Republic of the Philippines

BULACAN STATE UNIVERSITY

Graduate School
City of Malolos, Bulacan

NAME : Larah D. Liwanag

MAJOR : MaEd- FILIPINO
COURSE TITLE : Trends and Issues in Basic Education Curriculum
COURSE CODE : CI-402

Assignment #3

Explain: How can schools make the most out of their limited resources to provide robust
technology opportunity for students?

The new normal for education requires us to “unlearn” what we have always known:
rows of desks, heavy bags, mass lectures, assignments, exams, and do parent-teacher
communication. We have to unlearn those, so that we can establish the new normal of education.
While everyone seems to directly correlate online learning with the new normal, it is not
the whole story. Online learning is essential as an enabler of learning so that the whole business
of education will not stall, but there are more sides to pay attention to in defining the new
normal.
In DepEd’s blueprint, lessons will be delivered to students in the comfort and safety of
their homes, through the following methods: 1. Printed or digital modules delivered to the
homes of the students, or picked up by their parents at designated places, within coordinated
schedules; 2. Online learning resources such as the DepEd Commons; and, 3. Television or
radio-based instruction.
Shifting to what is required. So blended learning was their solution. Like for example,
from public space to personal space. Instead of going to a school, learning will be possible at
home within our personal space. And as you can see, it is really happening on the previous class
set-up, that learning can be done through our personal devices without having to go somewhere
physically. From physical to virtual.
Accessibility to various deliveries of learning varies from household to household, and
distributing the learning resources is very challenging for us educators. Therefore, we designed
lessons according to the needs of students and give them the flexibility to master the materials
accordingly.
And for the record, a separate survey on the enrollment date, a total of 788,066 teachers
were asked if they have available computer or laptop or desktop at home. Eighty-seven
percent said they have it at home. We should maximize it. But how about the learners?
Especially to those who does not have an access to online learning? Teachers and specially the
school are really reaching out so that “no one will be left behind.”
 Republic of the Philippines
BULACAN STATE UNIVERSITY
Graduate School
City of Malolos, Bulacan

In our school, and as per the Division of Valenzuela mandated, we must fully maximize
the different way to teach students. Example, through Facebook Livestreaming, students will
watch and learn the topic assigned for that week via Facebook. After watching, taking down
notes and learning four (4) subjects, the other day was scheduled to have follow-up discussion.
In follow-up discussion, teachers using different platforms to deliver the topic. It is like a virtual
face-to-face where students and teacher interacts. This is also a big help for students to learn the
topic so that they can answer their modules at home. And to those who does not have an access
to the internet, we still contact their parents and tell them what were the activities in the module
that they need to answer and requesting the parents to at least guide their children.
Together with technology enhancements, must be considered when the new normal for
education emerges in the following months. Technology is a crucial enabler and it is the best
choice that we have under the circumstances.
But in a poor country like the Philippines, there’s criticism about online learning not
addressing equal access and also quality education is unfounded. Online learning is here to stay,
as it enables learning and is already benefiting millions of students in schools and higher learning
institutions.
Luckily, with the help of the schools’ stakeholders, our school donated 50 pieces of
tablets to those students who does not have smartphone, desktop, or laptops at home. We also
distributed free anti-radiation glasses so that students can use their smartphones in some safe
way.
The new normal does not lend itself to methods of evaluation like final exams, as exams
are difficult to manage in personal spaces.
As an educator, we aim to produce intellectually, physically, emotionally and spiritually
balanced and harmonious individuals who will then contribute to the harmony and betterment of
the family, society and the nation at large. Fall back on this philosophy and everything will fall
into place. Just like the DepEd tagline in the new normal, “Whatever the situation, Education
must continue”. Because they believe that children cannot wait, education cannot wait too. The
DepEd secretary, Leonor Briones once said, also believe that “children cannot be deprived of
their basic right to education, not even by a deadly virus.” So that teachers really plays a vital
role this pandemic to deliver the best education, for all.