The Role of Ict in Reducing Dropout Rates in the Philippines

The Role of ICT in Reducing Dropout Rates in the Philippines

Introduction

They say that education is the best social leveler, that it can alleviate poverty which could lead to economic development. If it really is like most of us believe it is, then therefore the education sector needs serious attention.

The line that divides the rich and poor in the Philippines today is education. If a Filipino child was born in poverty, literacy becomes a crucial link in a chain that can either tie the child to a life of poverty or be used to pull him out of it.

About 80% of the Filipino poor live in the rural areas of the country. These are towns located deep in the mountains and the rice fields. Poor rural communities in the Philippines are often deprived of a quality education. There is a corresponding deficiency in schools and classrooms. In addition, lack of school facilities and equipment, dilapidated classrooms, poorly prepared teachers, lack of textbooks and good educational resources or references are negative factors that hinder children from excelling and overcoming the challenges of learning and going to school.

Proposed Problem Statement

Increasing dropout rates - out of every 100 children who enter Grade 1, only 63 will reach Grade 6 and in high school, from 71 to 55.

Objectives of the Study
The objectives of this study are the following:
Examine further the causes of children dropping out of school,
Investigate possible solutions to reduce dropout rates,
Research the possible role of ICT to help reduce the dropout rates.

Significance of the Study

References

Education and poverty reduction: http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/columns/view/20080531-139885/Education-and-poverty-reduction [Last checked: June 7, 2012]

The Problem of Rural Education in the Philippines: http://joshweinstein.wordpress.com/2010/03/02/the-problem-of-education-in-the-philippines/ [Last checked: June 7, 2012]

The deteriorating education system and worsening poverty situation: http://www.pinoypress.net/2007/08/14/the-deteriorating-education-system-and-worsening-poverty-situation/ [Last checked: June 10, 2012]

References: Education and poverty reduction: http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/columns/view/20080531-139885/Education-and-poverty-reduction [Last checked: June 7, 2012] The Problem of Rural Education in the Philippines: http://joshweinstein.wordpress.com/2010/03/02/the-problem-of-education-in-the-philippines/ [Last checked: June 7, 2012] The deteriorating education system and worsening poverty situation: http://www.pinoypress.net/2007/08/14/the-deteriorating-education-system-and-worsening-poverty-situation/ [Last checked: June 10, 2012]