DepEd stresses importance of teachers' participation in module-writing for blended learning

The Department of Education (DepEd) continued making modules for blended learning. Blended learning is a collective effort that requires participation from teachers who will be using these in the upcoming school year.

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In the Oplan Balik Eskwela-Brigada Eskwela (OBE-BE) online press conference, updates and related concerns were discussed.

Among the crucial concerns pointed out by teachers in the field is the need for them to create modules for the implementation of distance learning when experts from DepEd should be doing it, said Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC).

Teachers are not being forced to create modules for their learners, admitting it is a “specialized kind of activity” that requires training said Education Secretary Leonor Briones. She emphasized the need for teachers to engage themselves into the training considering it “fun” as it allows them to meet fellow teachers from different places.

Briones added that module writing training is also an opportunity for them to share.

“They are gathered together with perhaps the best teacher from this place or that place who teaches this particular subject and you get together,” she said.

“They do workshops, they do all sorts of things which are also a relief from the rigors of teaching everyday but to create something which also you will also use,” she added.

Briones said that the modules also reflect what teachers believe should be included in the learning materials. Rather than use something that is made by somebody, she noted that most teachers prefer using materials they created themselves. 

“That’s the essence of group work, selecting the very best teachers, having the Central Office Directors, bringing in the experts working together, sitting down together and there is no coercion involved here and usually they are very proud of their outputs and of their work,” Briones said.

The production of the self-learning modules is a joint effort said DepEd Undersecretary and Spokesperson Atty. Nepomuceno Malaluan. He also said to the regional offices to engage a number of experts in the field whether teachers or from the Division office or Central office. 

“It’s a joint effort and it’s part of the work we are expected to do in various capacities whether as teachers, as school leaders, as supervisors, as education program specialists in the division or districts,” Malaluan explained.

Contrary to the claims of some groups, Malaluan stressed there are teachers who have been wholeheartedly and excitedly contributing to the work and he commended them.