DepEd mulls WiFi for online classes in Naga

NAGA CITY --- The provision of fast internet connections in various public schools around the city will facilitate online classes among students, the City School Division (CSD) of the Department of Education (DepEd) said.

Dr. Manuel de Guzman, DepEd Naga CSD officer-in-charge, said they are now negotiating with internet service providers for the upgrading of existing internet connections of the schools in the city.

De Guzman said they will submit a proposal to the Naga City government through its school board for the provision of WiFi stations in strategic locations in the city’s 27 barangays to facilitate online classes starting August this year.

Based from DepEd record, Naga City has 40 public elementary and high schools.

He said he already discussed the matter with Mayor Nelson Legacion but a formal proposal will be submitted in preparation

for the opening of classes on Aug. 24 this year. Classes will be limited to alternative learning methods such as online as face-to-face learning is not yet allowed.

Included in the proposal for internet connectivity in public schools is the upgrading of existing connections, which is slow, he said.

DepEd believed that its proposal will be approved by the city government as it will be a big help for learners who will undergo online classes. Fast and reliable internet connection is a must in online learning modality. Students who have no internet connections in their homes will benefit from WiFi stations in their barangays, de Guzman said.

De Guzman said that other alternatives such as the use of TV and school-on-the-air learning programs are already being readied by DepEd supervisors and teachers.

He said that DepEd will also use modular learning where in printed materials will be provided to students.

Aside from distance learning, DepEd will also implement home base learning, where students will be taught at home by their parents, siblings, relatives or private tutors, de Guzman said.