DepEd looking for other modes of learning aside from online

The Department of Education (DepEd) is looking for other modes of learning aside from online as it faces a difficult task of starting a new school year amid the COVID-19 crisis.

Interviewed on Dobol B sa News TV on Wednesday, DepEd Undersecretary Nepomuceno Malaluan said they are aware that not all students have resources to access the internet.

“Isang mode lang ‘yan (online), alam naman natin na may access issue diyan,” Malaluan said.

Due to the COVID-19 threat, DepEd announced that classes will start in August instead of June, noting that physical attendance of students will depend on the decision of the Inter-Agency Task Force.

“Hindi lahat ay necessarily physical attendance. Hindi rin lahat ay necessarily online. Bibigyang tingin din natin  ‘yung kakayahan ng mga mag-aaral,” Malaluan said.

Aside from the issue of resources, Malaluan also pointed out that the online mode of learning would still demand time from parents to supervise and help the students with their lessons.

It could be a problem, according to him, as in some cases children are actually more knowledgeable than their parents about the use of technology.

On looking for modes of learning and teaching amid the COVID-19 situation, Malaluan highlighted that the department is prioritizing the safety of students and teachers alongside the continuity of the academic program.

Secretary Leonor Briones on Tuesday encouraged students to continue their learning in June as she offers them to subscribe to their online educational platform DepEd Commons.

According to Malaluan, the DepEd Commons is like a dry run for the resumption of class in August.

Currently, DepEd Commons has 4,236,667 subscribers. The number of users is projected to further rise in the coming days, according to DepEd.

In partnership with Globe, DepEd Commons can be accessed on Globe or TM-powered smartphones free of data charges, DepEd said. --KBK, GMA News