EdTech Solutions for Last Mile Schools in COVID-19 (ADB)

The EdTech Solutions for Last-Mile Schools in COVID-19 was a three-year project with Asian Development Bank, NIRAS Asia, Edukasyon.ph, and PBSP. It aimed to provide DepEd-identified students in Last Mile Schools across Abra, Bohol, Kalinga, and Zamboanga Sibugay with safe, consistent access to resources for distance and blended learning. 

Initially a response to the COVID-19 pandemic and DepEd's Learning Continuity Plan, the project adapted as students returned to school, successfully shifting its focus to support hybrid and full-time, technology-supported classroom settings, providing valuable insights for DepEd.

The technical implementation had two parts: Digitized Learning Materials (DLM) and EdTech Infrastructure. The project developed, reviewed, and delivered 271 DLMs in English, Mathematics, and Science for Grades 7–12, accessible via a learning management system. DLMs were based on Self-Learning Modules (SLM) but aligned with international standards. 

The EdTech infrastructure initially supplied schools with low-cost tablets, long-range Wi-Fi, LAN, and a server. A late-2023 equipment upgrade introduced a commercial-grade server, campus-type Wi-Fi, and a "bare metal installation" of the learning management system for better performance.

The third component, Capacity Building, moved from online workshops to an in-person model as pandemic restrictions further eased. Four sets of field visits provided professional development and support, guiding teachers on DLM use and offering critical technical support to IT Officers. These visits also included sessions with School Division Office personnel to discuss progress and sustainability, ensuring the project's lasting utility.

Ultimately, the project helped students in far flung areas to have consistent and uninterrupted access to their education, and adapt to the post-pandemic learning setup.