IT school adopts learning management system for online classes

Makati-based Information and Communications Technology Academy Inc. (iACADEMY) on Thursday said it has tailored a learning management system (LMS) to cater to multimedia arts (MMA) students while face-to-face classes remain suspended.

In an emailed statement, iACADEMY Multimedia Arts chairperson Mario Serrano said the school was preparing to transition into guided online autonomous learning (GOAL).

"GOAL for MMA is the delivery of quality learning by being open and innovative using unconventional and creative ideas. The information is delivered using technology and learning happens synchronously and asynchronously," Serrano said.

"We’ve been recording our lessons, tutorial videos, webinars, and uploaded them on Google Classroom for our students to study or work on. Students and professors communicate via SMS, phone calls, emails, or IM for consultation or feedback," he added.

Serrano said the flexible learning approach has already been practiced in MMA through online platforms such as Google Meets and Google Classroom prior to the coronavirus.

"It’s still possible to teach subjects that require software. Our MMA faculty and professors are able to design top-quality and creative experiences that allow our students to navigate their equipment and the use of accessible software. MMA faculty is also available to provide detailed guidance through consultation sessions," he said.

Still, SHS Multimedia Arts faculty coordinator Ralph Anthony Cacal said the school will integrate a NEO LMS, an online platform where students may access class modules and interact with their teachers.

"In SHS, we utilize NEO LMS because everything is already there - from lessons to assessments to grade book. We could see if students have submitted their assessments," he said.

Earlier this week, the DepEd said face-to-face classes would not be held until a vaccine for the coronavirus disease 2019 is available.

This in compliance with remarks made by President Rodrigo Duterte in May when he said he would not allow the opening of classes until a vaccine is developed.

His spokesperson Harry Roque, Jr. later clarified that traditional face-to-face classes would not resume as long as community quarantines meant to curb the spread of the virus remain in place.

With the remote learning in what we call the ‘new normal’, we made sure that we have an open line of communication between parents and the school through a dedicated online channel, this allows immediate feedback and exchange of information. -NB, GMA News