After more than two years of remote learning due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the University of the Philippines (UP) announced that it will be implementing blended learning, a method of teaching that integrates technology and digital media with traditional classroom teaching, for the upcoming academic year 2022-2023.

UP confirmed this in a memorandum issued by the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs (OVPAA) dated June 20, guiding all faculty members, institute directors, department chairs, program directors, deans, and officials in their planning of programs to be used in the reopening of the UP campuses beginning AY 2022-2023 in September.

“The combination of conventional or traditional learning and modern learning methods using digital learning platforms and tools makes blended learning the ideal learning delivery mode for the post-pandemic era,” the OVPAA memo read.

In the same memo, the OVPAA underscored that the “thoughtful fusion” of modalities benefits both teachers and learners as it improves teaching and learning outcomes, as well as enhances their flexibility. 

To further support its point, UP added that by implementing a blended learning scheme, they will be able to avoid crowding on campus through careful scheduling of in-person sessions in different courses.

Meanwhile, UP presented three main models under this learning modality. Among these models were blended online learning, blended block learning, and classic blended learning.

Under the blended online learning, also called Model 1, everything is conducted virtually with no in-person sessions.

“This blended learning model is the same as the remote online learning mode adopted by faculty in UP’s residential campuses when face-to-face classes were suspended during the Covid-19 pandemic,” said OVPAA.

Blended block learning or the Model 2, on the other hand, combines blocks of independent online study and intensive face-to-face sessions based on practical considerations, while the third model called classic blended learning rotates in-person sessions and asynchronous online learning.

“This model includes the flipped classroom approach where students study the learning content at home using assigned readings, pre-recorded lectures, and then do guided practice during face-to-face sessions,” it added.

Furthermore, UP reiterated that it will continue providing “much-needed support” to its faculty and students, recognizing the hardships that may come as they transition to the so-called new normal.