JPLT Online Japanese School Offers the Chance to Learn from a Professional Native Teacher For Only 900 pesos a month!

  

JPLT Online Japanese School, DialogPlus Japan, and DialogPlus PH, featuring native Japanese instructor Mayuko Sensei.

A special offer for beginners to learn Japanese from a native instructor for only 900 pesos per month.

Classes start in September 2024, with weekday and weekend options available.

Online via JPLT’s platform, including the JPLT Metaverse Campus.

To provide accessible, high-quality Japanese language education at an unprecedented price, allowing learners to gain authentic pronunciation and cultural insights from a native speaker.

Enroll through JPLT’s website, choose your preferred schedule, and join classes with a mix of native Japanese and Filipino instructors. Recorded lessons are available for missed classes.

JPLT Online Japanese School Offers the Chance to Learn from a Professional Native Teacher For Only 900 pesos a month!

[DialogPlus Japan and DialogPlus PH] – [August 21, 2024] – JPLT (Japanese Language Training Online School) offers an unbeatable opportunity: learn from a native Japanese Instructor at an incredibly affordable price! 

For the first time, even those who are complete beginners with no prior knowledge of Japanese can join the Beginner Batch and participate in interactive, online lessons with a native Japanese instructor for just 900 pesos per month (USD: $15 | JPY: 2,520).

Website: https://jplt-dialogplus.com/

Introducing Mayuko-sensei

Our new addition to the JPLT team is Mayuko-sensei, a highly experienced Japanese language educator with over a decade of teaching experience in Australian secondary schools. With a Master’s degree in Education from an Australian public university, she now brings her expertise to online classes, providing quality education at a fraction of the usual cost—an opportunity unlike any other.

Imagine learning Japanese from a native speaker who can charge thousands of pesos per hour for one-on-one lessons, and is now made accessible at a very low price. This offering stands out as a unique chance for learners.

Special September Batch Offer:

Conversation Course for Beginners (N5/A1)

Weekdays: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM PHT / 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM EST (previous day)

Weekends: Saturdays and Sundays, 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM PHT / 7:00 AM - 10:00 AM EST (same day)

Weekend Classes: Continue Japanese practice online with skilled Filipino instructors.

Missed a class? No problem—recorded lessons ensure easy access to catch up at any time.

Why This is a Great Opportunity:

Unbeatable Prices: Quality Japanese lessons at a price that’s never been seen before.

Native Japanese Teacher: Learn authentic pronunciation and cultural insights directly from a native speaker.

Experienced Instructors: Get the best of both worlds with guidance from Filipino and Japanese educators.

Flexible Schedule: Choose from weekday and weekend classes to fit your lifestyle. 

Comprehensive Curriculum: A solid foundation covering JLPT N5 or CEFR A1 levels.

This unique opportunity is designed to cater to beginner Japanese language learners, offering an exciting path to mastering the language.

About JPLT Online School

JPLT (Japanese Language Training Online School) aims to be an inclusive and sustainable online school, fostering a collaborative learning community where learners can support one another. Free Japanese learning opportunities are also available.

JPLT Metaverse Campus

The JPLT Metaverse Campus offers group classes, one-on-one lessons, and free, fun activities in a cutting-edge virtual space. This platform connects Japanese learners worldwide, providing opportunities to practice speaking with avatars and learn naturally in a supportive environment. Experience the future of Japanese language education at the JPLT Metaverse Campus.

Start the Japanese language journey today by enrolling through the following links:

Enroll now

The contents of this news release are accurate at the time of the announcement. Please note that details may change over time.

About Dialog Plus Philippines Corporation

Contact Information:

Dialog Plus Corporation

Headquarters: Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan

Representative: Toshimitsu Tanaka

Phone: +81-45-577-9777 (10:00-12:00, 13:00-17:00, excluding Wednesdays and holidays)

Email: info@dialogplus.co.jp

Website: Dialog Plus Japan

Dialog Plus Philippines Corporation

Office Location: 49, 20th Street, East Bajac-bajac, Olongapo City, Zambales, Region III, 2200

Email: admin@dialogplus.co.jp

Phone: +81-047-222-5070

Website: https://dialogplus.ph/

For further details, please visit the website:

https://jplt-dialogplus.com/

This press release has also been published on VRITIMES

Media and Information Literacy in the Philippines Disinformation Web

This is the first part of the four-part series on Media and Information Literacy in the Disinformation Web. In this piece, it will discuss how the spread of fake news and misinformation is eroding trust in media and threatening democracy in the Philippines. Explore the impact of political propaganda, COVID-19 misinformation, and the fight for truth.

In the Philippines, the fine line between facts and fiction is increasingly blurred. Due to the proliferation of fake news, campaign propaganda, and state-sponsored trolling, Filipinos have difficulty fact-checking and assessing the content that they consume. Moreover, these contents tend to satisfy people’s biases and world view which is why they tend to accept the facts at face value even if they were factually erroneous to begin with.

This article will highlight different examples of how bad actors spread fake news. It will also highlight the dire consequences of the mass spreading of misinformation. Lastly, how can the community fight against them?

Case Study 1: Political Propaganda as Weaponization of Lies

Political propaganda is a potent tool in the Philippines. This is rampant during elections. During that season, false narratives and manipulated stories have become common on social media. Social media is the predominant source of campaign propaganda among Filipinos; after all, the Philippines is the social media capital of the world. This propaganda is exacerbated by state-sponsored trolling, which further amplifies these messages. This creates an echo chamber that stifles dissent.

For example, studies on the last 2022 presidential campaign have shown a surge in misleading information. Usually, the content of the campaign favors certain candidates while harming others. This is particularly detrimental to democracy because people ground their discretion on lies in order to vote for particular candidates. 

In this scenario, it harms the electorate the most because they are fed with lies in order to vote for certain candidates that have self-serving agendas. 

