A possible solution to this problem is already staring us in the face. Why not use the Internet as a teaching tool? YouTube, Facebook and Twitter are just a few of the popular social media websites that I think are perfect for this. Check out the following online articles:

http://www.jsonline.com/news/education/43747152.html
http://www.pixelpod.co.uk/blog/2007/10/04/youtube-as-a-teaching-tool/
http://www.didactalab.de/wp-main/?p=66

Of course, this would only work if all students had access to the Internet. Unfortunately, that is not the case here in the Philippines. A recent report by consulting firm StrategyAnalytics shows the Philippines ranking 52nd among 57 countries in terms of broadband household penetration. It also estimates that only 5% of Philippine households have broadband access.

With the ZTE broadband deal fiasco still very fresh in everyone’s minds, it is unlikely the government will take the lead in setting up a nationwide broadband system anytime soon. That leaves us with the private sector. Unfortunately, local telecommunications firms are also falling short in providing sufficient and reliable Internet connections.

(Incidentally, just last Wednesday (June 17) I bought a prepaid Globe Tattoo broadband kit. I returned the unit yesterday (June 21). I tried using in five different locations in Quezon City. No joy. It was that bad. Just as bad as SmartBro. I’ve had better connections using Sun Broadband Wireless but unfortunately it works only in Metro Manila.)

Despite the less than satisfactory state of Internet connections here, local schools should still explore how they could support their teaching methodologies using the Internet. This Influenza A H1N1 situation and its effect on education should be reason enough to seriously consider the possibility.