Good afternoon po,

QUESTION FOR NO.5

To continue the discussion in relation to e-learning, we have included a short

overview regarding this platform and how it works. E-learning, in simple definition, is
the convergence of technology, teaching, and learning. With the support of those
technological tools in the delivery of education among people, a new form of learning
has emerged which is now known as e-learning.

A learning system based on formalized teaching but with the help of electronic
resources another definition of E-learning. While teaching can be based in or out of
the classrooms, the use of computers and the Internet forms the major component of
E-learning. E-learning can also be termed as a network enabled transfer of skills and
knowledge, and the delivery of education is made to a large number of recipients at
the same or different times.

During the early years when this was formally introduced to the masses, it was not
accepted wholeheartedly as it was assumed that this system lacked the human
element required in learning.

However, with the rapid progress in technology and the advancement in learning
systems, it is now embraced by the masses. The introduction of computers was the
basis of this revolution and with the passage of time, as we get hooked to
smartphones, tablets, etc, these devices now have an important place in the
classrooms for learning. Knowledge can also be shared via the Internet, which is
accessible 24/7, anywhere, anytime.

That’s the general concept behind e-learning. This alternative way of delivering
education really helped us to continue learning, especially, now our communities are
currently facing a pandemic crisis, consequently, a lot of societal sectors have been
affected including the field of education. Indubitably, The COVID-19 pandemic has
changed education forever.  

QUESTION NO.6

The COVID-19 has resulted in schools shut all across the world. Globally, over 1.2

billion children are out of the classroom. As a result, education has changed

dramatically, with the distinctive rise of e-learning, whereby teaching is undertaken

remotely and on digital platforms.

When Luzon was placed under enhanced community quarantine on March 16, the
education system was greatly disrupted. Everyone was ordered to stay indoors as
much as possible and maintain social distancing. Public transportation was also
suspended. With these changes, schools were forced to transition into an online and
remote mode of learning as response to the suspension of face to face classes.

In the Philippine setting, the e-learning is also used as alternative for the continuity of
education in the country. The shift to virtual rooms is the culmination of the past
week’s efforts to prevent COVID-19 from spreading to local communities during the
enhanced community quarantine (ECQ). The question now is how did the different
agencies related to educational sector reacted to this crisis? Let us first talk about the
steps taken by the Department of Education.

Since the country is still confronted by the said health-related issue brought about by
the pandemic, the Department of Education (DepEd) are addressing challenges in
the basic education through the Learning Continuity Plan (LCP), which will be in
effect by the time School Year 2020-2021 opens on August 24, 2020.

The LCP is the major response and their commitment in ensuring the health, safety,
and well-being of the learners, teachers, and personnel in the time of COVID-19.

DepEd put it into perspective, that they are also planning to delay the opening of
classes whic to ensure that the learners and public school teachers are given time
and be properly equipped to adjust to the new learning environment which is the
online learning.

They have also repeatedly consulted and collaborated with the different partner
institutions and organizations (Like DOH, DOST, DILG, DICT to name few) in crafting
the LCP (Learning Continuity Plan), which includes key features on basic education
and K-12 curriculum adjustments; alignment of learning materials; various modalities
of delivery; and corresponding teacher and parent/guardian training for
homeschooling.

Unarguably, this response from the Department of Education when it comes to the
modifications on certain policies and practices were necessary steps in adapting to
the “new normal”.

One of the platform of DepEd for continuous learning amidst the pandemic crisis is
the DepEd commons, the online educational platform for public school teachers and
learners which supports alternative learning modalities amid enhanced community
quarantine period.

Currently, DepEd is populating the content of DepEd Commons while starting to put
relevant contents aligned with the needs of the pupils particularly those students from
public schools. To date, DepEd Commons has a total of 2,345,183 users since its
soft launch last March 14, according to Undersecretary for Administration Alain Del
Pascua.

With face-to-face instruction impossible during this crisis, DepEd encourages the use
of DepEd Commons as an option only for those who have access to internet and
equipment such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, and desktop computers. The good
thing about this online learning site launched by DepEd is that it has no incurring data
charges on Globe or TM-powered smartphones. Meaning, the users can freely
access the site.

OPTIONAL: To all mobile subscribers of Globe, TM, Smart, Sun and, TNT
access to the site using the Globe/TM, Smart/Sun/TnT network will NOT incur
data charges. This service of FREE access is brought to you by DepEd and
Globe/Smart in cooperation with DICT and NTC.

Another thing, there is also this Open Educational Resources (OERs) in DepEd
Commons which are authored by public school teachers who are subject experts,
properly cited and acknowledged. Teachers can retain, reuse, revise, remix, and
redistribute the content to their students.

Those are some of the major steps taken by DepEd to continuously improve the
online educational platform and be accessible and useful to all learners.

HOW ABOUT THE CONTINUITY OF SHORT COURSES OFFERED BY THE

TESDA? TESDA chief Secretary Isidro Lapena

The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority encourages Filipinos to

register and enroll in courses offered for free through e-TESDA or the TESDA Online
Program so as to retain productivity amid the mobility restrictions to prevent further
spreading of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) amongst the population.

Currently, the e-TESDA offers a total of 68 online courses, available to ALL who
would like to acquire new skills in the convenience of their own homes, mobile
phones and computers.

The e-TESDA website can be accessed through the TESDA App, downloadable from
Google Play and Apple Store.

As of December 31, 2019, e-TESDA has recorded a total of 1,408,195 registered

users and 500,274 completers. 

At the e-TESDA learning portal, students can access courses on Agriculture,

Automotive, Electronics, Entrepreneurship, and Heating, Ventilation, Airconditioning,
and Refrigeration.

Enrollees can also gain access to learning materials on Human Health/Health Care,
Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Lifelong Learning Skills, Maritime,
Social, Community Development and other services, Tourism and Technical
Vocational Education and Training (TVET).

Course completers can go to any TESDA office closest to their area for assessment
and certification.

WHEN IT COMES TO TERTIARY EDUCATION,

Because students and teachers no longer have time to return to their classrooms and
continue their semesters on-site because of the suspension of classes as safety
precaution - Schools are left with very little options. What should schools consider
when deciding on what to do in light of the pandemic?

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) allows universities and colleges to

pursue policies and decisions as a response to the COVID-19 crisis. Many schools
continue to pursue their semesters online; some, such as the University of the
Philippines and our very own University of Batangas, have implemented deferred
grade policy that would give students more time beyond the academic calendar to
fulfill their requirements.

Even though these agencies are given limited time to re-adjust the dealings within
the educational sector, they still managed to come up with viable solution for the
continuity of education in the Philippines. Because the truth is, it is difficult to craft a
blanket recommendation for all schools to implement. Good thing that we have the e-
learning to support the demands in educational field.

To continue the discussion, the remaining two sub-topics will be discussed by Sir.
Jerico Reyes.