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Since many students are falling behind academically under the blended learning system, a legislator has proposed to the Department of Education (DepEd) a gradual and phased shift to face-to-face classes in low-risk areas for the upcoming academic school year. and publish a detailed evaluation of the blended learning system.
Representative Ronnie Ong from the Ang Probinsyan Party roster said that DepEd “should start exploring possible ways to start face-to-face classes in low-risk areas.
Ong’s proposal came after Senate President Vicente Sotto III endorsed the resumption of classes in areas already cleared of the Covid-19 virus, as stated by his local school boards.
The Senate leader also warned that prolonging the dire situation for public school students, especially those who are prevented from attending physical classes despite their areas being Covid-free, could deepen inequality among young people. These students are struggling with connectivity and lack of devices, making virtual learning difficult.
“Yes, in areas with no further Covid problems,” the Senate leader said in an interview with DWIZ over the weekend, adding, “yes, those places that will be declared by their local school boards as possible faces.”
According to Ong, many children in the countryside are barely keeping up with the blended learning system and are completely abandoned by their urban counterparts.
“Although there is the modular system that is used as an alternative to online learning, I don’t think they are learning enough. I think face-to-face classes should be allowed in areas where there are no cases of Covid with zero possibility of transmission, ”said Ong.
“This can be done in batches or by schedule per class, like allowing students to come in twice a week. Free smear tests for students and teachers in public schools, such as the newly introduced saliva smear test, should also be a standard protocol on campuses. These are some of the factors that DepEd should already consider and therefore should prepare when it comes to the possibilities of holding face-to-face classes again, ”said Ong.
The President of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Prospero de Vera III, also recommended to President Duterte the resumption of face-to-face classes on a limited and gradual basis at selected universities and institutions of higher education. Since the beginning of February 2021, CHED, together with the Interagency Task Force, has been conducting rounds on college campuses to inspect the readiness of schools for the resumption of face-to-face classes.
“We are talking about the elementary, high school and college levels: students who can be conscientious enough to adhere to safety and hygiene protocols for face-to-face classes. Already now, schools should also start equipping their facilities with alcohol dispensers, temperature verifiers and QR-code health declaration forms in preparation for the resumption of face-to-face classes, ”said Ong.
Ong also urged DepEd to present to Congress a full and truthful evaluation of the implementation of the blended learning system.
Since another academic year is scheduled to begin in August this year, Ong said that DepEd should provide the public, through Congress, with a “Ulat ng Bayan” report.
“It has been six months to facilitate the education of our children through modular and online learning. Some may have adapted to this new mode of learning, but there are many who still struggle with online and module classes. By now, DepEd and CHED should evaluate this system and inform the public if it is effective so far. Are students really learning in this learning mode? Are teachers tackling new methods? Ask and consult with parents and teachers about interventions that can be made to improve the quality of learning our students are gaining, ”he said.
Ong was one of the policy makers who strongly called for the postponement of classes last year, citing that many students and families cannot immediately adjust to the need for the educational devices necessary for online learning.
Critics claim that factors such as the ability of teachers to adapt to online learning, student situations, and the efficiency of the learning environment should have been considered by DepEd before relying on the new blended learning system.
Meanwhile, many students and teachers were reported to climb trees just to get internet signal or sell valuables for laptops or tablets, clear cases of how distance education may not be an effective mode of education and accessible to all.
