MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines is not new to blended learning as it is already being offered in some schools and universities in the country, Education Secretary Leonor Briones said Monday as she refuted doubts on the country’s preparedness to implement alternative learning modalities amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The Department of Education (DepEd) is currently working to transition the modality of teaching from the conventional “face-to-face” learning to blended learning, which is a combination of online distance learning and in-person delivery of learning materials to the homes of the learners. But Briones opposed this as she claims that the Philippines has been using blended learning “for decades now.”“We have been doing distance learning, blended learning for decades and decades [now]. DepEd had recently announced that classes will start on August 24 with schools adopting various learning delivery options such as, but not limited to, face-to-face, blended learning, distance learning, homeschooling, and other modes of delivery depending on the local COVID Risk Severity Classification and compliance with minimum health standards. However, President Duterte himself, in a public address aired Friday morning, doubted the Philippines’ readiness for virtual learning.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer June 08, 2020 07:41 UTC