The Department of Education (DepEd) has clarified that online would not be the sole mode of teaching and learning in school year 2020-2021 amid the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.
DepEd, in an article from the Philippine Information Agency, said: “Inihanda ng DepEd ang iba’t ibang paraan ng pag-aaral na aakma sa lahat ng uri ng pamumuhay sa komunidad (DepEd has prepared different modes of learning that suit all ways of community living).”
It said different “Education Learning Continuity Plans” would be adopted to suit learners’ access to technology and other factors affect the learning environment.
Self-learning modules (SLM) would be the primary mode that would be used in teaching, it said.
DepEd also said it would implement distance learning using three modalities — modular, which employs self-learning modules that are either printed or digital; online, which employs the Internet in downloading materials and uploading homework and assignments; and radio/television for students who have no internet access.
“We need to prepare not only the schools, learners, administrators, and teaching and non-teaching personnel, but also the parents and guardians of the learners,” Education Secretary Leonor Briones said.
“Education becomes more and more a shared activity, and we ask the parents and the community and experts and to join us on our effort.” Jojo Mangahis