The Department of Education (DepEd) is determined to give every student efficient internet connectivity to enable them to acquire 21st Century Skills and keep up with digital technology.
During the post-State of the Nation Address (SONA) discussions held in Pasay City on Wednesday, DepEd spokesperson Michael Poa pointed out that this “direction” being taken by the agency will address various basic education issues, especially those which were caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Alam naman natin na (We all know that) we have shortages in terms of classrooms, teachers. So, we will continue hiring more teachers, building more classrooms. Of course with DPWH [Department of Public Works and Highways] as a partner, we will be building disaster-resilient classrooms. But aside from that, kaya nga sila (that’s why these are) perennial problems kasi ang hirap mag catch-up (because it is difficult to catch-up). So that’s why there is a second track that we are looking to explore. In fact, we are starting now and that is tapping into technology,” Poa said.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., during his second SONA, said learning from the lessons of the pandemic, alternative delivery modes and blended learning methodologies have been adopted to ensure unhampered learning.
Poa said the DepEd has been institutionalizing relevant and innovative reforms to recalibrate the curriculum, provide rapid and responsive delivery of education services, and ensure the welfare of learners and teachers which are all under the agency’s two-track approach.
“We started this year because number one, dati po kapag ganito may bagyo, wala na kaagad pasok. Kapag may lindol or kahit ano pong man-made na disasters, wala na tayong pasok. Pero sa ngayon, (when we have typhoons before, classes were immediately suspended. During earthquakes or any man-made disasters, classes were suspended. But now), to maximize learning continuity since we are in learning recovery mode, hindi na tayo nag sususpinde ng pasok. Ang sinususpinde lang natin ay yung (we do not suspend classes anymore. What we are suspending is just the) in-person classes,” he noted.
“Aside from that, we want to tap into technology to really help with congestion in our schools. We believe that by institutionalizing blended learning, ito yung mas (this is a more) effective way to quickly decongest our schools, hindi lang yung shifting schedule tayo (not just implementing shifting schedules),” he added.
Poa said DepEd continues to provide learners with e-learning materials pointing out that basic education learners, equipped with 21st century skills not only for local employment, but also for jobs abroad. (PNA)