Summary:

Blended learning involves learners, teachers, administrators, technicians, leaders, and

managers, all with a variety of aspirations and ambitions. Blended learning is part of the
innovative transformation of education in the 21st century, as blended learning embraces
personal quality learning. This widely recognized and personalized method engages, facilitates,
and supports learning. The blended learning model requires changes in the roles of both
teachers and learners. These changes are accompanied by shifts in ownership and
empowerment, where learners become prosumers and orchestrate their own learning
regarding time, space, setting, path, and pace. Blended learning is an educational methodology
that blends online or digital components with face-to-face instruction. Including technology in
education helps set students up for success later in life.

Position:

Since the virus hits our country, it creates a great impact on our daily living. Because
of the present situation, lockdowns, quaranti nes, wearing face mask and face shields,
washing hands, and doing physical distancing seems to become our new normal. The pandemic
has greatly affected various aspects of normal life, including going to offices and schools. As
a result, schools have been forced to forego traditional classes and shift to online classes
unti l the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19) vaccine release and the situation
becomes normal. Currently, conducting online classes is one of the options to way out, to keep
imparting knowledge. The traditional face-to-face classroom environment is replaced
with blended learning experiences causing learners and teachers to enter an unusual time in
the mode of learning. Conducting online classes is one of the options to way out to keep
imparting.
Students have difficulty studying at home.
2. Many children struggled to study at home during the COVID-19 pandemic due to lack of
motivation as well as social media and
gaming distractions, according to research
Students have difficulty studying at home. Many children struggled to study at home during
the COVID-19 pandemic due to lack of motivation as well as social media and gaming
distractions, according to research. Based on the survey they’ve conducted, most parents living
in the rural areas aren’t confident in teaching their kids, especially math. In spite of the fact that
students can learn safely without leaving their home, traditional face-to-face classes is way
better because they'll be able to concentrate harder on the learning and improve their physical
fitness and mental alertness.
The intention of the DepEd is to continuously extend quality education to learners in the
country by employing “blended learning” despite the obvious threat of COVID-19 is not only
understandable but commendable. For what it’s worth, educating the youth even during a
pandemic is still important. However, there are certain realities that the DepEd needs to look at
closely as it prepares for the roll-out of its blended learning program. Many marginalized,
poverty-stricken, and vulnerable children in the country will be at a disadvantage. The possible
increase in payment charges for internet subscriptions which is a cost to both, learners and
teachers is another reality. To note, internet services in the Philippines are not only slow but
quite expensive compared to other countries in the region.

Introduction:
 Blended learning 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.

Blended learning can also be defined as the combination of face-to-face classroom

instruction with online learning within a course or programme — a definition broad enough
to include a wide range of variations appropriate to the individual needs and contexts of a
school or course. It is a learning approach that combines traditional face-to-face teaching
method with online-based instructions. Addressing the growing belief that this is an entirely
fresh approach, Department Secretary Leonor Briones cleared that the country has been
practicing distance learning for decades. Several schools have been giving online modules and
tests to their students as part of their curriculum. In spite of this statement, challenges
surrounding online learning still persist during the present time. That said; with proper
knowledge and support from the government, we’ll be able to achieve a fruitful semester.

Numerous adjustments were made to the educational system as a result of COVID-19's

ascent in the Philippines in March 2020. The mode of instruction that was being used by the
teachers was implemented by the Department of Education to ensure that students could still
learn despite the pandemic. The rise of the pandemic forced schools to adopt modular learning
as an alternative to face-to face instruction, which increased the difficulty for both students and
teachers. However, the manner of instruction changed from modular to limited face-to face
learning in the latter part of 2021.