Case Study 2: Clickbait, PR and Coordinated Campaigns Contribute to the Fake News Epidemics

Aside from skewing public opinion, disinformation is handy in generating profits for businesses. Remember, attention is the new currency of the digital economy so enterprises come up with lots of strategies to attract people’s attention. For example, clickbait websites and PR firms contribute to the fake news epidemic. They churn out emotionally charged but misleading stories for profit. 

They do this through coordinated disinformation campaigns. The said campaigns flood social media with fabricated content that creates an illusion of widespread support for specific narratives. For example, they greenwash oil companies in order to blind-sight the public that they are environmentally responsible.

These tactics erode trust in media and foster as cloud of scepticism among institutions. If people are to rely on credible media sources, the media companies must hold themselves ethically responsible otherwise it will be a PR nightmare for them or a lawsuit waiting for telling fabricated stories.

Case Study 3: COVID-19 Misinformation That Worsened A Public Health Emergency

The COVID-19 pandemic has been a proven disaster due to misinformation. False claims about treatments and vaccines have led to dangerous health behaviors and vaccine hesitancy. These harmful narratives have prolonged the pandemic and put lives at risk.

Fighting Back: Media Literacy and Collective Action

To combat disinformation, it requires a multi-pronged approach. It requires the efforts of major key players.

• Government agencies – pass laws that incentivize media companies to integrate responsible publications in their platforms such as fact-checking.

•  Independent fact-checkers and civil society organizations should educate the public and expose false narratives.

• Promotion of Media and information literacy education is essential so individuals can critically evaluate information. Understand that the reason bad actors exploit the consumers is due to a lack of MIL among users.

As a Media Consumer, What Can You Do?

• Be Skeptical: Don't believe everything you read online.

• Check Sources: Verify information from reliable sources.

• Support Fact-Checkers: Follow and share the work of reputable fact-checking organizations.

• Demand Accountability: Hold media outlets and politicians accountable for spreading misinformation.

Balancing Regulation and Freedom of Speech

Everyone agrees that fighting disinformation is essential, but protecting freedom of speech is equally important. This is where things could get murky if we highly regulate speech in the name of fact-checking. 

The solution could be to find the right balance in regulations to ensure that legitimate discourse and criticism are not stifled. 

The Fight for Truth: A Shared Responsibility

The fight against disinformation is a shared responsibility. When people become more media literate and demand accountability, they can create a more informed and resilient society. The future of Philippine democracy may well depend on the ability of Filipinos to filter out the web of misinformation and uphold the truth.

Coach Boost Gio

About Kwento Co

Kwento Co is a diverse and dynamic media and information literacy website. We are a team of accomplished content creators, artists, influencers, and young entrepreneurs who are passionate about helping micro to macro-sized businesses market their services through effective digital marketing strategies- tailored for their brands.

This press release has also been published on VRITIMES

WePlay X Jen Animation: WePlay Collaboration with Popular Animator Jen Animation, Exclusive Rare Items Available from August 23rd!

  

Recently, the well-known entertainment app WePlay announced a collaboration with famous Filipino animator Jen Animation, bringing users an exclusive experience. Starting at 12 PM on August 23rd, WePlay will launch a special limited-time gift package, giving users a chance to win exclusive Jen Animation-themed in-app items.

During the launch period, users can also participate in social media events by sharing screenshots from the Jen Animation-themed watch party in designated discussion threads to win additional Jen Animation-themed virtual items.

As a global company, WePlay has frequently topped app charts in various countries, attracting nearly a million players in the Philippines alone, with global downloads exceeding 100 million. The app is available on both iOS and Android.

For more information, please visit: https://weplayapp.com/

This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES

Media and Information Literacy Education in the Philippines Classrooms

  

This is the first installment of the four-part series of Media and Information Literacy Education in the Philippine Classrooms. This article analyzes the integration of Media and Information Literacy (MIL) in the Philippine curriculum. It also focuses on the challenges, strategies, and successes in teaching the subject to senior high school students.

In Finland, its government integrated high-quality standards for Media and Information Literacy in order toaddress the Russian government's misinformation campaign. They acknowledge that the proliferation of fake news will always exist. They knew that they could not stop propaganda that sought to sow division. Hence, the way to resolve such issues is to develop critical thinking skills. After all, Finnish people will read that misinformation anyway. That is why this skill set is no longer a luxury, but a necessity.

This is the scenario that the Philippines wants to avoid. This is why MIL has been made a core part of its Senior High School curriculum. They knew that teaching the youth MIL headstart would prevent them from becoming misinformed adults in the future.

However, what does this mean for students and teachers, and what challenges lie ahead?

Impact of MIL on Students and Teachers

In the short term, the benefits will not be that obvious. However, in the long term, the students and the country as a whole will reap what they have sown. From the perspective of the students, they will have the necessary critical thinking skills to evaluate the correctness of information through cross-researching credible information sources. Moreover, critical thinking skills could be used in other facets of their lives like general life skills where using their common sense will be the norm.

In the grander scheme of things, this education they got from MIL instruction will prepare them for voting for the right candidate through the campaigns and biographies that they could get. They can also participate in national issues that the nation faces.

On the other hand, the benefit that the teacher will get from teaching Media and Information Literacy among students is that they could have a higher bargaining power to provide their schools with IT supplies and additional certifications that will upskill them. After all, they are the ones who will ensure the success of the said program.

However, it is all theoretical unless the government funds MIL education. The goal is to develop well – informed citizenry through critical thinking. This can only be achieved when there is the right accommodation of infrastructure, resource allocation, and policy interventions because implementing MIL is expensive and labor-intensive.

As mentioned in the last series, the Philippines has huge economic disparities wherein it presents a stark digital divide. It is always up to the government on how to tackle these issues.

