Distance learning, the new normal brought about by Covid-19
MANKIND has observed various pandemics throughout the history where some are more disastrous than the others to the humans. We are observing a very tough time once again fighting an invisible enemy; the novel Covid- 19 coronavirus. Emerging infectious diseases continue to infect and reduce human populations, with this, all industries, companies and agencies have been challenged on how to solve for its business continuity most specifically the Department of Education - The learners in general.
Since this is a frightening global pandemic– not anyone of us wants to send her/ his children back to school – exposed them to the open. And I will be with the President’s message “I will not allow the opening of classes na dikit dikit ang mga bata… para sa akin bakuna muna, pag andyan ang bakuna okay na.”
The DepEd in general also is supportive with the President’s decision—that is why, the distance learning approach was planned. In the delivery of this approach, three modalities are to be applied as follows:
• The printed or digital modules;
• The online learning resources such as DepEd Commons, LRMDS, DepEd – authorized LMS or online platforms;
• And the television or radio-based instruction.
As one of our Division Supervisor Jessica Masweng comment during the orientation on Pilot Testing at New Lubon Elementary School, that we rise to challenges and embrace a new normal way of classes—the distance learning— why distance learning? Simple, to ensure that our learners and teachers are safe and are in good physical health—to get rid of the deadly virus.
How would the learners embrace this application? The Schools Division of Mountain Province fixed the plan to pilot test the approach and luckily it was our school that was selected among the many schools for pilot testing.
The term pilot testing is used in two different ways, in Social Science research it can refer to so-called feasibility studies and this is done in preparation for a major study but in simplest meaning for an elementary like me, it is a pre-testing or trying out of a particular activity to see to it that it might give advance warning if the test failed, not followed, or is it appropriate or inappropriate, or complicated for the learners.
Last July, the completion of pilot testing to Grade 5 learners was successfully done targeted an almost perfect percentage of completion. The orientation was facilitated by Mrs. Marlolet S. Bincula in supervision by our school head Judith Yapes. The facilitator also tackled the “Binnadang System” that is in connection with her topics she also discussed how the modules will be answered by the learners.
At this point however, the school in general is continuously looking forward accepting the risky challenge in the adoption of this distance learning approach. The challenge was accepted by the PTA. We cannot always assure everyone a very good thought this New Normal since worriedness still on the faces of everyone, but, with full cooperation within us, we can achieve our aims and objectives successfully, hand and hand, together as one.
This trends will signify the beginning of new era— the New Normal.