Image Source: Code.org
In a landmark move to champion computer science education, the Computer Science Teachers Association (CSTA) Philippines is thrilled to announce the formation of its first-ever Advocacy Team. This dynamic group is poised to spearhead initiatives that will significantly impact how technology and computational thinking are woven into the fabric of Philippine education. Leading the charge is CSTA Philippines Vice President, Ma’am Jess Demegillo, whose extensive background as a teacher, school administrator, EdTech coach, technology integrator, and innovation specialist at Xavier School San Juan, makes her the perfect fit to guide this pioneering team.
Empowering Education Through Advocacy
The CSTA PH Advocacy Team is born out of a pressing need to bridge the gap between computer science education and pedagogy, ensuring that educators and students alike can navigate and thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. The team's mission is multi-faceted, aiming not only to promote the importance of computational thinking and computer science in schools but also to advocate for resources and initiatives that support the integration of these critical skills into teaching and learning practice. In line with global movements championed by organizations like the Code.org Advocacy Coalition, the CSTA PH Advocacy Team is dedicated to making computer science a fundamental part of K-12 education across the Philippines.
Joining a Global Movement
Recognizing the unprecedented global momentum to bring computer science to every student and school, the CSTA PH Advocacy Team aligns its efforts with the broader objectives of the Code.org Advocacy Coalition. This coalition, comprised of organizations working to grow, support, and sustain the movement for computer science education, serves as an inspiration and model for the team's activities. By joining forces with such coalitions, the CSTA PH Advocacy Team aims to leverage collective expertise, resources, and networks to amplify its impact and ensure that all Filipino students have access to quality computer science education.
Meet the Advocacy Team Members
Under the leadership of Ma’am Jess Demegillo, the Advocacy Team comprises a group of dedicated professionals who have expressed their commitment to this cause during the initial meeting. The team members, hailing from diverse educational and technological backgrounds, bring a wealth of knowledge, experience, and passion to the table. They are:
Angelo Sadang
Donna Fernando
Harris Rainier
Jarek Boilo
Joseph Maniego
May Sotomayor
Rhodalyn Caluag
Ronald Fernandez
The Road Ahead
The CSTA PH Advocacy Team has outlined a series of initial objectives to kickstart their mission:
Raise Awareness: Through workshops, seminars, and social media campaigns, the team plans to highlight the critical role of computational thinking and computer science education in the 21st-century learning landscape.
Community Building: Foster a community of educators, policymakers, parents, and students who are informed about and advocate for the importance of technology in education.
Equity and Access: Ensure that computer science education is accessible to all students, including those from underrepresented groups and communities, to promote diversity within the field.
Join the Movement
As CSTA Philippines embarks on this exciting new chapter, the Advocacy Team extends an open invitation to educators, tech professionals, and all stakeholders in the education sector to join them in this crucial advocacy. Interested participants are encouraged to sign up through our registration/signup form to stay informed about upcoming activities and initiatives. Together, we can transform the educational landscape, ensuring that our students are not just consumers of technology but creators and innovators who will lead the digital age.
Stay tuned for updates and initiatives from the CSTA PH Advocacy Team as they pave the way for a future where technology in education opens doors to unlimited possibilities, aligning with global efforts to ensure every student and school benefits from the transformative power of computer science education.