsel, Ericsson Philippines, Singapore and Brunei; Dr. Bert J. Tuga, President, Philippine Normal University; and Cathy Y. Yang, First VP/Head, Corporate Communications, PLDT – Smart

By leveraging virtual reality and internet connectivity, the training will focus on teachers’ professional development, with particular emphasis on the educators’ digital skills and pedagogical methodologies, so that a more student-centred learning environment can be created. This will be done with training for pre-service teachers studying at PNU, as well as in-service training for teachers from the nine public secondary schools in Muntinlupa.

The program in the Philippines, which is part of Ericsson’s Connect to Learn initiative, is supported by Qualcomm Incorporated through its Qualcomm Wireless Reach program, that aims to bring advanced wireless technologies to the people and communities who need it most.

The MOA was signed by Cathy Y. Yang, First VP/Head, Corporate Communications, PLDT – Smart; Atty. Christina Choi Castillo, Head of Legal and Senior Group Legal Counsel, Ericsson Philippines, Singapore and Brunei; Ms. Carleen S. Sedilla, CESO V, Department of Education – Muntinlupa and Dr. Bert J. Tuga, President, Philippine Normal University, in the presence of Nies Purwati, Senior Director of Government Affairs S.E. Asia and Erica Ciaraldi, Global Program Manager of Wireless Reach from Qualcomm.