By: Rhyan B. Loresco (ICT Coordinator)

The Google Suite Orientation for students was conducted last September 24-25, 2020. It aims to provide a comprehensive discussion about Google Suite for Education and how it will be utilized in the teaching- learning process – but this time, it will focus on helping the students familiarize on signing in to their accounts, accessing and reading the instructional materials prepared by their teachers and submitting their outputs. The use of Google Drive, Meet, Docs, Sheets, Slides etc. are also discussed during the orientation.

The first batch of orientation was conducted September 1 for Grade 7 learners where more than 90 participants attended – composed of Grade 7 teachers, students and parents. The orientation was conducted in a time where the Grade 7 Chairperson Mrs. Agnes G. Tan invited the parents and learners of newly enrolled Garcians to resolve issues pertaining to signing in to their DepEd account, since this is their first time to use the account. The School ICT Coordinator – Mr. Rhyan B. Loresco provided a short briefing about Google Suite account and how to use it.

The positive response of students, parents and teachers in the conduct of that briefing paved way in the development of a more organized and focused discussion about Google Suite. The LEGITS Club (League of Enthusiastic and Genial IT Students) – CPGHS’ ICT club, assisted Mr. Loresco in gathering all resources, preparing the instructional materials and informing the school head and administrators about the plan of conducting a uniform, more comprehensive discussion about Google Suite. The dynamic and supportive school head of CPGHS - Dr. Marivic B. Francisco, taught that this will be a very good and timely idea since all learners are starting to receive their own Google accounts which will be used in the blended learning approach. The year level chairperson coordinated this event to all students and parents and the virtual orientation started.

Before the actual orientation, on September 21, Mr. Loresco conducted a virtual meeting with the LEGITS officers in order to discuss the scope and objectives of the upcoming webinar and to delegate tasks for each of them.

The general virtual orientation was conducted from September 24-25 and was attended by seventy (70) Grade 10 leaners and one hundred forty (145) Grade 9 and 10 students.

Before the start of the program, Mikaila Quintinita (Business Manager) reminded the participants to follow the virtual netiquettes.

The opening prayer was led by Sharmaine Khacy De Guzman (Grade 10 PIO), followed by Princess Hanna Jurada for the discussion of how students will be signing in for the attendance. Joshua Aaron Palustre read the brief history of LEGITS club and its list of current officers.

Dr. Francisco gave her motivating and inspiring opening remarks and convinced all the participants to listen and embrace this new chapter in education. She was followed by Mr. Loresco who discussed the objectives of the orientation and he began discussing the topics:

A. Accessing and signing in Google Suite accounts

B. Using the Google app launcher – waffle

C. Using the Google Mail and Google Meet

D. Accessing materials and submitting outputs in Google Classroom

E. Explore other apps – Docs, Form, Sheets, and Slides

Gardo De Jesus (Sgt. At arms), Paul Christian Saplad (Auditor), Sean Steven Nicolas (Secretary) and Jonnel Nunga (Treasurer) served as moderators and accommodated all the inquiries during the orientation. John Lloyd Bergonia (Vice-President) served as the Presenter while Joshua Aaron Palustre (President) and Analyn Linas (Grade 9 PIO) served as Masters of Ceremony.

Dr. Marivic B. Francisco acknowledged the efforts of ICT team (LEGITS) for coming up with a comprehensive and organized orientation to inform all students on how to use their Google suite accounts.

For the closing remarks, both Mr. Mark Niel P. Amande (Grade 10 level Chairperson) and Mrs. April G. Bondad (Grade 8 level chairperson) delivered an empowering and motivating message to all learners as they face these new challenges and mode of learning.