Schools nationwide are doubling efforts to prepare for the start of blended learning set up in August, for which over 80% of public schools and 12% of private schools have qualified for progressive face-to-face classes.
The Department of Education (DepEd) has assured the public it is intensifying measures to prepare schools for transitioning to the new normal setup, about the blended learning where in-person setup and online classes will be scheduled to utilize effective learning modalities.
A private school elementary teacher, Joan dela Providencia, 26, said they have been preparing carefully to ensure safe spaces for their pupils. “We have conducted seminars on health and safety protocols; we also comply requirements set by the LGU and DepEd),” she shared.
Dela Providencia, however, said she prefers in-person learning as it provides real-time learning and interaction among learners.
“If it’s face-to-face, when the teacher says, ‘Pass your papers,’ they will immediately obey, unlike in online setup. Oftentimes the kids’ papers for submission pile up; there are also some who can’t pass them on time,” she noted.
In a recent Laging Handa public briefing, DepEd Undersecretary Nepomuceno Malaluan said the implementation of progressive face-to-face classes nationwide will still push through in the upcoming school year if low alert levels remain.
As of June 16, a total of 37,694 public and private schools have been recommended for the progressive expansion of face-to-face classes.
A DepEd quick count indicates that 32,787 public schools are already “participating and have actually started their face-to-face classes.”