Online learning

Online learning is said to become a part of the new normal. However this new teaching modality brings to fore issues on accessibility and training among teachers and students. Online Learning, furthering the digital divide? The Department of Education (DepEd) has postponed the opening of face-to-face classes due to the COVID-19 pandemic. New teaching modalities will be adapted to minimize risk of possible coronavirus transmission among students. For non-ECQ/GCQ areas, (Charie, sa ECQ/GCQ, can we link them to an earlier article or segment explaining these terms?) face-to-face or blended learning will be used. Blended learning is a combination of face-to-face learning and online, modular, or tv/radio-based instruction. For areas under ECQ and GCQ, online, modular, or tv/radio-based instruction will be employed. This early, some schools have already signified the shift to online learning. However, this scenario only seems to highlight the digital divide in Philippine society. According to the Department of Education, as of 2019, 83% of students in the country are enrolled in public schools. However, only 26% of public schools have internet access. Because of this, some sectors are pushing for a “gap year” or the resumption of classes only when a vaccine against COVID-19 becomes available.

For more details on online learning, watch this report.