DepEd, DICT to collaborate in delivering education in new normal

Allen Ibe Quiambao

The Department of Education only wants what is best for its learners nationwide, and will be finding ways to lessen the burden of parents now that we are still in a health crisis.

Just recently, the agency has requested the Department of Information and Communications Technology or DICT for support in encouraging telecommunications companies to continue giving free access to DepEd Commons and other online platforms of the Department.

The education sector needs support in areas related to broadcast, connectivity and digital security for the continued delivery of education amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

In partnering with the DICT, the DepEd wants to initiate the allocation of free internet bandwidth to public schools and encourage various businesses that provide telecommunications services, community cable providers, and internet service providers (ISP) to do the same.

This collaboration is very much needed in preparation for the opening of classes this August 24, 2020. This will ensure the delivery of alternative learning delivery modalities because face-to-face classes are still prohibited.

But while the DepEd is working to improve access of learners and schools to the internet, online learning is only one option from the menu of learning delivery modalities to be used in the upcoming school year.

The modality to be used will be responsive in the context and available resources of the schools and the learners, the DepEd said.

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The author is Teacher III at San Roque National High School, Bamban,

Tarlac