To further widen its reach, the Department of Education (DepEd) is eyeing one million subscribers in its channels after receiving two YouTube Silver Play Buttons.
DepEd unveiled the two Silver Play Buttons awarded by video streaming company YouTube after DepEd TV and DepEd EdTech (Education Technology) Unit channels surpassed 100,000 subscribers' mark.
Both channels, with a total of almost 500,000 subscribers, have been vital to the DepEd’s implementation of distance learning --- especially in online and television-based instruction amid the pandemic.
Based on the available data from the agency, the DepEd TV channel already has 241,000 subscribers while DepEd EdTech Unit channel garnered 230,000 subscribers.
The YouTube channels of DepEd TV and DepEd EdTech feature video materials intended for learners, teachers, and other stakeholders to complement the existing programs of the agency.
“Kaya't sinasabi po natin sa lahat ng teachers, sa lahat ng principals, sa lahat ng mga estudyante at saka sa mga magulang, punta lang po kayo sa YouTube channel ng DepEd TV at i-click niyo roon para maging subscriber na kayo. Para sa susunod na buwan, 1 million na tayo (So we say to all teachers, to all principals, to all students and also to parents, just go to the YouTube channel of DepEd TV and click there to become a subscriber so for next month, we will have one million ,” Undersecretary for Administration Alain Del B. Pascua said.
Pascua also encouraged DepEd's stakeholders, especially the teachers and personnel, learners, and parents, to visit the channels and start subscribing to achieve the next YouTube milestone, the Gold Play Button.
Learning continuity amid the pandemic DepEd said that there are around 1,393 learning episodes for Kindergarten up until Senior High School (SHS) learners and Alternative Learning System (ALS) students are currently uploaded in the DepEd TV Youtube channel.
The channel has also been uploading video materials related to ETULAY, the virtual tutorial aligned to the Most Essential Learning Competencies (MELCs).
The DepEd EdTech YouTube channel, on the other hand, already has 3,242 video materials -- including Virtual Inservice Training, Empowerment Training workshop for teaching and non-teaching personnel on the use of emerging technology and ICT, and ETULAY tutorial session.
Information and Communications Technology Service (ICTS)-EdTech Unit Head Mark Sy thanked teachers, learners and parents for supporting the program which resulted in awarding of the Silver Play Buttons.
Pascua likewise thanked that staff at personnel of DepEd’s ICTS EdTech for their effort and dedication.
YouTube Play Buttons, also called YouTube Creator Awards or YouTube Plaques, are awarded by the online video sharing and social media platform to recognize its most popular channels.