The new method of transmitting knowledge to all students is advised to be delivered this school-year 2020-2021. Changes in education system are introduced because of the corona virus outbreak which is a worldwide problem that affects everybody including schooling. Curriculum changes are intended to maintain the quality of education for the benefit of learners and teachers. According to the Department of Education, a face-to-face learning activity is not an appropriate mechanism in this time of the COVID-19 pandemic. In all probability, learning from home would be the “new normal” for this school year to ensure the safety of the children.
Hence, the ability of teachers to adequately utilize the Alternative Delivery Modalities for the continuity of education is one of the recommendations to ensure that quality of education will not be compromised. In order to combat the issue on COVID-19, various learning delivery options such as blended/online distance learning and other modes of delivery depending on the local COVID Risk Severity Classification are now adopted. With this, all teachers are advised to use alternative learning on curriculum instructions with supplementary instructional strategies and materials like modules, information and communication technologies, interactive use of handled technology or google applications, virtual teaching, virtual coaching and pictorial representation in cultivating learner’s knowledge. It might be argued that some of the changes are contributing to the challenges faced by the schools. Poor capacitation of teachers in successfully implementing the curriculum and availability of necessary resources needed are some of the contributing factors that impact on proper effective implementation of curriculum changes.
Consequently, the implementation of homeschooling is a challenging task because there are so many factors to be considered. Distance learning is an extraordinary approach because it includes major concerns to address the felt need among people particularly the children at the elementary level. Even parents, nowadays are seeking online information for personalized learning, distance learning, comprehensive online tutorials which is considered a 21st Century teaching-learning process. It became apparent that these are major curriculum challenges facing by teachers in managing the curriculum implementation during distance learning. These included lack of resources, inadequate training, and heavy workloads.
Although the intention is right, there are still many things to be considered particularly the pupils and teachers who are directed to face a “new normal” education”. Since online distance learning is driven by the interest, teachers and learners are obliged to buy smartphones, desktop computers, laptops, tablets and even internet connections as appropriate tools needed for education. Aside from teachers who are challenged to adjust in their new learning environment, the skills and commitment of parents of the students who chose modular distance learning approaches are given major focused in order to achieve best results. The struggle to provide these kinds of methods should be given possible solution as these are included to the DepEd’s contingency plans.
However, the idea of having a distance learning which is now a major component of learning delivery is the best option in order to assess the learning and improvement of the students. It is indeed imperative that all learners must be given opportunities to attain quality education even amidst COVIC 19 pandemic for a guarantee that no child will be left behind.
Though there is a doubt that distance learning is really the answer to our nation’s problem in terms of education, educators and learners should need to try virtual learning or home-based education in order to meet the “new normal’ needs for the success and continuity of children’s education.
Likewise, in the new normal, teachers are continuously trained on proper online learning approach wherein the online tools and resources are presented with numerous affordances that teachers and students can take advantage of. With these choices, teachers can curate the best online learning resources about their topics and create learning playlists or menus that can make the learning process a personal journey for every student.
By: Jennifer A. Quiroz|Master Teacher I|Cataning Elementary School|Balanga, Bataan
