DepEd expected to transition to limited in-person classes
ONLINE CLASS Grade 10 student Jason Solis and cousin John Matthew attend a class orientation online in Makati City. —MARIANNE BERMUDEZ
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) has vowed to address the challenges of distance learning modalities as it transitions to limited in-person classes, following an independent survey concluding that “the majority of students are receptive to blended learning” during the pandemic.
In a statement on Wednesday, the DepEd said it acknowledged the noncommissioned poll done by Publicus Asia covering Dec. 3 to Dec. 9, which found that 75 percent of respondents had a neutral or positive response to the “blended learning” environment.
The survey had 1,500 respondents drawn from around 100,000 Filipino registered voters maintained by a Singapore-based firm.
“With face-to-face classes prohibited in the past months due to the health crisis, we have developed several alternative platforms for learning, which are accessible and promote interaction among teachers and learners,” the DepEd said in a statement.
The year-end poll also noted that 60 percent of respondents “would prefer their learners to spend most or all of their school time in school rather than at home.”
The DepEd said it recognized “that traditional face-to-face learning is still vital to child development,” as Education Secretary Leonor Briones pushed for the return of in-person classes in areas with low risk of coronavirus transmission.
“[Face-to-face learning] also immediately addresses the issue of connectivity and lack of focus and interaction among learners,” the DepEd said.
In January next year, the DepEd will pilot in-person classes in select schools in low-risk areas, or those under modified general community quarantine.
“To be conducted with extra caution, the participation of schools in the pilot run will require a commitment for shared responsibility of the DepEd, the local government unit, and the parents or guardians,” said the DepEd. INQ
