I fully support the decision of Department of Education (DepEd) and Ministry of Basic, Higher and Tech-Voc Education (MBHTE) to open schools on August 24, 2020 for school year 2020-2021 and begin enrollment on June 1, 2020.
As a fellow parent and educator, let us remind ourselves that learning does not have to cease with our fear of coronavirus pandemic.
With the advent of Internet as well as pervasiveness of Television and Radio in our homes and community, Learning can happen in so many ways. Learning does not have to be confined in the four corners of our classrooms or in the vicinity of our schools. Indeed, learning should not be confused with schooling.
Amidst the lockdowns and threat of new infections, our education department supported by no less than President Duterte, has determined that face to face, online, distance learning, homeschooling or blended learning maybe utilized on a case to case basis depending on the Learning Continuity Plan (LCP) of the Schools or Districts.
LCP will determine what vehicle of learning is suitable taking into account the Quarantine Situation, Access to Internet, Radio, and Television as well as other factors that will greatly impact student achievement and learning like health and safety of the child.
Take for instance in those areas where there lack or poor internet connectivity, and lack of equipment like mobile phones or computers, the School together with the parents and teachers will determine which is the best vehicle of delivering lessons to our children or students.
Opening of classes ensures the continuity of our children’s learning in this time of pandemic. Holding them back even for a year can also hold back their intellectual growth. Which would be detrimental to our child’s holistic development.
Now, more than ever Parents and Government must ensure that the child is provided the best learning environment at home during this pandemic where our children’s safety is paramount. Parents must be given support and assistance by the Government on how best to promote learning at home and the students must also be given a supportive environment where learning can be realized at home or elsewhere.
To do this, we need to be creative in dealing with disruptions and move with speed in this rapidly changing times. With the proper mindset as parents, carers, teachers and students, we can come up with innovative ways of learning not necessarily in the classrooms or schools due to lockdowns, but in the sanctuary of our houses or homes or other places where our students can safely and happily learn.
