TV networks commence test broadcasts of educational programs

On Sunday, August 9, the Office of the Undersecretary for Administration (OUA) released a memo for the test airing of Departmental of Education (DepEd) TV and radio episodes. And on Tuesday, DepEd said that some TV networks have started conducting test broadcasts of educational programs, which will supplement other modes of learning in the coming school year.

DepEd released the list of test broadcasting schedules for DepEd TV learning delivery mode. The live test broadcast will start from August 11 to August 21, 2020 except in the weekends via IBC-13 and Solar Learning channels. It will be adding more Grade level lessons in the coming days.

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The test broadcast's objective is to identify what can be improved in TV-based instruction before classes start on August 24, according to Education Undersecretary Alain Pascua.

The channels will showcase sample episodes or online lessons, as well as advocacy and information materials that will mimic commercial advertisements. This may be reconsidered during the actual broadcast.

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For the time being, DepEd Public Affairs Service Director June Arvin Gudoy said that TV-based instruction would only supplement the self-learning modules given to students. 

The Department urged the Regions and Divisions to join the test broadcast for the following episodes in partnership with their local Cable TV, and TV and radio stations.

The guide showed programs catered to learners across grade levels as well as lectures on the use of DepEd's online platform and learning management system.

Pascua said DepEd would train teachers in the delivery of lessons in front of the camera.

DepEd has also settled in using cellphone tablets and laptops to produce episodes since the agency cannot afford equipment that TV stations are using, he said.

The Kapamilya network earlier said it was offering its transmission network to help government air educational programs in the coming school year.