Online classes eyed in Baguio

SCHOOLS in the country's Summer Capital is set to adopt online education this coming school year to prevent the possible spread of the new virus that causes the coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

Under the Department of Education's (DepEd) reconfigured Brigada Eskwela (BE) and Oplan Balik Eskwela (OBE) program, the department will now focus on Basic Education-Learning Continuity Plan (LCP), DepEd Commons, and OBE-BE Framework and Action Plan, respectively.

Carol Verano, DepEd Baguio City Schools superintendent, said technical modalities will be used by the education department in the city until such time that a face-to-face system of learning will be allowed by the department.

"We have the distance learning and under this, we will have a synchronous learning which will use Google meet and other similar forms through the internet, a teleconferencing type of teaching method will be used with the students staying at home for those who have access to this system," Verano said.

Another is the asynchronous module where instructions will be given through the internet [email, messenger], the use of flash drives and CD's downloaded which does not need simultaneous teaching but instead, more on differentiated learning allowing students to earn at their own phase.

"The third module under distance learning would be the use of television and radio based mode of instruction. Some of the teachers are now preparing the lessons for television and radio based lessons for us to be ready when the time comes," said the schools superintendent.

The DepEd is eyeing partnerships with local radio and TV stations and other available media in the promotion and provision of learning options and the printing of self-learning modules for distance learning to deliver the basic education curriculum in the time of Covid-19.

Among the earlier problems seen DepEd is the inaccessibility of information technology based equipment aside from weak internet connection.

"The fourth module to be used by the department would be the printed materials to which the modules or activity sheets to be used will be printed and assuming that a face-to-face encounter is still not possible, it is possible that teachers will have to go to the homes of the students or through the help of the local government unit particularly the barangay," Verano added.