Schools in the Philippines will be employing what the Department of Education (DepEd) calls the “blended learning” in terms of conducting classes for the 2020-2021 academic year.
According to DepEd Secretary Leonor Briones, their Basic Education-Learning Continuity Plan (BE-LCP) initiative will make it possible for schools all over the country to continue the school year.
In this technique, distance learning will be implemented in three ways—through online classes, modular learning through printed or digital materials, and through broadcasting classes via TV and radio. She explained that schools may choose from any of these methods to conduct classes to the students.
READ ALSO: Nearly 4 million students did not enroll for next school year due to pandemic – DepEd
The secretary also noted that education institutions can also “contextualize” their BE-LCP to address the needs of students and teachers.
Many schools in Metro Manila and other provinces have chosen the printed modules as a default tool for learning delivery, while other cities will also employ digital means “with the use of gadgets provided by the local governments”—according to DepEd-NCR Regional Director Malcolm Garma.
Garma, however, said that local government units are having procurement issues with the gadgets due to the recent movement restrictions. This is why he said learning materials are now being prepared in case the devices do not reach the beneficiaries in time for the reopening of classes.
In terms of printed modules, DepEd Undersecretary Nepomuceno Malaluan said during the recent Senate hearing on blended learning that some schools in the country are not half complete in providing printed modules for the first quarter. He added that 132 out of 214 school division offices in all regions (except Bangsamoro) have not yet reached 50 percent in terms of printing the modules.
This is the reason the department aims to make some of the materials available for the first weeks, and the succeeding ones “on a rolling basis.”
SEE ALSO: Malacañang moves school opening to October 5
