Parents wary of DepEd’s homeschool system

The shift to online classes and blended learning this coming academic year due to the COVID-19 pandemic is making some parents wary, according to a report by Mark Salazar on "24 Oras."

They feel they might not be up to the challenge of the new system where the home will serve as the school, and the parents as teachers or tutors.

“Kung Pilipino ‘yan, kaya ko ‘yan, okay lang.  Pero kung English, lalo na Science, hirap n’yan.  Magno-nosebleed ako n’yan pag nagkataon,” Jay Santiago, a parent to a Grade One and Grade Five, said.

Another parent, April Lim, wonders how they can get linked to the new method of learning, which will sometimes entail online activities.

She said the added expense for mobile load to have internet connection is not part of the household budget.

“Minsan, nakiki-connect lang . . . paano namin maaano kung minsan walang pang-load,” Lim said.

Meanwhile, Michael Cruz expressed doubts that he and his wife could assist their child in the online class because they are occupied in making a living for the family.
He also said that instead of using the internet for school works, his kid might use it for mobile games.

Dr. Nerissa Losario, Division Superintendent of DepEd Caloocan, said parents should not give up just yet on the new learning system.

“I’m sure that there are responsible adults in the family, may kuya, may ate na pwedeng gumabay, especially sa young learners,” she said.

Losario added that Facebook would be among the platforms to be used to link up with the students and parents, which both are familiar with.

Under the home-based schooling, each subject will have a learner’s packet containing the moduel, study guides, activity worksheets, quizzes, dictionary and school items.

“Magkakaroon ng scheduling kung kailan kukunin ng magulang, pwede rin naman naming ihatid sa bahay-bahay,” Losario said.

Earlier, Education Secretary Leonor Briones said the DepEd will pursue the class resumption through alternative approaches like blended learning at flexible learning.

The DepEd is working on using broadcast media and the internet to deliver education to students. The department has been crafting self-learning modules that will be printed and reproduced for those who have no gadget and access to internet.

Caloocan City is expecting a total of 264,166 online enrolees starting June 1.  Next week’s enrolment could lend a preview of what to expect in the coming months of the homeschool system. —LDF, GMA News