DepEd: Gadgets, internet not needed

LEGAZPI CITY --- The Department of Education (DepEd) has assured parents that gadgets and internet are not required for the opening of classes this school year.

“Gadgets and internet are not required. Online learning is just one of the different methods to be used by DepEd to deliver the lessons to all our students and our different types of learners,” DepEd Albay information officer Froilan Tena said.

Tena cited that under DepEd’s Learning Continuity Plan, different learning delivery modes will be used. Aside from online learning, self-learning printed modules, TV and radio will also be used.

“As of now, we are working with radio stations to have the EDUNA or education on air. We hope that radio station will allow us to have slots for relaying our lessons to the students. Aside from this, we have blended, modular and online learning,” he said.

Tena clarified concerns on the use of worksheets for homeschooling and home-based learning.

“Homeschooling means that parents will teach the children. Home-based learning on the other hand is modular. The instructions come from the teacher who will relay the module either by going to barangays to relay the lessons and activities for the students,” he said.

The teachers will then collect the answered worksheets as basis for evaluation and computation of grades.

“The answered worksheets will be the basis for the teacher to assess if the students are learning. If not, they can make the necessary changes and interventions especially for students who might have delays in learning,” he said.

For homeschooling, Tena said that the modules should be accredited by the DepEd for the student to advance to the next grade level next year.

“If the parents will homeschool their children, they must use the modules accredited by the DepEd and made by the teacher for their children to advance to the next level next year and not just get it anywhere such as the internet,” he said.

The modules can be uploaded by the school for the parents to download or can be delivered by the teacher. “DepEd learning materials are free,” Tena stressed.

Enrollment for this school year is from June 1-30, to be done remotely.

The first two weeks are intended for online enrollment. For the third and fourth weeks, information kiosks and booths were set up to accommodate enrollees who cannot enroll online.

“For those who were not able to register online, we have enrollment kiosks in barangays and enrollment booths in school starting on the third week of June where they can submit the documentary requirements,” Tena said.

The opening of classes is set on August 24, 2020.

DepEd Sec. Leonor Briones has earlier announced that the educational process for this school year will continue either through physical or virtual classes while ensuring the safety and health of both the students and teachers. (SAA-PIA5/Albay)