DepEd pushes post-pandemic online learning in public schools

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) should continue delivering distance education online and through broadcast TV even in the post-pandemic new normal scenario.

Alain Del Pascua, education undersecretary for administration, said the growing capability and expertise in distance learning started in earnest during the pandemic would also address the persistent problem of classroom shortage that is expected to again crop up when face-to-face classes resume post-pandemic.

“We need to master distance learning now, making all the necessary improvements and perfecting our processes for the DepEd Commons, DepEd TV, DepEd Radio, the DepEd Learning Management System, the DepEd Mobile App, and others,” Pascua said in a speech at the first-ever Asia Pacific Public Sector Digital Summit.

“If there are no face-to-face classes, then we have to devise all means to reach out to our learners and to bring basic education to them. We have to educate, by all means, we have to teach by all means, and our learners have to learn by all means,” Pascua noted.

In addition, Pascua stressed the importance of the Public Education Network (PEN), which will fast-track the digital connectivity of all public schools and DepEd offices nationwide.

“With this network, schools will become connectivity hubs for all the households around it so that contents are made available to every learner in the community even without internet bandwidth. If this connectivity is reinforced by internet bandwidth availability, then it is a big leap forward,” he said.

Pascua also hinted at a future DepEd project, which aims to update and pattern DepEd TV after streaming services to allow learners to study their learning materials at their own pace.

“Those who need more time and repetition can easily review and go back to all the lessons, while those who learn at a faster pace can access new lessons and other lessons outside of their grade levels,” Pascua pointed out.

“With that kind of interface, our education curriculum can adapt to the needs of the entire nation and even the world. Then, our basic education becomes relevant and liberating, for it serves what our nation needs and what our world needs,” Pascua explained.

These plans are part of the Public Schools of the Future (PSOF) Framework of the DepEd Administration Strand, led by Pascua and Assistant Secretary Salvador Malana III, under the leadership of Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones.