DepEd admits 'modular learning is costly' among learning modalities for SY 2020-2021

To avoid face-to-face interactions, the Department of Education (DepEd) offers blended and distance learning modalities by using printed or digital modules, online learning resources, and radio and TV-based instructions.

Last July, the department made a survey on which of the modalities parents prefer for their children's continued learning. The result was more than 8.8 million parents chose modular learning since access to technology and connectivity remains a problem for most of them.

Photo credit: rappler.com

The data were gathered through the learner enrollment survey form that the parents had to fill up during the enrollment period.

The department admitted that modular learning is more expensive than the other learning modalities. According to DepEd Secretary Leonor Briones, it needs a lot of resources to procure bond papers, ink, and even electricity to print the Self-Learning Modules (SLMs). She also cites the high costs and the negative impact on the environment.

May implikasyon ang dependence sa modular learning dahil baka uubusin natin ang mga puno natin sa kaka-produce (ng learning modules). 'Yung demand for paper (is high)... malaki ang effect sa environment, 

Briones said in a virtual press briefing on September 9.

[Dependence on modular learning has implications because we might cut down all the trees so we could produce learning modules. The demand for paper is high... there would be a big effect on the environment.]

In the long run, modular is really expensive,

Briones added.

Meanwhile, schools have a budget allocation for the shift to distance learning filed under school maintenance and other operating expenses (MOOE). However, teachers said this budget can be easily depleted due to the sheer number of modules that need to be printed. 

To produce the needed modules, some teachers from public schools took it upon themselves to launch donation drives to raise funds for bond paper and printers. 

Despite these efforts of schools and teachers to make do with limited resources, some local DepEd offices issued advisories discouraging them to solicit donations on social media for the reproduction of printed modules. However, schools not covered by the advisory continue to lead initiatives.

The department is hoping that schools would be less dependent on printed modules and gradually shift online. While distance learning is being implemented in the country, DepEd will ensure that online/offline learning and TV radio-based instruction will carry out nationwide.

Briones urged the Local Government Units (LGUs) in the country to address and strengthen their programs on the use of modern technology for modern methods of teaching children.