Understanding the Distance Learning

Delivery  modalities
By Daniel B. Codamon

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Education Secretary Leonor Briones expressed that the Department  is  one with

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte in his non-negotiable commitment for the health and
safety of the learners, teachers and staff but learning opportunities can still be provided
without requiring them to go to school this time of  a health crisis. 

Adopting  to the challenges of the times  in fulfilling its mandate, the  DepEd would be
using  blended and distance learning  programs during this  period of COVID-19
pandemic consistent with the President’s preference that  children would  not  be sent 
to school until it is safe to do so.

Classes are set to open on August 24, 2020 and it is important to know and understand
what are the Distance Learning Delivery modalities (DLDM)  for the learners in the “new
normal.”

There are three kinds of DLDM, the Modular Distance Learning (MDL), the Blended
Learning (BL), and Homeschooling.

The MDL, which is for learners who do not have internet connectivity, consists of three
modules.

The Printed or Digital Modules (PDM) are delivered to the homes of learners or picked
up by their parents or guardians at designated places within coordinated schedules.
Printed module refer to learning packets (work sheets, activity sheets, self-learning
materials).

Digital means modules (e-modules) are saved in USB/flash drives, CDs, OTGs. To be able
to access the content of these materials, laptops, computers or tablets are needed. The
e-copy of the learning modules like interactive and inclusive e-books, courseware and
other offline content formats are provided.
For the Printed Modular Learning Delivery modality, the teachers prepare the learning
materials, weekly study guides and other resources for the modular distance learning
and these materials shall be accompanied by quality assured instructional packets
wherein the parent/guardians or para-teachers shall meet with the teacher and receive
instructions and the learning materials to be accomplished by the learner for the week.

Parents use the learning guide and supervise their child’s interaction with the materials
and communication with the teacher can be done. For the other students they
accomplish the module activities, complete the individual learning pan, connect with the
teacher for feedback through text, messenger or any form of communication.

For the Online Distance Learning (ODL), this modality is applicable to learners as well as
teachers with technology devices in which internet connectivity is required. Learning
resources such as the DepEd commons are uploaded in the DepEd Learning Portal and
other DepEd -authorized learning management systems or platforms.  

Example of these include the Microsoft Teams, Google Classroom, Edmodo, Moodle etc
which may Synchronous wherein it is applied to various forms of televisual, digital and
online learning where students learn from the teachers in real time but no physical
appearance is required or Asynchronous which is self-directed and self-pace that does
not require all the learners to be virtually present at the same time and uses message
boards, discussion groups and self-paced online courses;

The Radio/TV-Based Instruction (R/TVI) learning modality uses TV and/ or radio in

instruction. It involves    modular development wherein in the TV-Based Instruction (TBI),
the teacher prepares the lesson and script for TV broadcasting and in the case of Radio-
Based Instruction (RBI), lesson and script for radio broadcasting,then live broadcast or
pre-records the lesson scripts.  At home the students listen to the lesson being
broadcasted.  Parents monitor their children’s work then give feedbacks to the teacher
via phone call or home visits. The submission of the accomplished tasks to the teacher
may be through the barangay or community learning center or any available delivery
support.

The second DLDM is the Blended Learning (BL) which is a combination of ODL, MDL and
R/TVI. The learners make use of computers, tablets, smart phones, CD/DVD, USB
storage, TV/Radio and Printed Modules in learning. The combination may be MDL and
ODL, MDL and R/TVI, ODL and R/TVI, ODL, MDL and R/TVI. Through this modality
learners are not required to report to school, physical distancing is observed and the
number of people going out from their homes is minimized.
The third DLDM is Homeschooling, It is the alternative learning modality that provides
learners with access to formal education while staying in a home-based environment
with a parent, guardian or tutors as authorized learning facilitators instead of classroom
teachers. The process on how this modality will be implemented is still under review by
the DepEd Central Office.

With these kinds of educational system as the new normal,  the parents, teachers,
learners and all stakeholders are faced with the challenges of strengthening connectivity
in areas where there is weak or no signal, expenses for the reproduction and packaging
of modules, the means of delivery of instructional packets from the teacher to the
learners and the need for para-teachers or community learning facilitators. (JDP/DBC-
PIA CAR, Ifugao)

ends.

