DepEd called to conduct online meetings to get feedback on distance learning

On Tuesday, Rep. Alfred Vargas, a member of the House committee on basic education and culture called on the Department of Education (DepEd) to hold online meetings with parents, teachers and students to get their feedback on blended/distance learning.

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Vargas said that virtual meetings will help the department to adjust its programs for the new school year based on the assessment of education stakeholders.

Mas maiintindihan ng DepEd ang mga pagsubok na kinakaharap ng mga guro, magulang at estudyante kung nakakapag-usap sila nang madalas– kahit sa pamamagitan lang ng video chat. Unang beses ipapatupad ang blended learning sa buong bansa kaya dapat bukas ang DepEd sa mga suhestiyon para mapabuti ito, 

he said.

[DepEd can better understand the challenges teachers, parents and students face if they can talk often - even just through video chat. It’s the first time that blended learning will be implemented nationwide, DepEd should be open to suggestions to improve it,]

He said the virtual meetings would be helpful for all education stakeholders in both public and private schools.

Private or non-DepEd schools have already started their classes, some are scheduled on other dates ahead of October 5. They are allowed to proceed provided they are strictly using only distance learning modalities and that there are no face-to-face classes. As for public schools it will formally open on October 5.

The online consultations will also help manage the expectations from stakeholders. There have been reports about misunderstandings between parents, teachers and students in private schools on how blended learning works. Complaints abound regarding the curriculum and the use of technology in online classes. These issues should be discussed before October 5 to avoid further setbacks in learning, 

Vargas said.

Vargas proposed a virtual a parent-teacher meetings and online consultations with students. DepEd can come up with the general guidelines while the Schools Division Office of each local government unit can add other details.

Hindi lahat ng guro, magulang at estudyante kayang mag-online kaagad, kaya kailangang pagplanuhan ang virtual meetings. Ang mahalaga, makasama sila sa diskusyon sa blended learning at marinig ang kanilang boses, 

he said.

[Not all teachers, parents and students can go online right away, that is why virtual meetings should be planned well. What's important is they can join the discussion on blended learning and hear their voices,]