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During the pandemic, colleges and universities using full online methods can open classes at any time
CLASS OPENING. The government coronavirus task force approves CHED’s resolution to open classes based on mode of delivery. Stock Photo of Rappler
MANILA, Philippines – The government coronavirus task force approved the resolution of the Higher Education Commission (CHED) to open classes at colleges and universities based on the mode of teaching, Malacanang said Thursday, May 14.
In a televised briefing, presidential spokesman Harry Roque presented the following approved resolutions:
- Colleges, universities that use online can open classes at any time;
- Colleges, universities that use “flexible” learning can open at any time in August 2020;
- colleges, universities using residential or face-to-face mode may open no earlier than September 1, 2020 in areas under general community quarantine;
- There are no residential or traditional face-to-face classes until August 31, 2020.
On Monday, May 11, CHED President Prospero de Vera III said that all colleges and universities in the country should open classes in August during the coronavirus pandemic. (WATCH: Rappler Talk: Education in times of coronavirus)
“Many private universities that still use the old calendar will now move to August as well. So that’s the main change. We proposed a progressive opening so that those who can do flexible learning can open in August and those who are struggling and continue to use Residential or classroom classes may open in September or later, “said De Vera.
“Flexible learning” for higher education institutions involves a combination of “digital and non-digital technology”. De Vera added that this does not necessarily require connectivity. (READ: During the pandemic, the student climbs a mountain to submit the class requirement)
Meanwhile, experts from the University of the Philippines (UP) recommended to President Rodrigo Duterte that classes remain suspended until December 2020 to contain the spread of the coronavirus.
UP experts also said that the “physical” opening of classes could increase COVID-19 transmission.
As of Thursday, the Philippines recorded 11,876 cases of coronavirus infections, with 790 deaths and 2,337 recoveries. – Rappler.com
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