Overall there are three major differences between online and distance learning:

 Location
 Interaction
 Intention

Differences in Location
The key difference between online learning and distance learning is location.

With online learning (sometimes called eLearning), students can be together in the

classroom with an instructor while working through their digital lessons and
assessments.

When using distance learning, students work online at home while the teacher assigns
work and checks in digitally.
Differences in Interaction
Because of the differences in location, the interaction between you and your
students differs as well.

Online learning will involve in-person interaction between you and your students on a
regular basis. This is because online learning is used as a blended learning
technique along with other teaching strategies.

Distance learning includes no in-person interaction between teachers and students.

However, you’ll likely rely on digital forms of communication such as messaging
apps, video calls, discussion boards, and your school’s learning management system
(LMS).

Differences in Intention
The final difference between online and distance learning is the intention of the
teaching strategy.

Online learning is designed to be used in combination with a variety of other in-

person teaching methods. It’s a supplemental way of mixing things up in your
classroom to provide a variety of learning opportunities for your students.

Distance learning is a method for delivering instruction solely online, not as a

variation in your teaching style.

Now that you know the differences between online and distance learning, let’s move
onto the advantages of each one.
2. Advantages of Online and Distance Learning

Online learning and distance learning are both viable and effective teaching strategies.

However, they each have their own distinct advantages for both teachers and students.

Advantages of Online Learning

Online learning provides three major benefits in the classroom.

To start, online learning is an excellent way to increase student

engagement when used as part of a blended learning technique.

Blended learning involves using a variety of instructional resources and teaching

methods in order to deliver content in multiple ways.

Second, using online learning tools makes it easier for you to differentiate your
instruction.
When using tools like digital curriculum, you will have more flexibility and control
for differentiating your lessons -- without having to put in extra time during
evenings and weekends.

Finally, when you use online learning you’ll find that it saves you time with
planning and grading.

That’s because many digital curriculum tools do the heavy lifting for you by
providing ready-to-use lesson plans, instructional materials, and assessments.

Many online learning tools also automatically grade those assessments and post them
to your teacher dashboard. Talk about a time-saver!

Advantages of Distance Learning

Distance learning has its own unique benefits compared to online learning.

First, distance learning can continue without disruption even in events like snow
days or the COVID-19 pandemic.

Because you were already teaching remotely, these types of interruptions don’t affect
your classes in the same way as traditional in-person classes.

In addition, distance learning provides greater flexibility for students to work at

their own pace and review work as needed.

This also ties in with the fact that students can access your course material at the times
that work best for them, which is important for students who may have irregular work
schedules.

Now that you know the benefits of online and distance learning, it’s time to dive into
the drawbacks.
3. Drawbacks of Online and Distance Learning

As with any educational strategy, online and distance learning each have their faults.

In fact, many of the drawbacks for them are similar due to the fact that online and
distance learning both rely on digital resources.

Problems with Online Learning

There are three main problems that can occur when using online learning.

To start, online learning relies on your students having access to technology in

school on a regular basis.

If your students don’t have regular access to computers or other devices during
school, it will be tough to truly implement online learning.
Second, online learning brings up many concerns about screen time in the
classroom.

If you try to use online learning start-to-finish in your daily classes, this will definitely
cause problems with increased screen time.

However, if you find the right balance, you can find ways to reduce screen
time even when using online learning on a regular basis.

The final problem that can occur with online learning is that students may cheat
when using digital tools.

Cheating is a major problem in schools across the country, and students often take
advantage of using technology to make cheating easier.

Though you won’t necessarily find a way to fully stop students from cheating with
digital curriculum resources, there are ways to reduce cheating in any classroom.

Problems with Distance Learning

When implementing distance learning, there are four main problems to be aware of.

First, it’s not feasible to use distance learning if your students don’t have access
to devices or the Internet at home.

Distance learning fully relies on students learning remotely from computers or tablets.
So, if you have students that can’t connect in that way, distance learning will be off
the table.

Second, distance learning makes it difficult to keep tabs on whether your

students are actually working.
After all, you’re not able to walk around and check what your students have up on
their screens as you would in the classroom.

This also ties in with the third problem -- distance learning can make cheating even
easier than online learning.

Finally, like online learning, distance learning can result in even more screen time
for your students.

