From chalkboards to tablets: A learner’s dream of flying high
How UNICEF’s School-in-a-Bag opens children’s eyes to new worlds through technology
In a small classroom in Basilisa, Dinagat Islands, a young girl’s dreams are already reaching the skies. Zia, a Grade 4 pupil, has been a consistent honour student since Grade 1. Beyond medals and certificates, what shines brightest is her determination.
“I want to be a flight attendant someday,” Zia says, her eyes sparkling. “So I can travel the world and learn about different cultures.”
Every day, Zia goes to her school with excitement, looking forward to learning new foundational and other skills. But her journey has not always been easy. Among all her subjects, Math was her biggest challenge – multiplication and division often left her puzzled. With limited time for her teacher to explain lessons across grade levels, Zia often found herself struggling to fully grasp multiplication and division.
“Sometimes it’s hard to understand the lesson. I had to read the lessons over and over again at home,” she admits softly. “And I would ask my teacher to explain again so I could understand or rely on my books in reviewing the lessons at home until the concepts became clearer.”
English, meanwhile, is her favourite subject. At home, she practiced speaking with her mother, who patiently guided her studies. Textbooks and chalkboards were her main study aids.
Zia’s enthusiasm for learning grew when she reached Grade 3, after her school became a recipient of UNICEF’s School-in-a-Bag programme, which brought tablets into the classroom. Alongside the tablets, her teacher introduced learning activity sheets and other resources uploaded in the Learning Passport, carefully choosing the materials that matched each day’s lessons.
For Zia, it was like opening a door to a new world. “When I first held the tablet, I explored the apps right away,” she says with a grin.
UNICEF’s School-in-a-Bag programme, supported by the Committee for UNICEF Switzerland and Liechtenstein, aims to better facilitate quality learning in multigrade classrooms, where a single teacher handle two or more grade levels at once. By introducing digital tools and resources, the programme strengthens teaching and learning while equipping young learners with the essential digital skills they need to thrive in today’s world.
The School-in-a-Bag package comes with one laptop for the teacher, ten tablets, a USB memory drive, a pocket Wi-Fi with an initial five hundred pesos (P500.00) credits to connect to the internet, an Oyayi gamified app USB, and an Oyayi Teacher Guide. The tablets are pre-loaded with learning materials and mother tongue-based literacy apps as well as online professional development training for Department of Education teachers.
Children’s right to education means giving every learner the tools they need to learn and thrive. Technology is vital to making this possible, especially for children in remote and underserved communities. Through initiatives like School‑in‑a‑Bag, digital learning tools help bridge gaps by delivering interactive, inclusive materials directly to those who need them most—empowering teachers, strengthening foundational skills, and ensuring no child is left behind.
Zia’s favourite School-in-a-Bag App is the Department of Education-Multigrade Learning Resources, which make learning English, Science and Math easier and more engaging through interactive activities. She also loved the Oy-oy App for stories and the Department of Science and Technology apps for experiments.
The effect was immediate. With the tablet, Zia began scoring higher in quizzes and even acing several. “In spelling, I used to make more mistakes,” she admits. “Now I can research the correct spelling and meaning of words at home and study in advance, so I get fewer mistakes.”
Technology also brought positive changes to her classroom. Her teacher began using the television and PowerPoint slides during classes, making lessons clearer and more interesting for learners. “I’m more excited now to participate in discussions,” Zia says. “Even my classmates are more active.”
At home, she continues her learning journey by borrowing her brother’s tablet to study for at least an hour each day. Whether it’s researching English words, conducting Science experiments, or practicing Math, Zia embraces every opportunity to learn.
When asked to describe the tablets in one word, she chose “useable” before adding: “My level of happiness has turned into pride because I am learning so much.”
From chalkboards to tablets, Zia’s story is a testament to children’s yearning for learning and the impact of giving them the tools and support they need to prosper. And as she continues to dream of flying across the world, one thing is certain: her wings are already taking shape in the classroom.
