Teachers ask DepEd to provide free laptops as necessary tools in new learning methods

Teachers urged the government to equip them with necessary tools as they face challenges in the implementation of new learning modalities this coming school year.

The Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC), a 30,000-strong group, once again reminded the Department of Education (DepEd) to address the needs of teachers – especially in public schools – as they prepare for the implementation of blended/distance learning when classes officially start in August.

TDC National Chairperson Benjo Basas noted that in the past months, DepEd and the government have been assuring the public that the country is ready for the new education modalities –primarily the online learning under blended/distance learning approach.

“Yet at the same time, it cannot or will not provide the resources necessary for the ‘new normal’ delivery of education service,” he said.

Basas said that the DepEd had announced its plan to issue laptops for the teachers who do not own one based on a survey in March. Citing DepEd’s survey on teacher readiness with over 700,000 respondents, it was noted that more than “87 percent of them have desktops, laptops, and cellular phones.”

However, the TDC argued that while many teachers have their own laptops and gadgets, it would be “unfair” for the government and DepEd to ask them to use it for blended/ distance learning purposes.

“These laptops purchased personally are properties of the teachers and not the government,” Basas said.

Thus, TDC urged DepEd to initiate a program to purchase quality gadgets and give them free to all the teachers.

“Laptop computers, being necessary tools for our teachers, should be provided free by the government, along with other materials for the teaching and learning process, he said.

“We cannot ask our security forces the police and the military to buy their own guns to use against criminals or avail of firearms loan – that would be ridiculous,” he said.

Meanwhile, TDC rejected the “laptop loan” being offered by the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS).

Basas noted that the GSIS may be sincere in its “laptop loan” offer of 120,000 but rejected the idea for being “misplaced.”