As the country slowly reopens its schools for limited face-to-face classes, the Department of Education (DepEd) said that blended learning will still be implemented.
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“Gusto ko lang i-emphasize na hindi ibig sabihin na ngayong magpo-progressive face-to-face tayo, iiwanan na natin iyong konsepto ng blended learning (I just want to emphasize that now that we are implementing progressive face-to-face , we are not going to leave the concept of blended learning behind),” Education Secretary Leonor Briones said during the Laging Handa public briefing on Wednesday, March 2.
Citing its latest data from the regional offices, DepEd said that 4,315 schools have already started the implementation of limited face-to-face classes. Of this number, 4,239 are public schools and 76 are private schools.
READ:
https://mb.com.ph/2022/03/02/deped-4372-public-private-schools-hold-face-to-face-classes/
With eased coronavirus restrictions particularly in Metro Manila, DepEd is expecting more schools to hold face-to-face classes.
Briones said that the regional directors were already given authority to decide on matters related to the implementation of face-to-face classes in their respective areas.
“Iyong actual format na pag-implement ng face-to-face, depende sa sitwasyon ng respective schools (The actual format of implementing face-to-face , depends on the situation of the respective schools),” Briones said.
This is where the decisions of regional directors and superintendents will come in, Briones said, as there are schools that cannot fulfill the conditions or requirements for face-to-face classes.
While more and more parents support the resumption of face-to-face classes, Briones said that some still prefer blended learning.
“Kailangan pa rin ang online, hindi iyong dati nating nakasanayan na the whole day, iyong teacher nakaharap sa mga bata (We still need online because this is not what we used to be used that the teacher is facing the children the whole day),” Briones said.
Briones also underscored the importance of the blended learning component which utilizes the use of technology.
“Talagang laganap na ang digital, laganap na ang technology, laganap na ang science and mathematics (Digital is prevalent, technology is prevalent, science and mathematics are prevalent),” Briones said.
Recognizing this, Briones said that DepEd has also been strengthening its initiatives in using technology for education while making sure that children will continue to be aware of their history and culture.