Overcoming Hurdles in MIL Education

Like any new initiative, teaching MIL has its challenges. These include:

• Lack of Teacher Training: Teachers lack the confidence to teach this subject due to a lack of specialized training and resources. Understandably, they will face that difficulty since MIL education is just a new subject matter. To bridge this gap, the Department of Education (DepEd) partnered with NGOs to offer workshops and mentorship programs to teachers so that they could be proficient in teaching the subject.

• Curriculum Overload: The Philippine curriculum is stuffed with several subjects that it impossible to focus on MIL education. For this reason, some schools are creatively integrating MIL into existing subjects like English and Social Studies. This may seem an efficient way to teach MIL but to address this issue, the education department must decrease the subject loads of each student. After all, it is the improved skill sets of critical thinking, writing, and reading that matter, not the contents themselves since they may be obsolete in the future.

• Digital Divide: Limited access to technology in rural areas and poor communities remains a hurdle. Nevertheless, programs that opt for gadget distribution, and internet connectivity among far-flung places are the ones that level the playing field.

• Teacher Shortages: Sadly there are too many students in schools but not enough teachers who can educate. The lack of teachers, especially in remote areas, adds another layer of complexity. Some schools are addressing this by embedding MIL topics into other subjects, reducing the need for specialized teachers. However, the real kicker to solve this issue is to increase teacher’s pay so prospective teachers will be incentivized to teach.

Innovative Solutions for MIL in the Philippines

The government could adapt the following policy recommendation:

• Curriculum Upgrades: This does not mean adding subjects or making the courses more difficult than they are but adapting educational gold standards that aim to bolster education such as integrating critical thinking skills in classrooms rather than rote learning. This will complement MIL classes.

• Teacher Development: Investment allocation towards teacher training will empower educators to deliver high-quality MIL instruction. These include subsidies on gadgets and specialization towards MIL instruction.

• Bridging the Digital Divide: Efforts to expand digital infrastructure and provide students with the tools they needwill continue.

• Global Inspiration: The Philippines can draw inspiration from countries like Finland and Canada, which have successfully integrated MIL into their education systems.

Empowering the Next Generation

Teaching Media and Information Literacy is not just about preparing students against the tides of the digital world. It's about empowering students to become critical thinkers, responsible media consumers, and active participants in a global society. The journey is a long hurdle, but the commitment to MIL education in the Philippines is a testament to the nation's dedication to preparing its youth for the challenges and opportunities of the digital age.

Coach Boost Gio

About Kwento Co

Kwento Co is a diverse and dynamic media and information literacy website. We are a team of accomplished content creators, artists, influencers, and young entrepreneurs who are passionate about helping micro to macro-sized businesses market their services through effective digital marketing strategies- tailored for their brands.

 

This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES

 

Encouraging Filipino Students to Be Media and Information Literacy

  

This is the third installment of the four-part series of Media and Information Literacy Education in the Philippine Classrooms. In the Philippines' digital age, Media and Information Literacy (MIL) is key for students. MIL equips them to navigate the online world, critically assess information, and responsibly create media. However, MIL education faces challenges that need addressing.

Unequal Access: A Barrier to MIL

One major hurdle is unequal access to digital resources. Students in urban areas often have better technology and internet than those in rural and poorer regions. This gap stems from infrastructure limitations and socioeconomic factors. This leaves rural and poor students vulnerable to misinformation.

Resolving this issue requires a long-term approach and not just band-aid solutions. The government should ensure that households earn enough income to sustain their families. It is easy to recommend providing families with gadgets and what have you but the reality is that is not sustainable and the solution requires self-sufficiency for these families.

Will children have better equipment for their MIL education if families were to improve their income? It is not guaranteed but the chances this student might have that boost of support is higher.

Curriculum Gaps: Theory vs. Practice

The Philippine curriculum includes MIL, but there's a gap between theory and practice. Students learn the concepts but lack hands-on experience applying them in real situations.

So, what is the solution? To implement more project-based learning is needed to bridge this gap. Examples include writing blogspots, studying media consumption and media biases, and other internationally accepted standards of good quality MIL education.

This is a tough reform to push through because the educational system in the country prefers rote memorization. In this strategy, students are meant to regurgitate information that they absorb in their studies but not enough application to assess if they really learned something or not.

A major reform that the education department could do is train teachers to teach MIL subjects as a hybrid subjective-based type of learning and objective-type of learning. In this method, students can rote memorize the principles but they have to use inferences and draw conclusions from the materials they are about to use.

With this strategy, the gap between theory and practice could be bridged.

Diverse Perspectives: Beyond the Classroom

MIL education isn't just for schools. Parents, communities, government, and media professionals play a role.

Parents can reinforce MIL at home. These could allow children to use gadgets for reading credible news outlets or watching educational videos on YouTube. Basically, children drawn to screen time are frowned upon due to the fact that it may be deemed unproductive. Yet, the key is to ensure that their content is of good quality.

Policymakers and media can advocate for better MIL standards and create content promoting media literacy. In this modern world, government intervention and self-regulation of media companies are necessary to ensure that users become more critical and safe from misinformation that spreads on the platform. In a practical context, it is necessary to ensure that people discern facts from fake news because this shapes the policy options that guide political leaders.

MIL skills develop outside classrooms too. Community organizations and online platforms can host workshops and provide resources. Educational apps and websites offer interactive ways to hone critical media skills.

The Long-Term Impact of MIL

At present, the short-term value of MIL classes is to widen the worldview of students and enhance their critical thinking skills. However, there are more practical benefits in the long term that students could benefit from MIL:

• It shapes informed citizens who actively participate in society. This will prepare students to be better voters and safeguard their politicians. Why? They cannot be easily deceived by propaganda and they are empowered enough due to the knowledge that they have so they can put checks and balances on leaders who intend to abuse their powers.

