The Department of Education (DepEd) has launched an initiative to provide free licenses for Microsoft 365, Canva, and Adobe Creative Cloud to public school students and teachers in the Philippines. This move is aimed at improving digital literacy, boosting creativity, and enhancing productivity in schools.

While this program offers clear advantages, questions have been raised about whether it is the best use of government funds. The lack of devices, internet access, and proper training may prevent students and teachers from fully benefiting from these digital tools. So, is this initiative a step in the right direction, or is it an unnecessary expense?

DepEd’s Digital Initiative: Free Software for Public Schools

To support digital education, DepEd has partnered with major tech companies to provide free software access:

1. Microsoft 365 for Education

DepEd has collaborated with Microsoft Philippines to offer free access to Microsoft 365, including essential apps such as:

• Word – for creating reports and assignments
• Excel – for data analysis and grading
• PowerPoint – for class presentations
• Teams – for online meetings and collaboration

These tools help students and teachers improve productivity and facilitate remote learning.

2. Canva for Education

In October 2024, DepEd partnered with Canva Philippines to provide free access and training for public school teachers. Canva is a user-friendly graphic design tool that allows teachers to create engaging lesson materials, while students can design projects and presentations.

3. Adobe Creative Cloud Licenses

In January 2022, DepEd procured around 108,000 Adobe Creative Cloud licenses for public schools. These licenses provide access to tools like:

• Adobe Photoshop – for image editing
• Adobe Premiere Pro – for video editing
• Adobe Illustrator – for digital illustrations

These tools are aimed at improving multimedia learning and digital creativity.

Concerns About the Program

While providing free software is beneficial, several issues may limit the program’s success.

1. Lack of Devices for Students and Teachers

Many public school students and teachers do not own laptops or tablets, making it impossible to use these digital tools. If the government does not provide sufficient hardware, these licenses could go to waste.

2. Internet Connectivity Issues

Many public schools, especially in rural areas, struggle with poor internet connections. Microsoft 365, Canva, and Adobe Creative Cloud all require an internet connection to function properly. Without reliable access, students and teachers may not be able to use these tools effectively.

3. Financial Sustainability of the Program

• If Microsoft, Canva, and Adobe provide these licenses for free, the program is highly beneficial.
• However, if DepEd is purchasing these licenses, it raises concerns about budget allocation. Should the government prioritize software over providing laptops, tablets, or better internet access?

4. Training and Utilization

Even if students and teachers have access to software, training is essential. Without proper instruction on how to use Microsoft 365, Canva, and Adobe Creative Cloud, these tools may be underutilized, leading to wasted resources.

Is DepEd’s Initiative a Wise Investment?

This program has great potential to modernize education in the Philippines. However, to make the most of it, DepEd should address the following:

✅ Provide more devices – Ensuring that students and teachers have access to laptops or tablets should be a priority.
✅ Improve internet access – Strengthening school internet connections, especially in rural areas, will make these digital tools more usable.
✅ Ensure proper training – Offering training sessions will help teachers and students maximize the benefits of these tools.
✅ Assess financial impact – If DepEd is paying for these licenses, it must evaluate whether this is the best use of funds compared to other urgent needs.

Conclusion

The free software initiative by DepEd is a step toward digital education, but its success depends on how well it is implemented. If the necessary devices, internet access, and training are not provided, the program may not achieve its full potential.

Moving forward, DepEd should evaluate the program’s impact, address gaps in implementation, and ensure that students and teachers can truly benefit from these digital tools. Only then can this initiative be considered a wise investment in the future of Philippine education.

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