MIDSAYAP, North Cotabato — Some 102 public elementary school teachers in this town were excited and thrilled as they were introduced to the nearly endless possibilities of information and communication technology (ICT).

The teachers concluded last week a five-day training on ICT and were provided with basic computer skills to improve classroom instruction and management.

“I’m very excited to incorporate these new skills in my teaching strategies.

With the aid of computers, I can now create colorful and exciting instructional materials,” expressed Joy Bugayong, a Grade five teacher from the Ilbocean Elementary School in this town.

She added that with computer-aided materials, it would be easy for her to catch the attention of the students and motivate them to participate in the discussions.

“Like a kid, I’m amazed at the possibilities as they seem boundless,” explains Bugayong regarding the capabilities of ICT, and added that she is eager to learn more and master some of the software programs.

Yvette Tan, Materials and Technology Specialist of United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID’s) Education Quality and Access for Learning and Livelihood Skills (EQuALLS2) Project, said the training is part of USAID’s goal to train 1,000 elementary school teachers in basic computer competency, particularly those in conflict-affected areas in Mindanao.

“USAID, through EQuALLS2 Project, signed an agreement with Microsoft last February to provide free training and discounted software to elementary school teachers,” she said.

Tan added that the partnership leveraged $150,000 from Microsoft to train the teachers in basic computer competency, which will complement EQuALLS2 project’s existing teacher trainings in English, Science and Math.

The hands-on training included basics in MS Word to help teachers prepare their lesson plans, use of PowerPoint to develop instructional materials; knowledge in Excel to help them calculate grades; and familiarity with Encarta to allow them to locate reference materials and check subject contents, facts, and figures.

In addition to these series of trainings, USAID will also provide 32 computer suites for Midsayap elementary teachers to access and use.

“The EQuALLS2 ICT initiative, which supports the Department of Education’s (DepEd’s) ICT4E program, aims to install 180 computer suites for use by elementary school teachers in EQuALLS2 target municipalities, rolling out through 2011,” Tan explained.

It was gathered that at least four elementary districts of this town will each receive eight computer suites complete with peripherals.

After the training, the teachers are given three to six months to practice, review and exercise their newfound computer skills.

The teachers will also receive free modules and materials on the lessons discussed during the training.