• It prepares students for careers in a digital world. Technological advancements are already here. So, in order forstudents to exploit those opportunities, they must be proficient in navigating tools and information especially since they are free and accessible nowadays.

• Fosters responsible online behavior for overall well-being. Remember, you could be sued if you defame other people online. This is a sufficient warning to keep digital spaces clean.

Moving Forward with MIL in the Philippines

Progress has been made, but challenges persist. Collaboration between educators, parents, communities, and government is essential to bridge gaps and ensure equal access. By expanding MIL beyond classrooms and recognizing its long-term impact, we empower Filipino students to be critical thinkers and responsible digital citizens.

Coach Boost Gio

About Kwento Co

Kwento Co is a diverse and dynamic media and information literacy website. We are a team of accomplished content creators, artists, influencers, and young entrepreneurs who are passionate about helping micro to macro-sized businesses market their services through effective digital marketing strategies- tailored for their brands.

This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES

Bridging the Digital Divide Enhancing Media and Information Literacy

  

This is the last  installment of the State of the Media and Information Literacy in the Philippines series. This article explains how the digital divide in the Philippines, especially in rural areas, hampers Media and Information Literacy (MIL). It will discuss how unequal internet access and digital literacy disparities exacerbate this issue and the steps needed to bridge the gap.

As stated in the previous article, the income disparities of Filipino households also lead to a stark contrast of digital disparities. This divide does not only limit access to information but also hinders the development of critical MIL skills, essential for the utilization of today's media-rich environment. Below, we explore the factors contributing to this divide and how they impact MIL in the country.

Unequal Internet Access

In the Philippines, the disparity in internet access between urban and rural areas is a significant contributor to the digital divide. Urban centers boast more extensive internet infrastructure and connectivity. For example, Metro Manila enjoys the highest internet access rate at 32.3%. This reflects a concentrated investment in urban areas. In contrast, many rural regions struggle with limited or unreliable internet access which leaves large populations disconnected from the digital world.

Furthermore, income inequality exacerbates the digital divide. More affluent households are more likely to afford high-speed internet and modern digital devices. Meanwhile, poorer households face challenges in accessing even the most basic digital services.

Sadly, access to fixed broadband surged only among the wealthiest 40% of the population, while marginal improvements are seen among the poorest, illustrating the widening gap in digital access.

This stems from the inaccessibility and the expensive infrastructure set up in the Philippines. It is cheaper for internet companies to focus on urban areas rather than rural areas. In this case, the government should invest heavily in infrastructure in far-flung places to improve the said conditions

Negative Impacts on Education

The failure to resolve this digital infrastructure leads to the repercussions of this digital divide. It negatively impacts the educational sector. Students from rural and poor areas face significant barriers in adopting digital learning tools since they either cannot afford digital devices or internet connectivity is also inaccessible. These tools could have improved the ability of students to critically analyze media content and use information effectively. Without reliable internet, these students are often left out of online education opportunities.

A good example of said discrepancies was greatly seen during the COVID–19 pandemic. The more well-off students rely on online classes while the poorer students have to rely on paper modules to get by. The difference? The former gets proper instruction while the latter fends for himself.

Exacerbating MIL Disparities

If this trend continues, the digital divide will significantly restrict access to diverse sources of information. Students from poorer communities have limited access to the internet and they often rely on fewer and sometimes biased sources of information. This situation limits their ability to critically evaluate media content.

On the other hand, the disparities in internet access and digital literacy directly contribute to unequal educational outcomes. Wealthier students, with better access to digital tools and resources, are more likely to develop strong MIL skills. Unlike their economically challenged counterparts, they may fall behind. As a result, a perpetuates a cycle of inequality that affects their ability to engage critically with media and information.

If these groups have different sources of information, they may have polarized views on what is right and what is wrong since they cannot agree on the correctness of the facts they have learned.

Policy and Infrastructure: Bridging the Gap

To address these disparities, it requires a comprehensive approach. It starts with significant investments in digital infrastructure. The Philippine government must prioritize expanding broadband coverage to rural areas so that every Filipino has access to the Internet. Additionally, targeted educational policies that promote digital literacy across all regions are essential. This includes comprehensive teacher training programs that equip educators with the skills necessary to teach MIL effectively. The teachers should also be well compensated and well-subsidized for said digital technologies.

Meanwhile, community-based initiatives are also encouraged to step in to overcome cultural barriers. By engaging local communities and raising awareness about the importance of digital literacy, these programs can foster a more inclusive approach to technology adoption.

Conclusion

The digital divide in the Philippines presents a significant challenge to achieving widespread Media and Information Literacy (MIL), particularly in the rural and poor areas. Unequal access to the internet and varying levels of digital literacy exacerbate these disparities, impacting educational outcomes and limiting opportunities for critical engagement with media and information. Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach, including investments in digital infrastructure, targeted educational policies, and community engagement. Bridging this gap can ensure that the Philippines has equitable access to MIL resources, empowering all its citizens to thrive in the digital age.

Coach Boost Gio

About Kwento Co

Kwento Co is a diverse and dynamic media and information literacy website. We are a team of accomplished content creators, artists, influencers, and young entrepreneurs who are passionate about helping micro to macro-sized businesses market their services through effective digital marketing strategies- tailored for their brands.

