LEARNING MODALITIES IN THE NEW NORMAL EDUCATION SETTING

Dr. Ditas Therese T. Ramos

In the new normal education setting, the classroom is our homes and the learning space wherein the teaching-learning processes are exchanged are the learning delivery modalities that provide safe methods wherein education can still foster and succeed. Education, being a necessity for Filipinos, will find its space even in the midst of a persistent pandemic.

No less than the Secretary of Education, Leonor Briones assured the learners, parents, teachers, and the general public that any decision the Department will make for the continuation of learning will have their health, safety and well-being as primary consideration. In this primary consideration that the different learning modalities are chosen and the specifics of their use and applications are conceived. As face-to-face or physical classroom instruction is not an option as long as the coronavirus vaccines and drugs are not available to Filipino school children according to President Rodrigo Duterte, the alternative learning delivery modalities are the ways teachers have to conduct their classes.

Distance Learning refers to a learning delivery modality where learning takes place between the teacher and the learners who are geographically remote from each other during instruction. This modality has three types: Modular Distance Learning (MDL), Online Distance Learning (ODL), and TV/Radio-Based Instruction. Modular Distance Learning is an individualized asynchronous instruction that allows learners to study and learn through self-learning modules (SLMs) in print or digital format/electronic copy, whichever is applicable in the context of the learner, and other learning resources like textbooks, activity sheets, compendium of notes, E-books and other study materials. The teacher, same as in normal times and in traditional manner, has to monitor, assess, and assist the learners and may visit the homes of the learners if possible and safe. Parents and other capable individuals or family members of the learner may assist the learner while studying the modules. Distance Learning is most effective for independent learners and those that have the opportunity to be assisted or supervised by a knowledgeable adult at home.

Meanwhile, online distance learning sees the teacher as facilitator and motivator for active participation of learners through the use of various technologies accessed through the internet while they are geographically remote from each other during instruction. Online learning allows live synchronous instruction through online learning platforms such as Google Classroom, Zoom, Messenger Video Chat, Schoology, and others. ODL requires stable internet connection and real time interactions and responses can be recorded. The learners may download materials from the internet, complete and submit assignments online, attend webinars and virtual classes. This is practiced effectively by using a Learning Management System or related technologies. The DepEd Commons and LR Portal fall in this category. TV/Radio-Based Instruction utilizes SLMs converted to video lessons for Television-Based Instruction and SLMs converted to radio script for RadioBased Instruction.

Another learning delivery modality is the Blended Learning, as the term implies, combines the face-to-face learning modality which may be limited in varying degrees with that of the other learning delivery modes. Blended learning gives the school the opportunity to limit physical attendance of learners in school and reduce physical contact. However, blended learning requires more attention to details and more time consuming because of the various types of activities required.

The author is Principal

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I at Delos Remedios Elementary School, Bamban East District,

DepEd Tarlac Province