DepEd conducts survey on new learning strategies

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Education (DepEd) is conducting a survey on the capability of households to adopt learning strategies that will be utilized in lieu of traditional face-to-face classes.

The survey is part of the month-long enrollment process that DepEd is implementing ahead of the school opening on Aug. 24, Education Undersecretary and Oplan Balik Eskwela head Jesus Mateo said during the online Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum on Wednesday.

Those who intend to enroll their children will be asked to answer the survey form, which includes questions on availability of devices and access to internet.

Parents may also indicate a preferred modality of learning for their children, such as online, television, radio or printed modules.

The survey will also allow parents to explain the challenges that may affect their child’s learning process through distance education such as the lack of available gadgets, unstable internet connection, difficulty in independent learning and presence of distractions.

With the survey, Mateo said schools would have a better picture of the situation of their students and adequately prepare the right program for them.

Schools, for instance, would know what type of learning approaches it would adopt in the upcoming school year.

DepEd said the survey would also generate critical data for planning, resource allocation and policy formulation.

During the enrollment process, which is being conducted remotely, Mateo said teachers also explain to parents the changes that would be implemented because of the coronavirus disease pandemic.

“We explain to the parents that there would be no face-to-face (classes),” he said in Filipino, noting the restrictions because of the health emergency.

Even with the shift to distance learning, the agency assured parents that they do not have to buy gadgets as there would be alternatives such as printed learning materials or modules. Janvic Mateo