 

This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES

This is the third installment of the State of the Media and Information Literacy in the Philippines series. This article uncovers the socio-economic, cultural, and technological barriers hindering Media and Information Literacy (MIL) in the country, and explores effective solutions to promote digital literacy and critical thinking. The previous article tackled how Media and Information Literacy (MIL) education faces an uphill battle on how to make it accessible to several students regardless of their geographic location and their socio-economic status in the Philippines.These obstacles are due to several barriers such as socio-economic and cultural factors. They limit the widespread adoption and effectiveness of MIL education. These issues have to be addressed to ensure that the critical thinking and responsible media consumption of Filipino students are upskilled. It is MIL education that builds a well-informed and empowered citizenry. Socio-Economic Barriers Poverty This is probably one of the most significant obstacles to MIL access in the Philippines. Since a larger portion of the population lives below the poverty line, many families cannot afford essential digital devices or internet connectivity. As a result, students from low-income families are at a disadvantage that they are unable to practice and develop MIL skills, which are increasingly necessary in today's digital world. Resource Scarcity in Schools Underfunded public schools often face severe resource limitations. They lack the educational materials that are necessary to aid their education. Sadly, this negatively impacts inaccessibility to MIL-related materials because they are deemed secondary important compared to classrooms, chalks, and the like. Without the said materials, it is difficult to build MIL skills for children because it takes practice to hone these skill sets. Teacher Training and Professional Development The effectiveness of MIL education heavily relies on the preparedness of teachers. Unfortunately, many educators in the Philippines report feeling inadequately prepared to teach MIL. This is largely due to insufficient training and limited access to professional development opportunities that focus on MIL. Without proper training, teachers may lack the confidence and skills needed to effectively deliver MIL content, resulting in a diminished educational experience for students. Solutions to these problems First, the government must ensure that economic mobility is improved so that they can afford the said digital resources. Then, the government should allocate better funding for these projects. Get private sector donations to fill in the gap when necessary such as tax breaks on information technology and the like. Lastly, set some priorities for the development of MIL access. It may seem MIL-related materials are deemed unnecessary compared to STEM subjects but the fast-changing world is now relying on more recent information and these materials could bridge that gap. Cultural Barriers Cultural Differences and Traditional Beliefs Cultural attitudes towards media consumption and information dissemination can significantly impact MIL. Different cultures have different ways to absorb information. Sometimes, this information does not adhere to the philosophies of these cultures. Even if others argue that this is the price of critical thinking, it is hard to change minds in a snap especially if these are the cultural norms they grew up with. Language Barriers The Philippines is a multilingual nation; hence, there are several spoken languages that they are accustomed to or more proficient with. Usually, the medium of communication among these MIL-related contents is in English. So, usually, there may be some miscommunication along the communication process. However, with the advancement of technology, this became less of a problem due to the translation abilities of such technology. The solution to these problems The initiatives of awareness campaigns and more people becoming vocal about presenting a different point of view. Yes, there may be some clashes of thoughts but that is the payment to make all people open to different points of view which are essential to MIL. Technological Obstacles Due to the lack of technological infrastructure and affordability, technological obstacles persist. First, the stark digital divide remains a significant challenge because poverty prevents households from buying the necessary gadgets that canteach them MIL skills. Even if they could buy or avail such technology, internet connection is slow, expensive and unreliable, especially to rural and remote areas. Overcoming the Technological Barriers A multi-faceted approach is necessary to overcome these challenges. The following include: Policy interventions can ensure equitable access to digital resources and training for both students and teachers. Infrastructure development is crucial to bridge the digital divide and provide reliable internet access. Community engagement programs can address cultural and socio-economic barriers, while enhanced teacher training can equip educators with the necessary skills and resources to effectively teach MIL. Conclusion The barriers to MIL proficiency stem from different kinds of barriers such as socio-economic barriers, cultural barriers, and technological barriers. Each barrier has its own solutions and it is up to the government and community-based initiatives to implement those recommendations above in order to improve MIL access and its proficiency. Coach Boost Gio About Kwento Co Kwento Co is a diverse and dynamic media and information literacy website. We are a team of accomplished content creators, artists, influencers, and young entrepreneurs who are passionate about helping micro to macro-sized businesses market their services through effective digital marketing strategies- tailored for their brands. This press release has also been published on VRITIMES

 

This is the third installment of the State of the Media and Information Literacy in the Philippines series. This article uncovers the socio-economic, cultural, and technological barriers hindering Media and Information Literacy (MIL) in the country, and explores effective solutions to promote digital literacy and critical thinking.

The previous article tackled how Media and Information Literacy (MIL) education faces an uphill battle on how to make it accessible to several students regardless of their geographic location and their socio-economic status in the Philippines.These obstacles are due to several barriers such as socio-economic and cultural factors. They limit the widespread adoption and effectiveness of MIL education. 

These issues have to be addressed to ensure that the critical thinking and responsible media consumption of Filipino students are upskilled. It is MIL education that builds a well-informed and empowered citizenry.

Socio-Economic Barriers

Poverty

This is probably one of the most significant obstacles to MIL access in the Philippines. Since a larger portion of the population lives below the poverty line, many families cannot afford essential digital devices or internet connectivity. As a result, students from low-income families are at a disadvantage that they are unable to practice and develop MIL skills, which are increasingly necessary in today's digital world.

Resource Scarcity in Schools

Underfunded public schools often face severe resource limitations. They lack the educational materials that are necessary to aid their education. Sadly, this negatively impacts inaccessibility to MIL-related materials because they are deemed secondary important compared to classrooms, chalks, and the like. Without the said materials, it is difficult to build MIL skills for children because it takes practice to hone these skill sets.

Teacher Training and Professional Development

The effectiveness of MIL education heavily relies on the preparedness of teachers. Unfortunately, many educators in the Philippines report feeling inadequately prepared to teach MIL. This is largely due to insufficient training and limited access to professional development opportunities that focus on MIL. Without proper training, teachers may lack the confidence and skills needed to effectively deliver MIL content, resulting in a diminished educational experience for students.

Solutions to these problems

First, the government must ensure that economic mobility is improved so that they can afford the said digital resources. Then, the government should allocate better funding for these projects. Get private sector donations to fill in the gap when necessary such as tax breaks on information technology and the like. Lastly, set some priorities for the development of MIL access. It may seem MIL-related materials are deemed unnecessary compared to STEM subjects but the fast-changing world is now relying on more recent information and these materials could bridge that gap.

