Students with smartphones or gadgets for online class discouraged to use printed modules starting second quarter -DepEd

Since face-to-face classes are not yet allowed, the Department of Education (DepEd) will implement blended/distance learning where the combination of the various distance learning modalities such as printed modules, offline digital modules, online, and TV and Radio-based instruction will be used by students and teachers when classes formally start on October 5.

Photo credit: gmanetwork.com

Students were given the chance to choose which modality they prefer. As a result, most students prefer to use the “modular” distance learning option.

However, DepEd discourage students with smartphones or other gadgets to choose the use of self-learning modules possibly starting on the second quarter of upcoming school year.

On Monday, DepEd Undersecretary Diosdado Antonio said in a press conference that 59% of the 22 million students enrolled in public schools or almost 13 million learners preferred the use of the printed lessons.

Sa first quarter, sinubok natin na tugunan 'yung mga preferences ng mga pamilya kaya popular 'yung printed self-learning modules,

San Antonio said.

[In the first quarter, we tried to meet the preferences of families which is why the printed self-learning modules are popular.]

Pero, ang pinu-push din natin sa mga susunod na quarters, susubukin natin na kung ‘yung mga pamilya ay may mga gadgets, ay idi-discourage natin na kumuha ng printed self-learning modules,

he added.

[But, what we are pushing for the next quarters (is that), we will try that if ‘families have gadgets, we will discourage them from getting printed self-learning modules.]

If the department will be able to implement the plan, the number of students who will be provided with the printed copy of the self-learning modules will be reduced to 6 million from 13 million said San Antonio.

This would mean a significant reduction in our requirements,

 he said.

As of Tuesday, San Antonio said that 179 of the 214 school division offices or 83.64% reported that they are on track in printing self-learning modules for the first quarter of the school year.

Some school divisions already decided to distribute a single copy of the printed self-learning modules per two students said DepEd Undersecretary Revsee Escobedo.

The DepEd is considering adjusting its proposal to provide one module per student due to lack of budget provided under the 2021 National Expenditure Program (NEP).