One key concept is that blended learning is not merely the addition of some technological
element to an existing course but rather is an integrated plan utilizing the best of what both
face-to-face and online learning have to offer. The blended presentation and interaction model,
the blended block model and the fully online model provide initial frameworks for the
deliberate structuring of blended learning to improve learning outcomes.
Former president of the Philippines Rodrigo Roa Duterte states no opening of classes during
this pandemic; "No Vaccine, No Opening of Classes." But Former DepEd secretary Leonor
Briones insisted in adopting an alternative new normal approach. The proposed opening of
classes, utilizing technology such as cellphones, tablets, and desktop with internet connectivity,
modular and face-to-face, and other forms of instructional materials. Education always plays an
essential part in the country's growth and development. By the number of infected Filipinos all
over the archipelago increased exponentially. Thus, the government is more concerned about
the health of Filipino children than the quality of education. Therefore, senators like Honorable
Sherwin Gatchalian filed Senate Resolution No. 391 about the postponement of the opening of
classes in August. Furthermore, the senators recommended the use of distance learning.
However, Senate President, Honorable Tito Sotto III states to have changes in the Republic Act
No. 7977, also called the Act on Lengthening of School Calendar revision is required. According
to RA 7999, the opening of classes for a basic education shall start on the first Monday of June
but not later than the last day of August.
The study explored the challenges and issues in teaching and learning continuity of basic
education in the Philippines as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was found out that during
school lockdowns, the teachers made adjustments in teaching and learning designs guided by
the policies implemented by the institution. Most of the students had difficulty complying with
the learning activities and requirements due to limited or no internet connectivity. Emerging
themes were identified from the qualitative responses to include the trajectory for flexible
learning delivery, the role of technology, the teaching and learning environment, and the
prioritization of safety and security. Scenario analysis provided the contextual basis for strategic
actions amid and beyond the pandemic. To ensure teaching and learning continuity, it is
concluded that higher education institutions have to migrate to flexible teaching and learning
modality recalibrate the curriculum, capacitate the faculty, upgrade the infrastructure,
implement a strategic plan and assess all aspects of the plan.

Body:

The Republic Act 10533, also known as K12 Basic Education Program, changed the old
curriculum into a new one adding two years in Senior High School. The new curriculum focused
on critical thinking and scientific skills in the 21st century for the country's economic and social
progress. The new programs aim to train learners equipped with the necessary skills and
knowledge, choice after SHS– to find a job or continue to college [5]. Basic Education starts
from kindergarten at around five years old, transitioning from informal to formal education to
grades 1 to 12. During this period, the teaching method focused on play-based activities- the
competencies are still developing holistic among learners [6]. In grades 1 to 10, students will
experience an enhanced, context-based, and spiral approach curriculum. While in senior high
school (SHS), learning is concentrated to allow students for jobs, college
life, and 21st -century skills [7].
Blended learning is both simple and complex. At its simplest, blended learning is the
thoughtful integration of classroom face-to-face learning experiences with online learning
experiences. There is considerable intuitive appeal to the concept of integrating the strengths
of synchronous (face-to-face) and asynchronous (text-based Internet) learning activities. At the
same time, there is considerable complexity in its implementation with the challenge of
virtually limitless design possibilities and applicability to so many contexts.
Teachers faced challenges include having to grapple with an increased cognitive load, and a
vertical and high-ceilinged learning curve, especially for teachers who are not acquainted with
blended learning. Teachers who are not as adjusted and familiar with the dynamics of
technology, have to upgrade their aptitude and literacy quickly. This could be more challenging
for these teachers than their students.
Teachers must acquire a certain level of IT competency and proficiency needed for distant
online learning to work effectively. Otherwise, this will become a barrier that may hamper the
success and effectiveness of online learning. Furthermore, to synchronize, compare, and
measure the speed and rate of progress of learners in online courses as opposed to those who
are learning offline might be a tough undertaking for teachers. Hence, there will be a significant
amount of extra work involved for teachers as they prepare themselves for the implementation
of the “blended learning” program as schools re-open in August.
One of the likely impacts of blended distant learning is the added weight on parents who
will more or less have to cope-up with juggling work, house chores, family matters/affairs, while
at the same time assisting if not monitoring their children’s distant online learning. This will be
exhausting on the part of parents or guardians, especially those who are economically
challenged and can’t afford to hire a tutor to assist their children.
Conclusion:
The implementation of face to face classes will ensure the improvement of students
learning, thereby paving the way towards a healthier learning mode. The academic benefit,
evidence, and competitive advantages are clear; only the will and commitment remains. In
closing, as we explore the use of blended learning, it is important that we assess and
evaluate its effectiveness. Tracking transformations resulting from the use of blended
learning approaches, with respect to learning outcomes, student satisfaction, retention and
achievement, are important to use as baseline measures of change that result from blended
learning courses. In addition to assessing the learning outcomes, the learning process should
also be assessed. Assessing and evaluating the effects of blended learning on the learning
process in terms of higher levels of learning (e.g., critical and reflective thinking) is a priority.
It is essential that researchers begin to explore the impact of blended learning in achieving
more meaningful learning experiences.