However, unlike online learning, you don’t have as many options for reducing screen
time since all of your communication with students is digital!

Now that you’ve learned about the disadvantages of online and distance learning, it’s
time to answer one last question: which is best for you and your students?

4. Which Is Better?
At the end of the day, online learning and distance learning each have a place in
education.

One would be better than the other depending on the needs of you and your students.

In our experience, online learning works best for middle and high school
teachers who want to provide different ways for their students to learn.

Distance learning typically works best with older students who have consistent
technology access at home and will work responsibly on their own.

However, distance learning does have a clear advantage when you’re in a pinch with
unexpected school closures.

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Digital Curriculum
No matter which teaching strategy you choose, you’ll need a teaching resource to
support your decision.

At AES, we provide digital curriculum for CTE health science, business

education, computer applications, and career readiness classes at the secondary
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If you teach any of these subjects, the AES digital curriculum could be a good fit for
your needs.

The curriculum is developed according to our unique four-phase learning plan and

is designed to help you save time while providing better differentiation in your
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BLENDED DISTANCE LEARNING

Blended learning may also be termed as personalized learning which maybe formal or
informal with the sole advantage of depending on the context of the predetermined
learning objectives.It combines digital format and traditional mode in teaching learners. It
could possibly feature well for less technological efficient individuals with little or no
experience in digital media learning format.
Under this model, learners can easily adopt a fast method of learning through the
process and can work independently giving the tutor the opportunity to focus on others
that may need more personalized attention. It has the feature of collaborative learning
which recently have been recognized as the best approach of learning to tackle slow
learning process in individuals.
Blended learning is cost effective because learning materials may actually come in
digital format and with the paperless society the world is moving into this could be the
best model of learning. 
However, can this learning model be applied to younger children that are yet to be
conversant with learning through the use of technology? or the older adults that has
phobia  over the latest technology use in learning? or even for the illiterate adults that
are beginning to get the rudiments of education?. The raised questions still makes a
positive case for the usual traditional formal learning model to be the best approach of
learning.

The features of blended learning is its incorporation of traditional forms of teaching (eg. lecture) with
active and highly customized individualized forms of learning using communications and information
technology. Blended learning enhances learning because it combines the benefits of modern
communications and information technologies with traditional lectures. Blended learning encourages
the student’s desire to learn and enables learning through the form that is best suited to the student
without neglecting alternative methods. The use of different teaching and educational methods
increases the participant’s interest and activity and offers more flexibility because the student
decides how much time to devote to independent study.

Blended learning is a term used to describe the way e-learning is being combined with traditional
classroom teaching methods and independent studies in order to create a new, combined teaching
methodology. It represents a fundamental change in the way teachers and students approach the
teaching and learning process. 
 DepEd Learning Delivery Modalities for School Year 2020-2021

The learning delivery modalities that schools can adopt may be one or a combination of the
following, depending on the COVID-19 restrictions and the particular context of the learners
in the school or locality.

READ MORE:
DepEd Enrollment Guidelines for School Year 2020-2021 in Light of the COVID-19 Pandemic
DepEd Automated Learner Enrolment and Survey Form for SY 2020-2021
Traditional Face-to-Face Learning

This refers to a learning delivery modality where the students and the teacher are both
physically present in the classroom, and there are opportunities for active engagement,
immediate feedback, and socio-emotional development of learners.

In areas under the Moderate and High-risk severity grading, this is not possible. However,
there are learners with disabilities whose conditions require face-to-face instruction. This will
be the subject of further discussion within DepEd, with partners, and with parents.

Face-to-face option may also be feasible in very low risk areas such as the geographically
isolated, disadvantaged and conflict affected areas (GIDCA) with no history of infection and
very low and easily monitored external contacts, but with teachers and learners living in the
vicinity of the school.

Any face-to-face learning delivery must have proper risk assessment and must adhere to the
health protocols in place. Potential learning spaces in the community near the school may
be explored to add spaces for the conduct of classes with the appropriate social distancing.

Type/Modality/Approach/Strategy

 MISOSA
 IMPACT
 OHSP
 Project EASE
 Face to Face and Modular Learning
 Community-based Instruction (ALS)
Modified Shifting of Classes (MSC)
In the shifting of classes, teaching is directly focused on concepts with corresponding
activities. Supplemental activities and Assessments shall be done, brought by the learners
when shifted at home.

