MODULAR DISTANCE LEARNING: A TEACHER’S FAR –

REACHING MISSION

Our government had gone through a lot in a short period and had come to great lengths to uphold its
mission. The different sectors of government, including the Department of Education stretched hard to fit
in the New Normal. The system crafted the Basic Education Learning Continuing Plan (BE-LCP) that
featured different learning modalities to ensure safety among the different stakeholders. Prior to the
formal opening of classes in September 13, 2021, the Central Office provided the policy direction in order
for the field offices and schools all over the country to strategize their implementation of distance
education to their respective jurisdiction.
Bani National High School responds to this challenge by the Central Office, with a viable support of the
Teachers that adhere and faithful to the sworn mandate of DepEd. One week before the formal opening of
classes, teachers reported to school for the preparation of their classrooms, modules and COVID 19
signages and safety posters were displayed in their classrooms. Localized materials were also developed
and produced to address the emerging problem which is the lack of printed modules. Teachers tend to
print self-learning materials to complete the number of modules to be distributed to the learners. They had
to use the soft copy of modules from the DepEd Learning Portal and send the same to the learners. USB
and OTGs were distributed among Grade 10 Learners with specialization in T.L.E – Computer Hardware
Servicing, internet infrastructures were installed and but still, different challenges were encountered,
specifically, in distributing and retrieving the modules hence majority of the parents did not follow their
assigned schedule in getting and retrieving the modules. Thus, resulted to unnecessary reporting to
schools of teachers as they went back and forth just so they could entertain the parents. This was such a
huge health risk for them given the circumstances of the COVID-19 infection. Another challenge for the
teachers is how learning takes place during this time, as Child Labor can be seen as common trend this
past few months and there are some learners were reported engage to this activity. However, as an
educator, it is important to deliver quality education to the learners despite the lapses mentioned. In the
experience of Bani National High School, the teachers rose to the challenges and adopted to the new
system. They exerted all means of good communication channels such as the use of Online Learning
Apps in conducting classes, Random Home Visitation to struggling learners, Rigid monitoring of their
class’s learning and health status. These are just some of the keys to champion the cause for quality
education amidst the pandemic.
“Sana bukas may pasok na” these phrases were somehow, somewhere, everybody’s plea. For others,
Modular Distance Learning was amusing and favorable to their situation and for some, it was otherwise.
Was this a mere joke, a mockery, or a call out? Perhaps, it could be all given how the world was greatly
affected by this pandemic.