Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

HEADLINES

Hands-on STEM learning in every home with VISSER

The Philippines has long lagged behind the rest of the world in terms of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) learning: in 2018, the country was the second worst out of 79 countries worldwide in terms of the science and mathematics performance of high school students.

The Philippines has long lagged behind the rest of the world in terms of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) learning: in 2018, the country was the second worst out of 79 countries worldwide in terms of the science and mathematics performance of high school students.

This dearth prompted physics professor and current Dean of the University of the Philippines – Diliman College of Science (UPD-CS) Dr. Giovanni A. Tapang to spearhead the Versatile Instrumentation System for Science Education and Research (VISSER).

This low-cost, portable handheld device that students can use for their laboratory experiments was developed in collaboration with researchers from UP Diliman and UP Los Baños, with support from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the UP Diliman Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs (UPD OVPAA).

“Gaining a better understanding of science requires laboratory experiments, but specific equipment is often expensive, making it difficult for some high schools in the Philippines to purchase necessary equipment,” Dr. Tapang said. “VISSER addresses this problem through low-priced modern digital tools for learning to help transform students’ curiosity into scientific competency and broaden their perspective by exploring the experiential aspect of science.”

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

PHOTO CREDIT: making.technology

VISSER aims to bring a modern science laboratory experience to high schools all over the country. Designed for students on a STEM track, the device allows for hands-on experiments in various subjects including physics, chemistry, biology, environmental science, and engineering.

In 2022 alone, close to a hundred schools across the country received VISSER kits. An improved version is in the works, for use in online classes and distance learning, aptly dubbed VISSER@Home.

Dr. Tapang will be talking at length about VISSER at the upcoming iStories webinar hosted by UPD-CS this coming April 24, 2023. Joined by VISSER co-inventor and PhD candidate Dwight Angelo Bruzon, the forum will tackle not just the ideation and development of VISSER, but also its mass production and distribution.

“Thirty-five percent of high schools in the Philippines have no laboratories. Meanwhile, among those with laboratories, 33% have no access to digital tools for learning. Our mission is to put modern laboratories in every school and college in the country,” Bruzon noted.

PHOTO CREDIT: making.technology

iStories is a series of innovation-themed talks, storytelling, and activities featuring local and international scientists. The initiative aims to ignite the creativity and inventiveness of young scientists not just from UPD-CS but from other institutes inside and outside UP.

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Like Us On Facebook

You May Also Like

HEADLINES

Creativity and experience is a common AI activity theme among Filipinos with 48% using it for photo editing and 42% for both entertainment and...

HEADLINES

Converge will leverage Ribbon’s advanced Muse Multilayer Automation Platform (MAP) designed to maximize the value of IP Optical network investments through comprehensive control, analysis,...

HEADLINES

Designed to address the challenges of high-value investments, the facility provides a venue where businesses can test ideas, refine processes, and explore the full...

HEADLINES

By teaming up with PICKUP COFFEE, known for its premium, espresso-based coffee and exceptional customer service, Caltex can offer customers a rewarding coffee experience...

HEADLINES

The future of communications hinges on our ability to responsibly harness artificial intelligence, ensuring it enhances, rather than undermines, the art of strategic communication.

HEADLINES

To meet surging AI demands, 43% of new data center facilities are expected to be dedicated to AI workloads. With AI model training and...

HEADLINES

Qwen2.5-Omni-7B delivers uncompromised performance and powerful multimodal capabilities. This unique combination makes it the perfect foundation for developing agile, cost-effective AI agents that deliver...

HEADLINES

As technology becomes increasingly integral to everyday life, digitally savvy kids can enhance their tech skills to further enrich their knowledge and creativity. This...

Advertisement