DepEd: No need to buy gadgets for alternative learning

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) said Thursday that parents need not buy their children gadgets to participate in alternative learning when classes open on August 24 amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

According to Education Undersecretary Nepomunceno Malaluan, the agency is preparing printed learning materials for schoolchildren who do not have gadgets needed for alternative learning and access to the internet.

He added that a survey will be conducted during the enrolment period for parents to identify their preferred learning modality.

“Kahit ho walang gadget at internet, kami po ay naghahanda din ng mga printed learning modules at gagawan natin ng paraan na ihatid sa mga tahanan o kaya merong coordinated na pag-pick up nitong mga printed learning modules na ito,” Malaluan said in a televised press briefing.

The DepEd earlier announced it would be pushing through with its Learning Continuity Plan (LCP) amid the health crisis with schools adopting various learning delivery options such as but not limited to, face-to-face, blended learning, distance learning, homeschooling, and other modes of delivery depending on the local COVID Risk Severity Classification of their areas and compliance with minimum health standards.

In his late Monday night public address, President Rodrigo Duterte said he will not allow classes to resume if a vaccine against COVID-19 is not yet available.

However, Malacañang clarified that Duteret was only referring to the holding of physical classes and that enrolment in public schools will still proceed as scheduled from June 1 to June 30.

/MUF