A mobile application that digitizes reviewer and learning materials for students is finally available in the Philippines.
Developed by Singapore-based education company Zookal, the app intends to equalize opportunities for Filipino students to pass entrance examinations to universities, and other achievement tests with review materials that can be easily accessed via the mobile phone.
Founded by students in Australia in 2011, Zookal is utilizing mobile technology to help make learning more affordable and accessible to Filipinos, particularly for those without access to resources like review centers, as well as expensive reviewer materials.
The app helps increase the chances of underprivileged members of the society to pass entrance exams by allowing them to review for free just by using their smartphones.
The app, which was launched to the Philippine market recently, already registered over 20,000 downloads in the first two weeks following its release. At one point, it currently ranks 2nd in the education app rankings in the App Store for iOS devices. It is also among the most downloaded apps in the Google Play store for devices running on the Android operating system.
“We are very proud to have made an impact in the first two weeks of launch. We have been overwhelmed with positive feedback from our users and we are working very diligently to make improvements to the product. Buying books and going to reviewer centers are not feasible for every single family, so if we can help some families access resources that were previously unavailable to them, then we will strive to do so on as big a scale as possible,” said Jon Tse, Co-Founder, Zookal.
"With the app, we hope to contribute towards attaining the global development goals in education particularly in the Philippines, and increase the chances of Filipinos who cannot afford reviewer services to pass entrance exams and other tests that would help improve their lives for the long term," added Tse.
The app contains a database of over 20,000 practice multiple-choice questions designed for various entrance tests for schools, colleges, and universities like the UPCAT; the National Achievement Test, as well as licensure examinations for professionals, and those wanting to work in government.
To ensure the app has more impact on the user, the developers are working on future updates including explaining to the users why certain answers are correct and others are wrong.
Zookal is also looking at expanding the content to cover other tests including the NCLEX, IELTS, GMAT, to name a few.
The app simulates the nature of multiple-choice entrance tests, allowing users to swipe through questions and complete quizzes. Upon completing the quizzes, users then earn bonus study tips, which have been compiled by students from the University of the Philippines, as well as teachers from Teach for the Philippines.
These tips are aimed at instilling effective and healthy study habits to Filipino students so they can improve their study outcomes and enhance their learning experience.
Examples of practical tips are the following: Take note of the scoring schemes for the tests e.g. UP may deduct for wrong answers; ACET may be time-pressured, so if you do not know the answer skip the item and go back to it if you have extra time; Book a hotel nearby to avoid stress relating to traffic and delays on the day of the exams; Wear comfortable clothes on the day of the exams, among others.
The app also helps make the student psychologically ready for the exams. Most often, jitters and nerves can also distract the student from answering the test questions correctly. Some testimonials from first users include:
1. ”You can't find an app that can compare to Zookal. Effective, absolutely helpful, and best of all, it's FREE.” - Alexa Doverte
2. “This APP is priceless. Both figuratively and literally. Comprehensive and easy to use!” - Monching Aguinaldo
3. “Zookal App doesn't only help me prepare for a test but also gives useful study tips that find my weak points and gives advice as to where I should improve” - Vana Raye Sabanal
4. “Thumbs up to this super helpful app! Now, I don't have to worry about buying costly reviewers cause it's all here and it's free!” - Faith Fredeluces
5. "This is basically an ALL IN ONE app. Easy to access and you don’t have to download each app, each test. It's all in Zookal app!" - Lia Martinez
The app can be downloaded for free at the Google Play store: (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.zookal.zookalsg&hl=en)
It is also available in the App Store: (https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/zookal-philippines-school/id1140369065?mt=8).
For devices not compatible with the iOS and Android operating systems, the app may be directly downloaded at www.zookal.com.ph.
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