Pamantasan sa Himpapawid: A School-On-The Air in Search of Sustainability

Abstract

Distance learning is now becoming a powerful tool in educating individuals or group of individuals which for some reason cannot avail themselves of education through the traditional mode of learning or the residential type of schooling. One mode of distance learning is the school-on-the-air which offers non-formal education. One mode of distance learning is the school-on-the-air which offers non-formal education. One of which is the subject of this study which is called “Pamantasan sa Himpapawid” aired over Radyo ng Bayan Lucena. It is a project of the Department of Trade and Industry or DTI, Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation or MSEUF, and DWLC Radyo ng Bayan Lucena, which is a government-owned radio station.

This study took the case of “Pamantasan sa Himpapawid” and attempted to find out the issues and concerns affecting its sustainability. The study also tried to answer the question “What are the perceptions of selected graduates towards the Pamantasan sa Himpapawid where they graduated from? “Finally, this study attempted to know the recommendations of the graduates to improve the sustainability of the Pamantasan as a whole.

This study was aimed to identify the problems and concerns which affect the sustainability of the Pamantasan sa Himpapawid as a school-on-the air which is a development communication tool. It was also aimed to find out the perceptions of the selected graduates of the Pamantasan sa Himpapawid towards their school-on-the-air, and finally, it was aimed to provide useful information as feedback on Pamantas sa himpapawid. The respondents were composed of 27 graduates of Pamantasan sa Himpapawid. They were chosen to form a total of 118 graduates who comprised the first two batches of graduates using non-probability sampling, particularly accidental sampling. The researcher gathered necessary data through available documents of the Pamantasan sa Himpapawid. Personal interview with the authorities involved was conducted to provide other information. The researcher also conducted a survey using questionnaires which were distributed to the respondents. The questionnaires were written in Tagalog. The researcher did not use his real name but used a pseudo name “Braddix Castillo” instead to avoid bias since the researcher is an employee of Radyo ng Bayan Lucena.

After gathering all the data needed, they were carefully analyzed using frequency counts and percentages. Tables and graphs were used to represent data. Documentary findings and interview synopses were also carefully analyzed.

This study concluded that the PH has benefited many of its target audiences. However, it failed to sustain the number of its enrollees; comprehensibility of some lessons; financial support for the reproduction of learning manuals for students; visitation and follow-up activities; linking with other enabling agencies; evaluation; and the radio signal. It was also concluded that the majority of the respondents want a once-a-week one-hour program for the PH preferably on Saturday afternoon. Respondents prefer English and Tagalog as the bilingual mode of instructions. They also find the lessons comprehensible and relevant. Meanwhile, less than 50% of the respondents have utilized the knowledge gained from the PH.

All respondents did not receive financial assistance form the PH after graduation. Most of them believe it is necessary for the PH to technically and financially assist their graduates. The majority of the respondents have developed a positive attitude towards the hosts’ voices, talking speed, teaching efficiency, and their high level of knowledge on the subject matter. To ensure a more effective Pamantasan sa Himpapawid, it is recommended that it sustain first its linkage with other enabling agencies to support its production costs; sending of student manuals and copy of learning modules; technical and financial assistance to graduates; number of volunteers to serve as field coordinators to monitor the progress of the enrollees; follow-up activities to monitor the utilization of knowledge of the graduates; move to be accredited by TESDA; and regular project impact monitoring and evaluating or PIME.