We just pray that KalyEskwela will continue until the pandemic is over and we can go

back to school.”
With the COVID-19 pandemic, issues on education in the Philippines have worsened. To
address them, the Department of Education (DepEd) has used distance learning modes,
while also applying blended learning programs. These include online classes, printouts,
and lessons via TV and social media platforms. Although many students and teachers
prefer face-to-face classes, they have to adapt to online education as alternative
learning. Online classes will continue as schools remain close. However, some of these
new learning tools need internet access.

How the Education Sector is Responding to

COVID-19
With this pandemic, almost half of the students worldwide remain affected by partial or
full school closures. For instance, UNESCO estimates that more than 100 million
children will likely have poor reading proficiency because they no longer go to school.
For this reason, education should be prioritized to prevent such effects of COVID-19 on
learning quality.
Many countries, the Philippines included, have shifted from classrooms to online
education through online learning platforms. Even governments have promoted mobile
learning as an efficient way through which students continue learning. This push has
allowed online learning platforms to flourish.

Several online education platforms offer free access to their services. For
instance, BYJU’S provides free live classes on its Think and Learn app. Thus, the
number of its new students has increased by 200%. Likewise, Tencent Education offers
campus connectivity and teaching. They also provide lesson on research and school
management. They cater to individuals and schools that cover K12, vocational colleges,
and life-long education programs. With the abovementioned shift, some students and
even their parents wonder if online education will still be adopted post-pandemic.
Online Education in the Philippines
In the Philippines, the Department of Education (DepEd) has applied distance learning
modalities to ensure learning continuity, which involve technology and internet
connection. This way, students can continue their education in remote setups through
online/offline platforms, TV and radio, and printed modules. They can access these
tools in various ways, such as blended learning and home schooling. In blended
learning, any of these modalities are combined to maximize their benefits and achieve
high-quality learning. In home schooling, students learn with the aid of a caregiver as
their teacher.