The 12th annual program showcase for the Educational Technology Training Program (EdTech), hosted by the Public School System’s Office of Instructional Technology & Distance Education, was recently held on May 18 at the Kensington Hotel Saipan Hall. The event drew a crowd of 200 attendees, including EdTech graduates, instructors, key management from PSS, members of the Board of Education, and school administrators from both public and private schools.
The EdTech Program spans a year and comprises five 45-hour certification courses focused on utilizing and integrating technology to enhance instructional quality and learning outcomes. Upon completion, participants have devoted 225 hours to professional development. This year, the program celebrated the graduation of 129 participants. Throughout the program, attendees delved into Google tools to support teaching and learning, emphasized the importance of fostering proactive digital citizenship among students, and explored student-centered applications for creating multimedia presentations, infographics, and dynamic videos.
During the event, senior director Jackie Quitugua from the Office of Curriculum and Instruction, along with acting Board of Education chairperson Maisie Tenorio, delivered congratulatory remarks. They commended the dedication and hard work of all EdTech participants, highlighting their commitment to professional growth and the integral role of technology in modern learning environments.
One program participant, Kierah Lee, a teacher aide from the Head Start Program, expressed appreciation for the opportunity to expand her knowledge and gain fresh perspectives. She noted the versatility of the apps in various professional capacities, from teaching to family partnership advocacy and administrative tasks.
Another participant, Jace Pineda, a classroom teacher at Gregorio T. Camacho Elementary School, shared the diverse skills and tools acquired during the program, emphasizing the practical application of numerous apps and resources in classroom settings.
Lorraine Catienza, Instructional Technology director, underscored the ongoing refinement of the program in collaboration with EdTech instructors to enhance learning quality for professionals. The aim is to leverage technology’s transformative potential in teaching and learning, equipping educators to succeed in an increasingly tech-driven world. Catienza highlighted the crucial role of educators in realizing this vision, emphasizing continued investment in their development.