The shifting depends on how many days the competencies could be covered based on the
competency codes and the number of competencies to be covered in all learning areas.

Shifting of Classes with Dyadic Teaching (SCDT)

In this scheme, there would be two teachers inside the class per learning area. The number
of learners they would handle should be the total number of learners they handled in the
normal days. During the dyadic teaching, learners have to go through series of individual
activities after teaching the learning competencies to be facilitated, monitored by the two
teachers.

ESM-Focused Teaching (Junior HS) (ESMT)

In this approach, only English, Science and Mathematics shall be taught in school. Other
learning areas shall be using the modular, home-based approach.

RESM-Focused Teaching (Elementary) (RESMT)

In this approach, only Reading, English, Science and Mathematics shall be taught in school.
Other learning areas shall be using the modular,home-based approach.

Core/Specialized-Focused Teaching (SHS) (CST)

In this approach, only core and specialized subjects shall be taught in school. Applied
subjects shall be using the home-based, life skill, modular approach.

Distance Learning

This refers to a learning delivery modality where learning takes place between the teacher
and the learners who are geographically remote from each other during instruction. This
modality has three types: Modular Distance Learning (MDL), Online Distance Learning (ODL),
and TV/Radio-Based Instruction.

Modular Distance Learning

Involves individualized instruction that allows learners to use self-learning modules (SLMs)
in print or digital format/electronic copy, whichever is applicable in the context of the
learner, and other learning resources like Learner’s Materials, textbooks, activity sheets,
study guides and other study materials. Learners access electronic copies of learning
materials on a computer, tablet PC, or smartphone. CDs, DVDs, USB storage and computer-
based applications can all be used to deliver e-learning materials, including offline E-books.
The teacher takes the responsibility of monitoring the progress of the learners. The learners
may ask assistance from the teacher via e-mail, telephone, text message/instant messaging,
etc. Where possible, the teacher shall do home visits to learners needing remediation or
assistance. Any member of the family or other stakeholder in the community needs to serve
as para-teachers.

Type/Modality/Approach/Strategy

Learning is in the form of individualized instruction that allows learners to use self-learning
modules (SLMs) in print or digital format/electronic copy, whichever is applicable in the
context of the learner and other learning resources like Learner’s Materials, textbooks,
activity sheets, study guides and other study materials. Learners access electronic copies of
learning materials on a computer, tablet PC or smartphone. CDs, DVDs, USB storage and
computer-based applications can all be used to deliver e-learning materials, including
offline e-books. The teacher takes the responsibility of monitoring the progress of the
learners. The learners may ask assistance from the teacer via email, telephone, text
message/instant messaging, etc. Where possible, the teacher shall do home visits to learners
needing remediation or assistance. Any member of the family or other stakeholder in the
community need to serve as para-teachers.

Suggested Platforms/Resources/Mechanisms:

 The use of Learning Resource Materials/Modules in multimedia (slides, video and

audio files)
 Digital Packets (Learning Materials)
 The use e-learning materials
 The use of computer-based learning resources
Online Distance Learning

Features the teacher as facilitator, engaging learners’ active participation through the use of
various technologies accessed through the internet while they are geographically remote
from each other during instruction. The internet is used to facilitate learner-teacher and
peer-to-peer communication. Online learning allows live synchronous instruction. It requires
participants to have good and stable internet connection. It is more interactive than the
other types of distance learning. The responses are realtime. The learners may download
materials from the internet, complete and submit assignments online, attend webinars and
virtual classes. This is practiced effectively by using a Learning Management System or
related technologies. The DepEd Commons and LR Portal fall in this category.
TV/Radio-Based Instruction utilizes SLMs converted to video lessons for Television-Based
Instruction and SLMs converted to radio script for RadioBased Instruction.

Distance learning modality is most viable for independent learners, and learners supported
by periodic supervision of parents or guardians.

The challenge will be in dealing with learners not capable of independent learning. This is
the subject of further discussion within DepEd, and with partners and parents.

