DepEd: Distance learning does not require gadgets, internet connection

Students and teachers are not required to purchase laptops, desktop and internet connection under the blended learning system for the upcoming school year amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Education said Friday.

Education Undersecretary Nepo Malaluan made the assurance citing the use of Modified Modular Distance Learning program pioneered by the DepEd Navotas—a system wherein learners will be provided self-learning packets in print or digital format while teachers will use mobile messenger chat or text messages to monitor and track the learners.

The learning packets will include the following:

• textbooks
• alternative delivery mode and self-learning modules by DepEd
• modules/materials prepared by Schools Division Office and schools
• worksheets prepared by teachers
• lesson guides for parents and guardians
• other supplies and materials such as notebooks, paper, ballpens, toys and manipulatives
• hygiene kits which include alcohol, soap, towels, among others.

Under this scheme, the online distance learning will only serve as a support or reinforcement for learners who have access to technology.

“Gusto nating i-assure na hindi natin ino-obliga na bumili sila ng gadget o magkaroon ng internet connectivity. Ito pong konseptong ito ay para maabot ang lahat ng mag-aaral, considering the situation that they have,” Malaluan said. 

DepEd Division Superintendent Alejandro Ibañez, for his part, expressed confidence that such Modified Modular Distance Learning will work since it got positive feedback from learners.

“75% said they expect to understand the lesson by using printed modules while 35% said their parents cannot help them learn online due to different reasons,” Ibañez said.

“The system will engage four actors: teachers, learners, parents and supervisors,” Ibañez added.

Teacher Fati Robles of Bagumbayan Elementary School in Navotas City also assured the public that the learning packets or school in a box would be age-appropriate.

For one, the school in a box for kindergarten students will include toys and story book on top of activity packets and hygiene kit.

Around 17 million out of the 27 million basic education students already enrolled this academic year despite the absence of face-to-face classes due to COVID-19 threat. -NB, GMA News