Teaching in the time of the pandemic

Haydee I. Punsalan

DepEd Learning Delivery Modalities for School Year 2020-2021

Teaching in the time of a crisis is definitely one of the most complex modes an educator could encounter because of several limitations. But the Covid-19 pandemic is really different as it has altered the entire educational system in the Philippines and the whole world as well.

Without the traditional face-to-face sessions and the usual daily classroom sessions, the Department of Education has implemented online and distance education to ensure that the learning of students and teaching process of educators in all levels continues and is sustained.

The learning delivery modalities that schools and teachers can adopt may be one or a combination of the following, depending on the COVID-19 restrictions and the particular context of the learners in the school or locality.

Distance Learning: This 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. These involve individualized instruction that allows learners to use 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 Learner’s Materials, textbooks, activity sheets, study guides and other study materials. Learners access electronic copies of learning materials on a computer, tablet PC, or smartphone. CDs, DVDs, USB storage and computer-based applications can all be used to deliver e-learning materials, including offline E-books. The teacher takes the responsibility of monitoring the progress of the learners. The learners may ask assistance from the teacher via e-mail, telephone, text message/instant messaging, etc. Where possible, the teacher shall do home visits to learners needing remediation or assistance. Any member of the family or other stakeholder in the community needs to serve as para-teachers.

Online Distance Learning: This features the teacher as facilitator, engaging learners’ active participation through the use of various technologies accessed through the internet while they are geographically remote from each other during instruction. The internet is used to facilitate learner-teacher and peer-to-peer communication. Online learning allows live synchronous instruction. It requires participants to have good and stable internet connection. It is more interactive than the other types of distance learning. The responses are realtime. 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.

Distance learning modality is most viable for independent learners, and learners supported by periodic supervision of parents or guardians.

The challenge will be in dealing with learners not capable of independent learning. But so far since this system has been implemented upon the opening of classes last October 5, it is working and glitches are being addressed as they come up.

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The author is Teacher III at Balucuc Elementary School, Apalit, Pampanga