To show that the alternative delivery modalities under the blended/distance learning will work this school year, the Department of Education (DepEd) on Monday showcased a total of 10 schools in different settings and highlighted their respective back-to-school preparations.
During the virtual launch of its “Handang Isip, Handa Bukas” school readiness program, DepEd assured that the preparations for the new school year to start on August 24 are in full swing.
As 2020-2021 begins, several schools in basic education all over the Philippines have conducted their respective blended/distance learning dry runs.
To guide teachers, parents, and learners in the conduct of basic education as the country shifts into the new normal, the schools based their preparations on the varying local situations.
Without face-to-face classes, Education Secretary Leonor Briones said that DepEd will “continue to provide learning opportunities to our students without requiring them to come to school.”
By now, she explained that schools have chosen the alternative learning delivery modalities they can offer to students.
Schools may choose from various blended/distance learning modalities such as printed or digital modules; online learning resources; and television or radio-based instruction.
Briones noted that the varying local situations and students are among the considerations when the Basic Education-Learning Continuity Plan (BE-LCP) was crafted.
Schools, she added, were allowed to “contextualize” their BE-LCP to address the needs of teachers and students.
During the national dry run, a total of 10 schools of different types nationwide showed how they have contextualized the BE-LCP through simulation activities they have conducted in preparation for the opening of classes.
Since modular distance learning is the most preferred learning delivery of parents based on the DepEd survey, many schools have chosen this approach.
Don Ruben E. Ecleo, Sr. Memorial High School in Dinagat Islands, for instance, showcased how a rural island school can use this approach. Here, modular distance learning that is quality assured by DepEd will be given to the learners of Dinagat. The procurement of disinfectants, thermal scanners, face masks, and face shields was made a priority to reassure the safety of the students, teachers, and parents.
Don Luis Hidalgo Memorial School in Marinduque featured how modular distance learning will be used this school year. With 1,407 enrollees, the school has prepared “Bila-Bila” boxes which contain teacher-guided modules, learning kits, as well as manipulative toys for interactive learning. These are sanitized before given to students.
For Sucao Elementary in Abra, on the other hand, showed how a multi-grade school can use modular distance learning. The school will have 58 enrollees and four teachers. The local government is set to give out solar radios and flash drives to learners while an allowance will also be given to teachers.
An indigenous people (IP) school, Calay IP School in Saranggani, is using a new project called “LR on Wheels” which will be providing gadgets and local area network connection to the students. Here, access points are built for connection signals, giving way to online learning even in the remotest areas of Sarangani.
Navotas National High School in Navotas City also showed how a large urban school can use Blended Learning through Modular and Online approaches. Here, teachers and parents attended webinar training while a “NavoSchool-In-A-Box” kit will be distributed to the parents which contain modules and other learning materials and resources. The students with access to the internet will also be given online classes and consultations while teachers will reach out to those without internet access through phone call or text.
Meanwhile, Shining Light Academy in Cagayan showcased how a private school can use Blended Learning through Modular/Online approach. When they made their own Learning Continuity Plan, the school found out that only 83% of the learners have stable internet connection. To ensure access for all, those who have no stable internet will be provided with modules.
The Malaya Elementary School in Rizal offers a Special Education Program (SPED). It has prepared learning kits for modular learning modality and these kits include activity sheets, flash drives containing audio lessons, and transistor radios to ensure that its students with special needs will still be given guided instructions.
For a school that offers Alternative Learning System (ALS), TAGUMpay Palengskwelahan in Tagum City ran a simulation of blended learning. The school assured that online and printed modules will be available for the ALS learners. In its e-learning room, the school has 20 functional computers with interactive e-module that can also be used by students once physical reporting is allowed.
Meanwhile, Mangayon Elementary School in Davao de Oro, showed how a rural mountain school can use radio-based/modular approach this school year. In partnership with Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and the provincial government of Davao de Oro, the school has installed main service points and speakers throughout the household of every learner to ensure radio-based learning approach while printed modules are also being prepared.
With all these preparations, Briones expressed confidence that schools will be able to provide education continuity and ensure health and welfare of learners and teachers amid the pandemic.