What can parents expect next school year? DepEd exec discusses ‘distance learning,’ resources and tuition

The Department of Education (DepEd) is planning to shift to a “distance learning” system in the hope of ensuring the safety of students and school personnel next school year.

In an interview on "Unang Hirit," Education Undersecretary Diosdado San Antonio answered some questions about the current preparations taking place and how it could affect tuition fees.

According to San Antonio, online materials and other educational resources for students are currently being prepared to enable students to continue learning at home.

Teachers will also be trained to support the "home-based learning."

"Hindi sila sabay-sabay, magii-schedule lang po tayo na sa isang araw ay ganito lang (for example) 15 maximum na magaaral ang kausap ng teacher. Sa susunod na araw, isang group ulit. At sa mga natitirang araw ng linggo ay mayroong gagamitin na materials for home-based learning," he explained.

The DepEd official clarified that materials are also being prepared for learners who do not have access to online resources.

"Hindi lang online ang paraan ng pagbibigay ng basic education. Naghahanda po tayo ng mga printed modules na gagamitin doon sa mga lugar at sa mga pamilya na wala pong access sa internet," San Antonio said.

But what about learners who live in far-flung areas?

"Karagdagan sa mga printed modules na ipapadala sa mga pamilya na maaari pong gamitin, isu-supplement po natin," the DepEd official explained.

"Gagamitin natin yung tinatawag nating TV broadcast at radio-based instruction na dati nang ginagamit natin sa alternative learning system lamang. Kasama po ito sa mga bagay na ibibigay natin sa mga kapwa nating guro at sa mga DepEd officials."

Photo by Jerry Wang on Unsplash

San Antonio was also asked how these change would impact tuition fees next year.

"Sa DepEd po, libre tayo," he said.

"Doon naman po sa mga private schools, as has been the practice, nire-resepeto natin ang karapatan ng mga private schools na mag determine kung ano 'yung mga tuition rates nila," he added.

Nevertheless, the DepEd exec noted that most private schools have been "responsive."

"So alam nila na, syempre, kung napakataas 'yun ay wala na silang makukuha, so they have to make sure na yung  mga isisingil nila kung magtataas man sila ay reasonable at dadaan sa syempre consulation with parents at pinagusapan," San Antonio said. — Margaret Claire Layug/LA, GMA News