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BRIDGEIT LAUNCHED IN THE PHILIPPINES

Last May 16, 2003, Nokia, the International Youth Foundation (IYF), Pearson and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) launched BridgeIT – an innovative program that uses mobile technology to bring interactive, multimedia learning materials to local classrooms around the world. The program will be tested in the Philippines in an initial countrywide pilot, beginning in June, with a view to expanding its geographic reach and range of educational content.

A fast and easy-to-use service, BridgeIT combines existing mobile technologies to deliver these digital multimedia materials to teachers and students who otherwise would have no access to them.

Speaking at the launch attended by Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, Nokia Executive Vice President, Veli Sundback said: “Today’s launch is truly unique, not only demonstrating how advanced mobile technology can be used for educational purposes, but also how the public sector, civil society and the private sector can cooperate successfully both at the global and local level.”

Globally, the combined research and development resources of Nokia, IYF, Pearson and the UNDP in the areas of technology, content, training and processes make up the BridgeIT platform. These four organizations have together coordinated and integrated the efforts and commitment of local organizations, including SEAMEO INNOTECH, who have similarly donated their time and services.

Known as text2teach in the Philippines, BridgeIt was developed locally under the leadership of the Ayala Foundation and with the commitment and involvement of the Philippines Department of Education, SEAMEO INNOTECH, Globe Telecom, PMSI-Dream Broadcasting, and Chikka Asia.

“In this first implementation alone, BridgeIT has the potential to improve learning opportunities for more than 13,000 elementary school children across the Philippines,” said Jaime Ayala, President of the Ayala Group and an IYF Board Member, speaking as a repre-sentative of the local support team. “BridgeIT takes advantage of familiar mobile technologies already in place, making it immediately accessible to teachers across the country. And, because each teacher has access to the same learning materials at the same time, students can explore the same state-of-the-art educational programs regardless of the location of the school or its academic-resource budget.”

From June this year, fifth and sixth grade teachers in more than 40 schools from Manila to Mindanao will be able to use mobile phones supplied by Nokia to access a library of more than 80 Knowledge Box science videos provided by Pearson. Once selected, videos are downloaded via satellite to a Nokia digital video recorder connected to a television right in the classroom.

IYF’s expertise in teacher training and project management, as well as the UNDP’s experience in process documentation is expected to ensure the successful implementation of both the pilot and a scaled program in the Philippines, as well as future replication in other countries

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