Amid concerns over the lack of gadgets and internet connection at home, needed by learners for the blended learning approach, the Department of Education (DepEd) assures parents that there is no need for them to buy gadgets.
Education Undersecretary Nepomuceno Malaluan announced that the DepEd will make and distribute printed modules for those who do not have access to gadgets and the internet. To facilitate the distribution of these printed learning materials, the DepEd plans to tap local government units (LGUs).
“Kahit walang gadget o walang internet, kami po ay naghahanda din ng printed learning modules at gagawan natin ng paraan para maihatid sa mga tahanan,” Malaluan explained.
Education Undersecretary Diosdado San Antonio added that students who do not have access to online learning platforms can still study using the printed self-learning modules as well as television and radio programs that the DepEd also plans to launch.
“Ang nakikita ko po kasi, mas marami talaga sa mga Pilipino ang walang internet,” San Antonio said.
Understanding that the DepEd will have a hard time preparing the lessons and also distributing the learning materials to the students, San Antonio said that they plan on tapping the LGUs to regularly distribute these items, including the Sangguniang Kabataan.
“So magpapatulong po tayo sa ating mga local government officials, sa mga barangay, at katulong na rin po siguro ‘yung mga parent-teacher associations at ‘yung mga teleteachers natin,” he said.
But because of the changes in the learning system, the DepEd also urges the parents to help out. At this time of pandemic, San Antonio said that parents will need to take a more active role in their children’s education.
“May pagbabago rin po sa papel ng magulang ‘pag ang pinag-uusapan natin ay ang pagkakatuto ng kanilang mga anak… Sisiguraduhin ng DepEd, magbibigay po tayo ng pagsasanay para alam naman nila kahit paano kung paano magbigay ng angkop na tulong,” San Antonio explained.
“Occasionally, ‘yung mga kasamang guro natin ay puwede ring puntahan ‘yung mga estudyante na alam niyang kailangan ang suporta niya.”
During the enrollment period set from June 1 to 30, parents or guardians will be asked to answer a survey to determine which learning delivery mode their student/s will need for SY 2020-2021.