DepEd Schools Divisions to adopt ‘flexible’ learning for coming school year

The schools divisions of Puerto Princesa City and Palawan will adopt a “flexible” model of learning for Academic Year 2020-2021 that will prioritize the safety and protection of learners without compromising the education amidst the current pandemic.

Department of Education (DepEd) Sec. Leonor Briones announced recently that flexible learning options should be adopted in all schools for the opening of classes on August 24.

The flexible learning options include the use of television, radio, modules, and other modes of learning that do not require close contact between the teacher and the learners.

For the DepEd Schools Division of Palawan, division information officer Grace Estefano said they will adopt the multi-modal learning.

“Pinaghandaan natin ang multi-modal delivery of instruction pwede siyang face to face, modular, online, radio-based o kaya combination ng mga ito,” she said.

She also said that the type of model to be applied in schools will depend on the geographical situation and the needs of the learners.

“Flexible ang DepEd Palawan, kung ano ang applicable sa mga areas ‘yon po ang gagawin natin, kailangan lang ipatupad ang precautionary measures,” she aded.

Estefano described the teaching strategy as “community-driven”, where different stakeholders take part in the process.

In a separate interview, Gina Francisco, division information officer of the City DepEd, said they are doing an inventory of tools and equipment in preparation for their implementation of blended learning.

“Kung mag-oonline learning tayo, kailangan malaman natin ang availability ng gadgets na meron ang mga learners kaya meron po tayong inventory,” Francisco said.

Part of the flexible learning is the use of DepEd commons, an online learning site for teachers and learners where they can access for free, for both Smart and Globe users, they can access the site using their gadgets.

Starting June 1 public school teachers will start rendering services either physically or virtually; they will undergo capacity building in preparation for the “new normal” education set up.

For the enrollment, it could be done online or if not applicable (especially in areas without internet connection) they can go personally to the school, batch by batch following the strict implementation of physical distancing, wearing of face masks.

National events including the Palarong Pambansa, Brigada Eskwela, and other activities that gather huge crowds have been canceled.