In a pre-COVID-19 world, all a student needs in his back-to-school kit is a pen/pencil, paper, and color-coded notebooks all placed in a new or old backpack. Although some schools that have adopted modern technology would also require tablets/laptops, most schools in the country would only need those basic supplies. However, as we face the unfortunate repercussions caused by the coronavirus pandemic, the state education department has pushed back the usual opening of classes while schools across the country, especially private schools, resorted to alternative learning systems to cater to students at the same time protect them from health risks. Along with online learning, what a student now needs is a good and reliable device with a stable internet connection. With this, the Department of Education (DepEd) earlier this month issued the minimum specifications for various gadgets and devices teachers and learners can use for distance learning.

Recommended technical specifications

DepEd Undersecretary for Administration Alain Pascua, through the Information and Communications Technology Service (ICTS), recommended minimum specifications for laptops, desktops, tablets, as well as smartphones and internet services that will be used/donated to public schools, teachers, and/or students. “These minimum specifications will facilitate the conduct of distance education during the COVID-19 pandemic and such other emergencies in the future, and will be appropriate to the digital contents and software applications that will be installed by DepEd,” Pascua explained. Here are the minimum technical specifications for laptops/desktop:

• Processor: 1.6GHzbased speed with turbo speed
• 8GB RAM memory
• 13″ screen size
• At least 512GB HDD SATA
• With built-in speakers and camera, wireless and Bluetooth connectivity, keyboard, optical/wireless mouse, and headset.

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For the use of Junior and Senior High School students, DepEd recommends the following:

• 2-in-1 tablet PC
• Processor: 1.1 GHz based clock speed
• 4GB memory
• 10″ screen size
• Internal storage of at least 32 GB
• With built-in speakers and camera, wireless and Bluetooth connectivity, keyboard, optical/wireless mouse, and headset.

Tablet specifications include:

• Processor: Quad-core 1.3GHz
• 2GB memory
• 8″ screen
• 32 GB storage
• With front and rear camera, at least Android 9.0 operating system, with WIFI and Bluetooth

Smartphones:

• Octa-core 2.2GHz
• 2GB memory
• 6″ screen
• 32GB storage
• With front and rear camera, at least Android 8.1 operating system with wifi and Bluetooth

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Good internet connection, noise-canceling microphones & headphones, high-quality webcams, and a specific place within the house for setup are all other things students/parents must consider to ensure conducive learning and focus. Check the full DepEd Memorandum here. ~ Aside from online learning, DepEd noted that students can also access lessons in the comforts of their homes through digital or printed modules which will be either home-delivered or picked up by parents at designated locations within coordinated schedules and via television or radio-based instruction. (Source: Manila Bulletin)