Cultural Barriers

Cultural Differences and Traditional Beliefs

Cultural attitudes towards media consumption and information dissemination can significantly impact MIL. Different cultures have different ways to absorb information. Sometimes, this information does not adhere to the philosophies of these cultures. Even if others argue that this is the price of critical thinking, it is hard to change minds in a snap especially if these are the cultural norms they grew up with.

Language Barriers

The Philippines is a multilingual nation; hence, there are several spoken languages that they are accustomed to or more proficient with. Usually, the medium of communication among these MIL-related contents is in English. So, usually, there may be some miscommunication along the communication process. However, with the advancement of technology, this became less of a problem due to the translation abilities of such technology. 

The solution to these problems

The initiatives of awareness campaigns and more people becoming vocal about presenting a different point of view. Yes, there may be some clashes of thoughts but that is the payment to make all people open to different points of view which are essential to MIL. 

Technological Obstacles

Due to the lack of technological infrastructure and affordability, technological obstacles persist. First, the stark digital divide remains a significant challenge because poverty prevents households from buying the necessary gadgets that canteach them MIL skills.

Even if they could buy or avail such technology, internet connection is slow, expensive and unreliable, especially to rural and remote areas. 

Overcoming the Technological Barriers

A multi-faceted approach is necessary to overcome these challenges. The following include:

• Policy interventions can ensure equitable access to digital resources and training for both students and teachers. 

• Infrastructure development is crucial to bridge the digital divide and provide reliable internet access. 

• Community engagement programs can address cultural and socio-economic barriers, while enhanced teacher training can equip educators with the necessary skills and resources to effectively teach MIL.

Conclusion

The barriers to MIL proficiency stem from different kinds of barriers such as socio-economic barriers, cultural barriers, and technological barriers. Each barrier has its own solutions and it is up to the government and community-based initiatives to implement those recommendations above in order to improve MIL access and its proficiency.

Coach Boost Gio

About Kwento Co

Kwento Co is a diverse and dynamic media and information literacy website. We are a team of accomplished content creators, artists, influencers, and young entrepreneurs who are passionate about helping micro to macro-sized businesses market their services through effective digital marketing strategies- tailored for their brands.

This press release has also been published on VRITIMES

Encouraging Teachers for Media and Information Literacy in the Philippines

  

In the second installment of the four-part series of Media and Information Literacy Education in the Philippine Classrooms. This article delves into how the Philippines is preparing teachers for Media and Information Literacy (MIL). This also tackles about current challenges, innovative training programs, and strategies to empower educators.

For nations to succeed in the global digital revolution, media and information literacy (MIL) is the educational bedrock that we need right now. The Philippines recognizes this opportunity. They integrated MIL education into its K-12 curriculum. However, in the previous article, we know for a fact that there is a digital divide and infrastructure issues to make MIL accessible.

In this article, we’ll dive into the human resource part of the equation – the teachers. The success of this initiative rests in their hands. Sadly, the government is not making enough effort to ensure that every teacher is well-equipped and well-prepared in the digital golden age.

In the following section, we will discuss the importance of teacher empowerment, and the solutions to make our teachers proficient in MIL.

The Need for Teacher Empowerment

It is the first step that the Philippines integrated MIL into its curriculum. Nonetheless, there are still significant gaps in teacher readiness. Many teachers feel ill-equipped to teach MIL effectively primarily due to insufficient training and resources.

We have to understand that MIL is a new subject that has been introduced to meet the demands of the digital world. Hence, the information is relatively new and not yet effectively democratized. This explains why teachers are ill-prepared. Aside from the content component problem, they also need to be trained on the execution component.

What exacerbates this problem is that they also lack the resources to avail technologies that will train them to be MIL proficient. It is not reasonable for them to shoulder all the burden of this initiative where in fact they are not being paid enough in their current role. It is clear that our educators need more support.

A Two-Pronged Approach to Teacher Training

To empower our teachers, we need a robust approach to their training. This means comprehensive initial preparation. This covers teaching them the basics of MIL and effective strategies. Furthermore, we must also provide ongoing professional development, keeping them up-to-date with the latest teaching methods and technology trends.

Continuous Learning for Educators

Think of it like a continuous learning journey for our teachers. Workshops, seminars, and peer learning groups can all help them hone their skills and stay ahead of the curve. This constant engagement ensures that oureducators remain confident and capable in this ever-changing digital landscape.

Understand that the digital landscape is also continuously evolving. Hence, there are new trends that teachers must learn in order to keep up. So, failure to finance their ongoing training for MIL will make Filipino students further left behind compared to their international counterparts who are investing in MIL.

In addition, teachers are the main actors in making the whole system effective. Contents of the MIL instruction could be obsolete down the line but the pattern recognition and the skills that these teachers will develop over time will not. So, we must invest in teacher education in MIL instruction.

Engaging Pedagogy for MIL

Effective MIL training isn't just about lectures. It's about fostering critical thinking and real-world problem-solving. We need to use a variety of teaching methods like inquiry-based learning, case studies, and even simulations. This makes MIL more engaging and relatable for students.

Now, this is a challenge for the whole educational system in the Philippines where rote memorization is the key component of instruction and assessment. For years, students have demanded to memorize rather than scrutinize the facts that they dealt with. For example, history lessons make you memorize dates and the persons involved. What they should be teaching is why the event took place, whether should it have taken place and what are wegoing to do to prevent it from happening again.

This should be the norm in teaching MIL. Students must be taught how to scrutinize the credibility and accuracy of the medium they are going to consume. Then, they must use critical thinking skills like inference and drawing conclusions based on their context and other perspective.

What we’re saying is the pedagogy for MIL should not be rote memorization but analytical thinking.

