Globe Telecom shares 9-yr Text2Teach mEducation initiative with GSMA

Leading telecommunications company Globe Telecom shares its nine-year Text2Teach mobile education initiative with GSMA, an organization of some 800 mobile operators in over 220 countries worldwide which is conducting a week-long visit in the Philippines to discuss mEducation opportunities particularly in underserved areas with limited connectivity.

During the GSMA workshop, Globe presented information on its education-related activities and areas where the company can make further contributions.  The workshop also tackles insights and future possibilities in the area of mEducation both in global and local education context as well as the challenges, needs, and areas where mobile might be a part of.

In support of the GSMA mEducation program, Globe is, likewise, set to sign a multi-party cooperation agreement with government agencies and other telecom companies for the development of mobile solutions for learners and teachers in the country.

GSMA’s overall goal is to open up new commercial possibilities for mEducation to enable new 21st century learning and teaching opportunities with the Philippines becoming an example to be followed by the rest of the world.

“Text2Teach is in line with GSMA’s goal of harnessing mobile technology to facilitate education opportunities which are otherwise, inaccessible.  Globe, together with the rest of the Text2Teach Alliance, has been doing this since 2004 and has successfully aided in improving the performance of students all over the country,” said Fernando Esguerra, OIC, Globe Corporate Social Responsibility.

Text2Teach is an innovative way of teaching using mobile technology and makes learning Math, Science, English and Values Education more fun and exciting for Grades 5 and 6 students of public elementary schools especially those located in far-flung areas.  At least 736 schools across the Philippines and over a million students have already benefitted from the program.

Through mobile phones donated by Nokia and internet connection from Globe, students can download and watch any of the 400 educational audio and video materials specifically designed for the project.  This provides not only a highly-effective visual aid for teachers but also creates an interactive, student-focused learning environment in the classroom which makes the students eager to go to school.

Earlier, GSMA has published a joint report with McKinsey & Company, “Transforming learning through mEducation”, which shows that mEducation will be a $70 Billion market opportunity by 2020.

While education systems are country or even local authority-specific, GSMA believes that globally coordinated activity drawing on common experience and sharing best practices will be vital to understand and act upon the mobile education opportunity.