JANREY P. ARCAYERA MA. MAYA V.

TUMALON
MAT-SOCSCI INSTRUCTOR

GS004: GC MAEM 208

__________________________________________________________________________________

REFLECTION:

Learning in the new normal is a challenge for the teachers, students and even parents. After
postponing the opening of online classes last August 24, DepEd now confirms that they are ready for
October’s opening of classes, for the school year 2020 to 2021, through blended learning
approaches after reaching more than 23 million enrollees. Blended learning is a combination of both
online and offline learning methodologies with the use of technology. Online is when the students study
with their teacher and classmates through an application that uses a webcam while offline is when the
teacher provides the students with the lesson, seatwork or assignment that they can finish at their own
pace, within the deadline. All works are submitted and graded via online.

This new way of learning brought by COVID-19 pandemic can be an additional challenge during
this tough time. And since going back to the “normal” we’re all accustomed to isn’t going to happen
anytime soon, let’s all do the best we could to adjust and make this current situation work. Remember,
the goal of online learning is to keep the students engaged academically in order to retain what they
have learned. While the pandemic will not only have possible long-lasting effects to our educational
system, its lessons will also lead to a more fundamental change. Resilience amidst the threat on health
requires all of us to act differently.

As the country grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Education took this
opportunity to be more inclusive in utilizing other modes of learning which are responsive, timely, and
relevant in today’s situation. It is eager to explore new paths so that the educational process will not be
hampered. With its vision to provide a significant avenue for learners and to ensure the continuity of
education in the wake of health emergency, the Department implemented an Alternative Delivery Mode
(ADM) known as DepEd Commons which is said to be useful and substantial in today’s state.

DepEd Commons is an online learning delivery platform which is primarily developed for public
and private school learners. It is an online-based alternative learning modalities which aims to be
receptive and beneficial to learners amidst the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) period. While
our government is stressing that the most effective way to combat the devastating virus is by staying
home, this online platform serves as a learning vehicle for students to continue learning without
compromising their health and safety. With the new normal, DepEd designed the Basic Education–
Learning Continuity Plan. This plan aims to ensure the safety of students, teachers, and staff. It also
intends to give quality distance learning by using self-learning modules. These can be accessed
through digital forms, radio, TV, and online platforms. In response to the pandemic, educators have
rapidly developed practices for remote instruction and fought to address dire inequities. Our goal is not
to get back to normal, but to build a better society.