Thirty-three STARBOOKS units were recently installed in different public elementary and secondary schools in Poro, Tudela, San Francisco, and Pilar in Camotes Islands as well as Bantayan, Madridejos, and Sta. Fe in Bantayan Island – two areas severely affected by typhoon Yolanda in 2013.
Developed by the Department of Science and Technology-Science and Technology Information Institute (DOST-STII), STARBOOKS or Science and Technology Academic and Research-Based Openly Operated Kiosk Station, is the first digital science library in the country. It does not require internet connectivity and has a user-friendly interface.
With most of the classrooms, libraries, books and computers almost washed out due to Yolanda’s wrath, the arrival of STARBOOKS in these areas a few weeks before the start of classes is very timely.
“With STARBOOKS, our library would now have something to offer already for our students,” said Bantayan National High School Principal Noel Nervida, who expressed confidence that transfer of learning between teachers and students would be a lot easier and more effective compared to previous years.
“When I found out that STARBOOKS also has featured instructional videos on how to start different livelihoods, I know from there that this technology is very ideal for our community,” said Bernard Ray G. Loon, principal of Poro Central Elementary School in Camotes Islands.
Livelihood videos are among the contents of STARBOOKS, along with Britannica Ultimate Encyclopedia, journals, investigatory materials and thousands of other resources in the fields of science and technology including mathematics and engineering.
The STII STARBOOKS team composed of Robelyn Cruz, Marievic Narquita, and Rajyl Muleta conducted orientations and trainings on the usage of STARBOOKS in Poro, Bantayan, and San Remigio for the I.T. staff and librarians of more than 100 schools.
Meanwhile, a total of 22 hard disk drives containing STARBOOKS were also turned over to DOST Region VII office for future deployment.
For more information about STARBOOKS, send an email via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. STARBOOKS will also be featured in DOST’s upcoming National Science and Technology Week slated from July 24-28, 2015 at SMX Convention Center, Mall of Asia, Pasay City. (S&T Media Service)
