LGUs urged to conduct blended learning dry run

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian is urging local government units (LGUs) to initiate dry runs of their localized versions of the Department of Education (DepEd)’s Learning Continuity Plan (LCP) with more than a month before classes reopen.

Gatchalian said LGU-led dry runs will identify both pain points and solutions for a smoother implementation of the localized LCP, while the DepEd is set to conduct dry runs of distance learning in the first week of August.

Gatchalian added that LGUs should design their dry runs based on the most preferred modalities of learning delivery among their constituents.

He said Navotas, for instance, distributed boxes containing textbooks, self-learning modules, activity sheets and school supplies. The Schools Division Office of Alaminos is showcasing how both modular and online learning can be delivered.

Alternative modes of learning delivery under the LCP include modular learning or the use of printed and digital modules, online learning and the use of radio and television.

DepEd’s Learner Enrollment Survey Form (LESF) includes a portion where learners identify their available devices and preferred modalities for learning delivery.

According to the DepEd, 7.2 million enrollees prefer modular learning, television and radio-based instruction and other modalities, while two million prefer online learning.

Since connectivity is a challenge to most learners and modular learning is the most preferred mode, Gatchalian said LGUs should have a dry run on the distribution of printed self-learning modules. Aside from ensuring a safe and efficient distribution of these modules, the lawmaker added it is equally important to assess whether learners are effectively absorbing the lessons from these modules.

Gatchalian, chairman of the Senate committee on basic education, arts and culture, emphasized that students should be able to progress to the next grade level by the end of the school year.

While some LGUs that already initiated their own dry runs on blended learning serve as examples, Gatchalian said it is crucial that LGUs establish and understand the context in which they’re implementing the LCP. He added that the results of these dry runs could also lead to an exchange of best practices among regions.