Type/Modality/Approach/Strategy

It features the teacher facilitating learning and engaging learners’ active participation using
various technologies accessed through the internet while they are geographically remote
from each other during instruction. The internet is used to facilitate learner-teacher and
peer-to-peer communication. Online learning is a form of live synchronous platform where
it requires both parties to have good and stable internet connection. It is often more
interactive than the other types of distance learning. The responses is real-time. The learners
may download materials from the internet, complete and submit assignments online, attend
webinars and virtual classes. This is practiced effectively by using a Learning Management
System or related technologies. The use of DepEd Commons and LR Portal falls in this
category as both requires internet connectivity to have access.

Suggested Platforms/Resources/Mechanisms:

The use of virtual classrooms e.g. Google Classroom, Edmodo, Schoology

 The use of Web-Enhanced Learning Activities

 Free access to OERs (Open Educational Resources)
 Access to LR Portals
 Access to DepEd Commons
Free access and observance of Intellectual Property Rights to some of the educational
sites/resources:

 BrainPop
 Curiosity Stream
 Tynker
 Outschool
 Udemy
 iReady
 Beast Academy (Math)
  Khan Academy
 Creative Bug
 Discovery Education
 Youtube Channels:
 Crash Course Kids
 Science Channel
 SciSchow Kids
 National Geographic
 Free School
 Geaography Focus
 TheBrainScoop
 Kids Learning Tubes
 Geek Gurl Diaries
 Mike Likes Science
 Science Max
 SoulPancake
 Online board games
 e-library (Kindle)
Blended Learning

This refers to a learning delivery that combines face-to-face with any or a mix of online
distance learning, modular distance learning, and TV/Radio-based Instruction. Blended
learning will enable the schools to limit face-to-face learning, ensure social distancing, and
decrease the volume of people outside the home at any given time.

Critical for implementation will be the production of the needed teacher’s and learner’s
learning materials (LR Portal and DepEd Commons will be maximized), as well as the
support of media institutions like TV and radio stations.

Suggested Platforms/Resources/Mechanisms:

The use of print/non-print learning materials such as but not limited to the following:

 Modules
 Worksheets
 Activity Sheets
 The use of gadgets for K to 3 SpEd learners
Homeschooling

This is an Alternative Delivery Mode (ADM) that aims to provide learners with access to
quality basic education through a home-based environment to be facilitated by qualified
parents, guardians or tutors who have undergone relevant training. It allows families to
educate according to their personal faith, philosophy, and values, and to adjust learning
schedules around family schedules and circumstances. However, there remain several issues
in its implementation, including the supervision of licensed teachers and alignments with
the curriculum. Thus, this modality will be the subject of a later DepEd issuance before its
expansion.

Suggested Platforms/Resources/Mechanisms:

 The use of the print materials/learning resources ( modules, worksheets, activity

sheets, etc.)
 The use of digital packets (learning materials)
 Frequently Asked Questions on DepEd Learning Delivery Modalities for School
Year 2020-2021

What is Distance Learning?

This refers to a learning delivery modality where learning takes place between the teacher
and the learners who are geographically remote from each other during instruction.

What is Modular Distance Learning?

Learning is in the form of individualized instruction that allows learners to use self-learning
modules (SLMs) in print or digital format/electronic copy, whichever is applicable in the
context of the learner and other learning resources like Learner’s Materials, textbooks,
activity sheets, study guides and other study materials.

What is Online Distance Learning?

It features the teacher facilitating learning and engaging learners’ active participation using
various technologies accessed through the internet while they are geographically remote
from each other during instruction.

What is Home Schooling?

It is an alternative delivery mode (ADM) that aims to provide learners with equal access to
quality basic education through a home-based environment to be facilitated by qualified
parents, guardians or tutors who have undergone relevant training.

What is Blended Learning?

This refers to a learning modality that allows for a combination of face to face and online
distance learning (ODL), face-to-face and modular distance learning (MDL), face-to-face and
TV/Radio-based Instruction (RBI), and face-to-face learning and a combination with two or
more types of distance learning.

What is Traditional Face-to-Face Learning?

This refers to a learning delivery modality where the students and the teacher are both
physically present in the classroom, and there are opportunities for active engagement,
immediate feedback, and socio-emotional development of learners.

What is Alternative Delivery Modes (ADM)?

Alternative Delivery Modes (ADM) are tried and tested alternative modalities of education
delivery within the confines of the formal system that allow schools to deliver quality
education to marginalized students and those at risk of dropping out in order to help them
overcome personal, social and economic constraints in their schooling.