Investing in Teachers, Investing in the Future

The key message here is if we invest in our teachers, we invest in our students. They should be given support through comprehensive training and ongoing development. The end result is that the next generation has the critical thinking skills to withstand our complex media environment. The future of MIL education in the Philippines is bright, and it all starts with empowering our teachers.

Coach Boost Gio

About Kwento Co

Kwento Co is a diverse and dynamic media and information literacy website. We are a team of accomplished content creators, artists, influencers, and young entrepreneurs who are passionate about helping micro to macro-sized businesses market their services through effective digital marketing strategies- tailored for their brands.

This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES

Announcement: MoU Signed Between Midori Climate Partner and MITSUSHO for Biochar Project Development in Malaysia

  

It has been announced that Midori Climate Partner has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with MITSUSHO to co-develop biochar carbon removal projects in Malaysia.

About the Partnership

This strategic partnership unites Midori Climate Partner, a Singapore-based leader in carbon credit development and ecosystem restoration, with MITSUSHO, a leading provider of GHG consultation and ESG services in Malaysia. The collaboration will provide comprehensive project structuring support to biomass suppliers—including food processing factories, forest management companies, and farmers' cooperatives—who will act as project owners.

Benefits for Project Owners

Project owners, who will supply biomass waste such as coconut shells, durian seeds, and wood chips, will benefit from several key advantages. The financial support from carbon credit sales enables the development of high-quality projects, providing opportunities to generate profits, supply biochar-based organic fertilizer to community farmers at affordable prices, implement advanced waste management through a circular economy model, and produce green energy.

Call for Biomass Suppliers

We are actively seeking biomass suppliers who can provide substantial quantities of biomass waste for our initiative. In Malaysia, we are particularly interested in coconut shells, fruit seeds, wood chips, and pulp sludge, though we are open to other suitable materials as well.

Contact Information

For more information and to explore partnership opportunities, please contact info@midori-partner.com. This collaboration represents a significant advancement in environmental sustainability and sustainable waste management in Malaysia.

About MITSUSHO Sdn. Bhd.

MITSUSHO is the first carbon desk in Malaysia offering full suites of decarbonization products and services such as:

(1) Corporate Training on Carbon Market and GHG Measurement

(2) Access to Malaysia and Global Environment Products

(3) Consultancy

(4)Access to Sustainable Agricultural products

Representatives: CHAI Yihn Chan, CEO

Website: https://www.mitsushogreen.com/

About Midori Climate Partner Pte. Ltd.

Midori Climate Partner is a carbon credit developer specializing in ecosystem restoration, with a focus on addressing climate change, food sustainability, soil degradation, and biodiversity. By offering both technical and financial support to drive impactful change and generate high-quality carbon credits,

We are actively structuring projects across Southeast Asia, including Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia. We seek collaboration partners interested in decarbonizing their assets and offer both technical and financial support to drive impactful change and generate high-quality carbon credits.

Representative: Ririko Takano, CEO

Website: https://midori-partner.com/

Address: 111 North Bridge Road #21-01 Peninsula Plaza 179098 Singapore

This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES

The Philippine Media and Information Literacy Landscape: An Overview

 

This is the second installment of the State of the Media and Information Literacy in the Philippines series. This article explores the strengths and weaknesses of Media and Information Literacy (MIL) in the Philippines. It highlights the integration of MIL as a subject into the Senior High School curriculum and the challenges in implementation.

Start Them Young

The Philippines recognizes Media and Information Literacy (MIL) as crucial in developing an active and well-informed citizenry in the modern world. Hence, the Department of Education (DepED) integrated this into its Senior High School (SHS) curriculum.

As a good initiative, this article will examine the policies and the subject content. It will also disect the progress made and the challenges that remain.

The Evolution of MIL in the Philippines

Media and Information Literacy  in the Philippines is a response to both global trends and local needs for enhanced media literacy. With the advent of social media and the proliferation of fake news, the national adoption of MIL as a course demonstrates a commitment to equipping students with the critical skills needed to navigate the complex media landscape of the 21st century.

MIL in the SHS Curriculum

The inclusion of MIL as a core subject in the SHS curriculum is a significant step forward. It aims to guide students to become responsible media consumers and producers. This covers topics like media evolution, information literacy, media sources, and ethical media practices.

Key Components and Teacher Training

The said curriculum is comprehensive since it encompasses both traditional and digital media. To effectively deliver this curriculum, teacher training programs like the "Understanding and Utilizing Media in Teaching" seminar-workshops have been implemented.

However, challenges in teacher preparation and aligning training with curriculum requirements persist. These include the lack of relevant materials aligned with the curriculum and the lack of the competency of the teacher to teach the subjects and limited resources as well.

The Role of Teachers and Community Engagement

Despite the challenges teachers face in teaching MIL education to their students, they are willing to take the challenge because they recognize the importance of a well-informed citizenry in shaping the future of the Philippines. On the other hand, there are community engagement initiatives like the #FactsFirstPH of Rappler that plays a critical role in extending MIL education beyond formal settings. These programs promote critical thinking skills and digital hygiene to combating disinformation.

Localized Efforts and Strengths

There are localized efforts to widen the reach of MIL education in the country. An example would be the likes of those in Isla Culion in Palawan. This shows the strengths of the Philippine MIL landscape. First, the Philippines prioritized the inclusion of MIL in the national curriculum. Second, it is inclusive to all Filipinos especially in remote areas because these initiatives addressed such problems through community-based approaches by going to far-flung places.

Weaknesses and Challenges

Despite these strengths, weaknesses remain. These include the lack of teacher preparedness, limited resources, time constraints within the curriculum, and disparities in regional implementation. To address these disparities, the Philippine government must target efforts to ensure equitable access to resources and training across the country.

Moreover, MIL education is useless if there is no access to information among people in remote areas so it should be a priority of the government to make information as affordable and accessible as possible.

