Full distance learning will no longer be allowed starting the second semester of the School Year (SY) 2022-2023, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) announced.
Signed by CHED Chairman J. Prospero De Vera III on Nov. 11, CHED Memorandum Order 16 series of 2022 stated that: “Unless there is an approval from CHED, an HEI cannot offer its recognized degree programs in full distance learning delivery including fully online modality.”
Starting the second semester of school year (SY) 2022-2023, @PhCHED says HEIs are allowed to choose to design and deliver their degree programs through onsite learning or hybrid learning modality. @manilabulletin
— Merlina Hernando-Malipot (@MB_InaHernando) November 16, 2022
The said CMO also provided updates on onsite learning in higher education amid the Covid-19 pandemic. The CMO, CHED said, is “adopted to provide clarity and support to HEIs towards their progressive transition to onsite learning within the larger context of flexible learning (FL).”
CHED also enjoined HEIs to adopt the guidelines in transitioning towards onsite learning “within the context of sustaining flexible learning and healthy learning and working spaces.”
For instance, CHED said that HEIs may “choose to design and deliver their degree programs through onsite learning or hybrid learning modality” starting the second semester of SY 2022-2023 “upon a comprehensive assessment of institutional capabilities, analysis of learner needs and preferences, and conduct of stakeholder consultations.”
CHED said that for HEIs that will opt to deliver their degree programs in hybrid learning modality, “at least 50 percent of the total contact time on onsite learning experiences” should be implemented.
“The rest of the contact hours may be delivered through other flexible learning strategies such as self-paced printed or online learning modules, synchronous or asynchronous learning sessions and remote guided peer learning approaches,” CHED said.
Moreover, CHED said that laboratory or shop courses along with on-the-job training (OJT) and apprenticeship programs should also be “conducted primarily through onsite learning experiences.”
Likewise, CHED said that the National Service Training Program (NSTP) will also resume its community-based design and implementation. “Learning experiences may be supplemented by other FL strategies,” the Commission explained.
CHED said that HEIs intending to operate graduate and undergraduate programs through Distance Education need to “secure prior approval” from the Commission as mandated under Republic Act 10650 or the Open Distance Learning Act and other related policies previously issued.
Likewise, CHED noted that prior approval or authority is also needed for those intending to operate via Transnational Education.
HEIs were directed by CHED to inform their respective regional offices of their teaching and learning institutional plans towards transitioning to onsite or hybrid learning “at least one month prior to their schedule of opening of classes.”
Meanwhile, CHED stressed that regardless of the chosen modality, HEIs must “ensure that appropriate and adequate means” to assess the achievement of intended learning outcomes (ILOs) are “effectively designed, implemented, and documented.”
“Facilities and resources in support of the chosen modality should also be made available and accessible,” CHED added.