PTC-DAVAO CONDUCTS BENCHMARKING ACTIVITY AT THE PHILIPPINE SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL SOUTHERN MINDANAO CAMPUS

TESDA XI Regional Director Ashary A. Banto, together with DCDO Acting Director Myrna C. Roa and the Provincial Training Center – Davao personnel led by Engr. Sammy S. Cameros conducted a benchmarking activity on July 3, 2024, at the Philippine Science High School Southern Mindanao Campus (PSHS-SMC) in Brgy. Sto. Niño, Tugbok District, Davao City. Sir Giemar D. Legaspi, the Finance and Admin Division Chief of PSHS-SMC, accompanied the team.

The benchmarking activity aims to explore and learn from the advanced educational facilities at the PSHS-SMC. The team conducted an in-depth tour of three key areas: the Smart Classroom, the Mac Room, and the Fab Lab. These state-of-the-art facilities showcased the school's commitment to integrating technology into education.

A highlight of the visit was the team's interaction with the robot named Nao. This encounter enabled them to firsthand experience how cutting-edge technology is incorporated into the learning environment.

The Smart Classroom, in particular, drew significant attention. It was revealed that this facility has been in operation since 2016, thanks to a partnership with Samsung. Smart school systems allow for the streamlining of processes for teaching staff, making education smoother and more efficient. This long-standing implementation underscored the school's forward-thinking approach to education and its success in maintaining and developing technological resources.

Further, the team observed the integration of smart technologies in the teaching process, witnessed the functionality and benefits of the Mac Room for creative learning, and explored the capabilities of the Fab Lab for hands-on, experiential education.

The TESDA team appreciated the warm welcome and informative tour provided by their counterparts at PSHS-SMC. The benchmarking activity proved to be an invaluable learning experience. It provided insights into how advanced technology can effectively integrate into educational settings to enhance learning outcomes. The longevity and success of the Smart Classroom initiative demonstrated the potential for sustained technological innovation in education. Undoubtedly, the knowledge acquired from this benchmarking activity will contribute to TESDA's efforts to enhance the educational experience of trainees in the Davao Region.