Making the Internet Useful for Children E-Book: A Philippine Schools Cyberfair Fundraiser

One of the common problems identified today are minors age 18 and below having a hard time finding educational resource suitable to their academic requirements on the Internet. Even with the growing number of Internet cafe and computer facilities, the lack of educational content prevents the youth to maximize its use.

 

The Philippine Schools CyberFair Project is an authentic learning program, which we envisioned to be used by elementary and high school institutions nationwide, for students to conduct research about their local communities then publish their findings on the Internet.

 

It is intended to compliment subjects such as English, Social Studies, Computer Education, Practical Arts, among others.

 

Close to 600 students and teachers all over the Philippines participated in the last two years of this competition. Six schools also won recognition in the international competition level as well.

 

This year’s theme is “Achieve and Unite.” This competition encourages students to produce a web site that connects the knowledge they learn in school to real world applications. Youth are inspired to “take action” in order to improve their lives and unite their communities. Just as achievement is action reaching fruition, the best projects showcase people and programs that are actively providing solutions or solving problems.

 

Prizes are awarded to schools for the best entries in each of eight categories: local leaders, businesses, community organizations, historical landmarks, environment, music, art, and local specialties.

 

This contest encourages students to become ambassadors for their own local communities by working collaboratively with community members and using technology tools to publish a Web site that displays what they have learned. The contest will involve students from different schools all over the Philippines—the largest national cyber-event for schools.

 

All Philippine entries shall also join the International School CyberFair. On its 9th year, it has been described as the largest educational event of its kind ever held on the Internet. This program has brought together more than one million students from over 100 countries.

 

During the first year, we asked for gift certificate prizes from sponsors to be given to participants. In 2003, a 5 day Java training was given to teachers. Teachers then suggested that future winners be treated to trainings or workshops in ICT as they rarely get the chance to attend these trainings. With such feedback, the 2004 Philippine Schools Cyberfair Project winners will be treated for a 5 day training workshop this May 2004.

 

As times are tough and resources are scarce, we decided to come up with this e-book as a means to raise resources for the forthcoming workshop. Instead of approaching traditional corporate sponsors, we’d like to raise the bar for fund generation directly to Internet users who believes in the value of this undertaking.

 

The e-book can be ordered for only ten dollars (US$10.00) and be entitled to unlimited updates. Buy Now!

 

Its content are as follows:

 

Introduction
2004 Theme: Achieve and Unite
Preparing a CyberFair Entry

• Task 1 Register and form the team
• Task 2 Work on the project narrative and website
• Task 3 Finalize the Website
• Task 4 Peer Review

 

Project Case Studies

 

• Case Study #1: Catanduanes State College
• Case study #2: DE LA SALLE-ARANETA UNIVERSITY
• Case study #3: MSC High School
• Case study #4: Zamboanga City High School Main
• Case study #5: Antique National School
• Case study #6: Claret School of Quezon City
• Case study #7: St. Benedict College

 

Past Winners

 

• 2003 Awardees
• 2002 Awardees

 

Challenges and Opportunities

 

Your purchase of this e-book is a great support to this advocacy and very much appreciated.

 

All e-book buyers shall be mentioned and given acknowledgement during the awarding ceremony. Should you wish to remain anonymous, please add that to the buyer note when you make your purchase.