DepEd’s online learning platform for teachers, students now accessible free of data charges

Teachers and students can now access the online educational platform of the Department of Education (DepEd) without any data charges.

In a statement posted on Facebook on Tuesday, the DepEd said the education platform DepEd Commons can be accessed on Globe or TM-powered smartphones free of data charges.

Amid the movement restrictions in light of the coronavirus disease, the DepEd has been encouraging students to continue their learning online.

“In this time of crisis, it is important that we make it possible to overcome this challenge with solid partnerships with the private sector,” Secretary Leonor Briones said.

“We are thankful on our partners’ generosity in support of the continuity of public education by providing us free data for DepEd Commons access amid the COVID-19 situation,” she added.

DepEd Undersecretary for Administration Alain Del B. Pascua said the department partnered with Globe as they face many challenges in ensuring the continuity of education amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Even in this time of crisis where most of us, including the teachers and students have to stay at home, it is important that learning continue,” Globe Chief Sustainability Officer and SVP for Corporate Communications Yoly Crisanto said.

Currently, DepEd Commons has 4,236,667 subscribers. The number of users is projected to continue to rise in the coming days, according to DepEd.

On Tuesday, the DepEd said the academic year of 2020 may start in August instead of June due to the threat of COVID-19.

Briones said the department will spend the two-month "window"  period(June and July) for curriculum changes, means of teaching and learning, as well as the safety of the education facilities.

Meanwhile, the DepEd advised students to continue their learning in June though DepEd Commons.

The decision on students’ physical attendance in classes in August will depend on the discretion of the Inter-Agency Task Force, according to the DepEd. -MDM, GMA News