DepEd assures to manage, make adjustments on challenges in distance learning

There are about 22 million public school students who started the blended/distance learning of the Department of Education (DepEd), the first class opening started with a virtual flag ceremony. But some learners are unable to join their virtual classes because of unrealizable internet connection.

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A teacher from Pasig Elementary School, Annalyn Rentoy said on Monday that out of 39 students who should have participated in her online class, there were 4 who didn't attend. The reason, they couldn't enter the virtual class because of poor connection, however, her students have modules.

The department will continue to monitor the circumstances of the schools under the new learning set up and respond to the challenges that may appear according to Education Secretary Leonor Briones.

Namo-monitor ito on a day-to-day basis. At saka, kung may challenge na lumalabas, gumagawa tayo ng adjustment,

Briones said during the virtual Laging Handa press briefing.

[We monitor on a day-to-day basis. And if there are challenges that arise, we make adjustments.]

DepEd will have an assessment on the implementation of distance learning and whatever the assessment result is, the department will made it to the public.

Diosdado San Antonio, DepEd's undersecretary for curriculum and instruction, said that the department would look into the best methods and techniques of the various schools in implementing distance learning and could share it with other institutions.

Briones also said that some learners who do not have modules yet are late enrollees. Also those learners who don’t have modules may use other learning materials as long as these are aligned with the revised curriculum.

Some teachers group urged the government to provide financial and institutional support for teachers who fall ill due to COVID-19. However, DepEd said it did not have funds under its 2020 budget to cover the hospitalization and treatment of teachers. But they can avail of benefit packages from the Philippine Health Insurance Corp.

The teachers group also asked the department to reduce the workload of teachers under distance learning, and provide gadgets and a P2, 000 internet allowance.