23 January 2014
Filipinos on the lookout for training and jobs through the Internet have helped propel the page views of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Online Program to a level high.
Data from Google Analytics showed that page views for http://www.e-tesda.gov.ph/ reached 5,117,681 since it went online in May 2012, up to January 15, 2014.
The website has 499,533 unique visitors, according to the data.
To date, the TESDA Online Program (TOP) also recorded a total of 25,631 students enrolled in various courses.
Users from the Philippines top those accessing the website, followed by those from Saudi Arabia, United States, United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Qatar, Canada, Hong Kong, Australia and others.
TOP was designed to make technical vocational education and training (TVET) more accessible to potential trainees through the use of Internet technology.
"Technical vocational education and training has become an appealing option to many Filipinos, but for some, the necessity to be physically present in a classroom has become a barrier," Secretary Joel Villanueva, TESDA director general said.
"TOP shattered the boundaries that hinder access to TVET because there is now the Internet. Now, even overseas Filipino workers, who want to specialize in a course can take the training and have a National Certificate after passing the assessment" Villanueva added.
The online courses are free, but registration is required to be able to access the courses.
As of January 15, 2014, total number of registered users of the TOP website has reached 156,565, of which 22 percent are located overseas.
To date, the e-TESDA project management office has developed and published the following courses: Basic Computer Operation; Computer Hardware Servicing; Game Programming NC III; Web Development; Waiter Servicing; Valet Servicing; Bus Boy Servicing; Room Attendant Servicing; Guest Room Attendant Servicing; Cleaning the Premises; Laundry Servicing; Cellphone Servicing; Fruit Grower; Diesel Engine Tune Up; Packaged Air Conditioner Unit Servicing; and, Curriculum Development.
But while the online courses bring all the necessary flexibility and comfort, Villanueva advised the students to invest time and discipline in their studies so they could complete their respective courses.
"Some say that online education is not for everyone. The students have to be determined to do it. They have to finish the course because it's important to them, it could be the key to jobs or to another level in their career," he said.
Aside from the courses, one can also find useful data and information in the TOP website such as the latest news releases, a section on Frequently Asked Questions, and a link to the official website of TESDA http://www.tesda.gov.ph/.
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