By Deighton Acuin

PHOTO: Santa Clarita Signal

Even after the COVID-19 pandemic, distance learning modalities should continue catering Filipino students, the Department of Education (DepEd) said.

Speaking at the first-ever Asia Pacific Public Sector Digital Submit, Education Undersecretary for Administration Alain Pascua said that the capability to conduct distance learning harnessed amid the health crisis would also address the shortage of classrooms should face-to-face classes continue.

“We need to master distance learning now, making all the necessary improvements and perfecting our processes for the DepEd Commons, DepEd TV, DepEd Radio, the DepEd Learning Management System, the DepEd Mobile App, and others,” he said.

“If there are no face-to-face classes, then we have to devise all means to reach out to our learners and to bring basic education to them. We have to educate, by all means, we have to teach by all means, and our learners have to learn by all means,” Pascua added.

He also stressed that the DepEd’s Public Education Network (PEN) will strengthen the digital connectivity of all schools and offices.

“With this network, schools will become connectivity hubs for all the households around it so that contents are made available to every learner in the community even without internet bandwidth. If this connectivity is reinforced by internet bandwidth availability, then it is a big leap forward,” the education official said.

Pascua also said that the upcoming DepEd’s project, aiming to update and pattern educational television on streaming services, will allow learners to study their materials alone.

“Those who need more time and repetition can easily review and go back to all the lessons, while those who learn at a faster pace can access new lessons and other lessons outside of their grade levels,” Pascua pointed out.

“With that kind of interface, our education curriculum can adapt to the needs of the entire nation and even the world. Then, our basic education becomes relevant and liberating, for it serves what our nation needs and what our world needs,” Pascua explained.

The plans were under the Public Schools of the Future (PSOF) crafted by Pascua and Education Assistant Secretary Salvador Malana III, under the office of Secretary Leonor Briones.


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