Impact on Students and Policy Recommendations

MIL education equips students with critical thinking, digital literacy, and responsible media consumption skills. These are essential to explore the media-saturated world. Hence, when these youth become eligible voters they can decipher the facts against propaganda among bad actors that aim to skew elections and tarnish public opinions on certain issues. This could make young students as informed citizens of the future.

With regards to policy recommendations, there should government support to ensure that the goals of MIL education are met. This includes funding, collaboration with NGO’s, and policy interventions.

The success of MIL in the Philippines depends on how the government address current weaknesses, the build up on existing strengths, and the continouous adaptability to meet the changing media landscape.

After all, the ultimate goal is to empower future generations with the skills to critically engage with media and information, ensuring a well-informed and discerning citizenry.

Conclusion

The Philippine MIL landscape has made remarkable progress, but there are still improvements to be done. Through strengthened teacher training, ensured resource availability, and proper curriculum implementation, the full potential of MIL education can be realized. This will benefit students across the nation and will foster a more media-literate society.

Coach Boost Gio

About Kwento Co

Kwento Co is a diverse and dynamic media and information literacy website. We are a team of accomplished content creators, artists, influencers, and young entrepreneurs who are passionate about helping micro to macro-sized businesses market their services through effective digital marketing strategies- tailored for their brands.

This press release has also been published on VRITIMES

A Cornerstone: The Role of Media and Information Literacy

 

In the first installment of the State of the Media and Information Literacy in the Philippines series, discover how Media and Information Literacy (MIL) empowers citizens in a democracy, combating misinformation and fostering active participation in democratic processes.

Media and Information Literacy strengthens Democracy

Democracy relies on an informed and engaged citizenry. This makes or breaks a nation due to the policy choices of the said citizens. Media and Information Literacy (MIL) is crucial among voters. MIL is a skill that teaches individuals to filter out the vast information landscape. Such skill sets include the ability to discern facts from fiction, and the ability to make informed decisions that impact their lives and communities. 

Unfortunately, the modern digital society has enabled bad actors to spread misinformation that causes a rift among people. It is understood that a minority of people want to benefit from policy choices that might harm most people. This makes MIL more essential in shaping responsible citizens, protecting them from bad actors, and ensuring the integrity of democratic processes.

What is Media and Information Literacy (MIL)?

This encompasses the knowledge and skills needed to access, evaluate, and create information and media content effectively. It ensures that individuals make informed decisions, engage in critical thinking, and participate actively in society and democracy.

Why is MIL Important in a Democracy?

In democratic societies, citizens need to make decisions based on accurate information. Without this skill, people are vulnerable to misinformation. In effect, the actions caused by misinformation can distort democratic processes and erode public trust. Misinformation campaigns can lead to harmful outcomes, such as skewed elections and social divisions. For example, the United Kingdom had some remorse when the country left the European Union through Brexit. In the United States, people are more divided due to the polarization of their political climate.

These harmful effects are what MIL tries to prevent. So, to ensure that people are safe from harm due to the minimization of inaccurate information, MIL must be a bedrock of every decision-making process in our society.

How do we minimize misinformation? It is through determining that our information could be misleading and hold the government and businesses accountable for a more media and information-literate society.

The Challenges of Misinformation Across Democracies

The digital age has transformed how information is disseminated. Now, more people, especially the younger generations, consume information through social media than traditional news sources. Sadly, these pieces of information are sometimes not fact-checked. 

Most of the time, they are not even held accountable for spreading false information. 

As a result, the spread of misinformation increased rapidly posing significant threats to democracy. MIL aids individuals to critically evaluate pieces of information and to recognize media biases. As a result, this could lead to more balanced and informed opinions.

How MIL Fosters an Informed Citizenry?

The core of MIL is to develop critical thinking skills. This enables individuals to question the reliability of information and reduces the impact of misinformation. 

MIL also helps people to recognize media biases. This helps people to question their own beliefs and hold media companies accountable to demand better and more accurate information. 

Furthermore, this skill strengthens the democratic process because informed citizens are more likely to engage in discussions, vote responsibly, and advocate for transparency in governance.

The Impact of Misinformation in the Digital Age

Misinformation is the false or misleading pieces of information spread to other people. This can negatively skew public opinion and decision-making. For example, fake news and manipulated images can influence electoral outcomes to vote for a propaganda-reliant party. Furthermore, it can fuel social divisions because people cannot agree on facts. Moreover, undermines the trust in institutions. Lastly, it can incite violence and disrupt public order in extreme cases.

Preventing Misinformation Through MIL

The promotion of Media and Information Literacy is key to combat misinformation. It starts with educational institutions. They should develop critical thinking skills in their curricula to develop the ability of students to discern facts from fiction and acknowledge biases from the content they consume. Meanwhile, social media companies should be regulated. To accommodate MIL in their platforms for the benefit of their users, these companies should promote transparency, provide tools for users to report misinformation, and limit the spread of false content.

MIL as a Tool for Combating Misinformation

With the help of MIL, it equips individuals to identify credible sources, fact-check information, and share content responsibly. By fostering skepticism and critical thinking, this helps reduce the spread of misinformation which promotes a more informed and engaged citizenry.

Conclusion

In a digital world where misinformation proliferates, Media and Information Literacy is an indispensable tool to strengthen democracy. It empowers citizens to make informed decisions, hold leaders accountable, and participate actively in civic life. Prioritizing MIL initiatives is essential to allow a resilient democracy that can withstand the challenges of the digital age.

Coach Boost Gio 

About Kwento Co

Kwento Co is a diverse and dynamic media and information literacy website. We are a team of accomplished content creators, artists, influencers, and young entrepreneurs who are passionate about helping micro to macro-sized businesses market their services through effective digital marketing strategies- tailored for their brands.

This press release has also been published on VRITIMES