(PSS) — Five students from private and public schools were named winners of the 2021 Digital Learning Day competition of the Public School System.
Digital Learning Day was launched by PSS in 2012. Nine years after the competition was developed, it remains to this day as a powerful platform for education leaders and advocates in highlighting the innovative use of technology in supporting student learning.
This year, private schools joined the competition for the first time. Their participation has further strengthened the partnership between PSS and the private schools in the CNMI, providing all students the opportunity to showcase their learning and love of technology.
On Friday, March 5, 2021, the Public School System’s instructional technology announced the winners in a special ceremony that was also witnessed by the winners’ parents and other community members.
Commissioner of Education Dr. Alfred B. Ada, Board of Education Chairman Andrew L. Orsini and BOE Vice Chairman Herman Atalig led Commonwealth education officials in honoring the students in a special ceremony.
For the Early Elementary Level (Kindergarten to Grade 2), Candice Trasmano, a second grade student of Golden Harvest International School, won the top prize. She submitted a short essay on “how technology helps me learn.”
Sinapalo Elementary School 4th grade student Jasmine Coleen Yalung won the elementary level (3rd-5th Grade category). She submitted a multimedia presentation on how technology helps her learn.
Philip Megino is the winner for the middle school level. He submitted a video poetry on the importance of technology in learning.
There were two winners in the high school category: Jermaine Chloe Yalung, 10th grader from Dr. Rita H. Inos Jr. Sr. High School, and Patricia Ann Castillon, 11th grader from Marianas High School. There individual multimedia production entries on “What is a 21st Century Learner” won them the top prize.
“The integration of technology in learning is paramount to prepare our children for a tech-driven world. We can leverage technology to help our children think more critically and creatively while also using technology to level the playing field, giving our kids in the CNMI access to a world of learning beyond the confines of our shores. We can teach them to be responsible digital citizens who use technology for good,” said Dr. Bobby James Cruz, PSS director of instructional technology.
He added, “Digital Learning Day showcases the integration of technology in learning throughout the CNMI, allowing our children to creatively interpret how technology is supporting their learning. Education sets the stage for the future of our islands, and educators should help our children prepare for it today.”
Lorraine Catienza, PSS program manager for distance education, said the competition also aimed to support and enhance the role of teachers in classrooms, and promote the effective use of modern-day tools afforded to improve the learning experience of CNMI students.
Candice Trasmano of Golden Harvest is the winner for the K-Grade 2 level. Also in photo are Dr. Bobby Cruz, Public School System director of instructional technology, and Commissioner of Education Dr. Alfred B. Ada.
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Jasmine Yalung of Sinapalo Elementary School is the winner for the 3rd-5th Grade level. The Sinapalo Elementary School student poses for a photo with family members, her classroom teacher, school principal Daisy Quitugua, Commissioner of Education Dr. Alfred B. Ada, Board of Education Chairman Andrew L. Orsini and BOE Vice Chairman Herman Atalig.
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Dr. Rita H. Inos Jr. Sr. High School’s Jermaine Chloe Yalung explains her winning multi-media presentation in the high school category.
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Patricia Ann Catillon of Marianas High School talks about her winning video presentation for the high school category.
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Tanapag Middle School student Philip Megino topped the middle school category. Also in photo are his mother, school principal Hilda Rios, Commissioner of Education Dr. Ada, Board of Education Chairman Andrew L. Orsini, BOE Vice Chairman Herman Atalig, and Associate Commissioner for Administrative Services Eric Magofna.
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This year’s Digital Learning Day Competition winners are Candice Trasmano of Golden Harvest International School, Jasmine Yalung of Sinapalo Elementary School, Philip Megino of Tanapag Middle School, Jermaine Chloe Yalung of Dr. Rita H. Inos Jr. Sr. High School, and Patricia Ann Castillon of Marianas High School. Also in photo are their parents, school administrators, Education Commissioner Dr. Alfred B. Ada, Board of Education Chairman Andrew L. Orsini, BOE Vice Chairman Herman Atalig, PSS Director of Instructional Technology Dr. Bobby James Cruz, Program Manager Lorraine Catienza, Associate Commissioner for Administrative Services Eric Magofna, Finance and Budget Director Arlene Lizama, Head Start/Early Head Start Program Director Lathania Angui, and Accountability, Research and Evaluation Senior Director Dr. Rizalina Liwag.
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