Modular Distance Learning in the New Normal Education amidst Covid-19

Abstract

Education in the new normal is a challenging task in the Philippines in an attempt to push through education amidst the deadly pandemic caused by covid-19. The Department of Education (DepEd) and Commission on Higher Education (CHED) adopted and implemented the flexible model of blended learning despite many oppositions because of the risk to open classes because of the virus. The different learning modalities are the following: Modular (Printed), Modular (Digitized), Online, Educational TV, Radio-Based Instruction, Home Schooling and Blended Learning. For the cities where modern living is adapted and students and learners have the privilege of having internet connection at home, Online learning is implemented especially for the high schools and colleges but for those living in rural areas or provinces where internet connection is only available for only few, Modular Distance Learning is implemented. Modular Distance Learning is the use of Modules made by teachers with different tasks and learning activities based from the essential learning competencies. Keyword: modular distance learning; new normal education; covid-19 INTRODUCTION The new normal education along with the different modalities faced different disapprovals at first because of the risk but with the effort of education sectors in the Philippines it is done systematically for the goal of continuing education despite the pandemic. There are different safety measures being implemented by the IATF or the Inter-Agency Task Force in order to prevent and mitigate the spread of Covid-19 while the teaching and learning process continues in the country to protect the teachers, parents and students’ health and welfare. Some of the safety protocols includes: proper sanitation of the schools where modular learning is implemented by providing alcohol stands in every classroom for the parents’ use, sanitizing footbath mats in every room’s doorsteps, wearing face mask and face shield is a must for the teachers and parents and social distancing is strictly executed. For the online learning and other modalities where parents and their children stay at home as well as the teachers, they are prescribed to do proper hand washing and regular sanitizing of their homes. WHAT IS COVID 19? According to WHO, Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus. Most people infected with the COVID-19 virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment. Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer are more likely to develop serious illness. The best way to prevent and slow down transmission is to be well informed about the COVID-19 virus, the disease it causes and how it spreads. Protect yourself and others from infection by washing your hands or using an alcohol-based rub frequently and not touching your face. The COVID-19 virus spreads primarily through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose when an infected person coughs or sneezes, so it’s important that you also practice respiratory etiquette (for example, by coughing into a flexed elbow). PREVENTION FROM COVID-19 WHO cited the following to prevent infection and to slow transmission of COVID-19: • Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, or clean them with alcohol-based hand rub. • Maintain at least 1-meter distance between you and people coughing or sneezing. • Avoid touching your face. • Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. • Stay home if you feel unwell. • Refrain from smoking and other activities that weaken the lungs. • Practice physical distancing by avoiding unnecessary travel and staying away from large groups of people Most of the learners belong to modular (print) especially in the rural areas where internet connection is not always available. They are learning with the help of their parents or guardians who are now acting as their teachers at home. The teachers on the other hand, guide the parents while teaching their children at home especially the young ones including the Kindergarten up to Grade 3. The same goes with Grades 4 to 6 but with minimal guidance as compared to those learners in the primary levels who are subject to more attention and supervision. International Journal of Scientific Advances