The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) admitted Internet connectivity continues to be a challenge in implementing online learning in higher education institutions (HEIs) across the country.
CHED Chairman J. Prospero De Vera III said, "Natapos na namin yung inventory ng connectivity sa lahat ng 400 campuses ng 112 state universities and colleges (SUCs). Ang lumalabas na trend, usually sa main campus medyo malakas ang signal pero sa mga external campuses nila, hindi masyadong nakapag-invest ng technology kaya very uneven ang connectivity across campuses ng mga public universities (We have completed the inventory of connectivity in all 400 campuses of 112 SUCs. The emerging trend is that usually in the main campus the signal is quite strong but in their external campuses, they have not invested much technology so the connectivity across campuses of public universities is very uneven.)"
With this, De Vera said that HEIs will have to implement a different type of online learning wherein teachers will assign learning materials accessible online to be submitted electronically.
The higher education chief also said that teachers may now be required to spend more time communicating with students as classes are being done online, compared to when they were conducting face-to-face classes.
"Hindi lang kasi ang mga estudyante ang nag-aadjust, pati na rin ang mga teacher dahil mas magiging mabigat ang workload nila. Dati papasok ka sa classroom, mag-lelecture ka, magbibigay ng exam, hindi naman inaasikaso individually ang mga estudyante (It is not only the students who are making adjustments but also the teachers because their workload will be heavier. Before they used to go to the classroom, give lectures and exams, but they do not take care of the students' needs individually) ," De Vera explained.
"Ngayon dahil facilitator na ang papel nila, baka mas maraming oras na ang igugugol para kausapin electronically ang mga bata, magtanggap ng kanilang mga materials, etc., baka mas mabigat na sa faculty kaya hindi na ganoon kadali na damihan yung ituturo (Now that their role is a facilitator, they may spend more time talking to the children electronically, receiving their materials, etc., it may be more difficult for the faculty so it will not be so easy to teach more lessons) ," he added.
Meanwhile, De Vera said the enforcement of the modified enhanced community quarantine in the Greater Manila area will not affect the resumption of online classes as the majority of schools will utilize a blended type of flexible learning and no face-to-face lectures will be conducted.