Globe Telecom and DepEd discuss parent-teacher strategies for an effective digital learning experience at home. This is in light of the threat of Covid-19 in the Philippines and how this affects the school system. In this collaboration, a new online platform called DepEd Commons will be introduced to maximize remote and home learning.
Digital Learning Experience at Home
To enable teachers and parents to integrate digital learning into their homes, Globe myBusiness partnered with DepEd for its second E-skwela Webinar session. The theme is, “Making Homes the Extended Classroom: Parent-Teacher Collaboration in the time of COVID-19”.
The online discussion centered on challenges and best practices to assist faculty and parents on how they can maximize learning at home. It was also discussed how to integrate tools and activities that are experiential and collaborative.
The panel of notable experts who took part in the webinar included:
- DepEd Undersecretary Alain Del B. Pascua
- Ginger Arboleda, co-founder and COO of Taxumo Inc. and CEO of Manila Workshops
They were joined by Globe Representatives;
- Mark Arthur Payumo Abalos, Education Industry Lead and Learning Technologies Scholar
- Michelle Peralta, Campaign and Communication strategist and Fab Inay founder and moderator
- Miguel Martin Bermundo, Citizenship and Advocacy Marketing Division Head
Addressing Online Learning Challenges
As educators and parents have shifted towards online learning platforms, students show they are able to adapt to online classes. Educational institutions however, still face challenges on how to urgently onboard teachers. Additionally, they need to enable their institutions with the right tools and techniques to fully utilize and maximize digital learning.
- Related: The Use of Tablets Among Children
In interviews with educators, Abalos shared that their biggest challenge was the lack of internet connectivity. And this is a main prerequisite for online learning. He also stated that some teachers and students lacked basic digital skills, such as using emails and navigating video call tools.
Meanwhile, Michelle Peralta mentioned how limited screens at home can impact learning. This is even more amplified for kids enrolled in public schools, where priorities are on other important necessities such as food for the family. In such cases, accessible learning materials and training are crucial.
Maximizing Learning at Home
According to Usec. Pascua, school opening is dependent on measures to address COVID-19. “But looking at opportunities, the quarantine has made us explore other means on how to enable parents with basic education materials for their children.”
One measure DepEd has taken was to launch DepEd Commons, an online learning platform where teachers can upload content. Parents, students, and other teachers can access these lessons online.
According to Pascua, more than 4.2 million users nationwide have visited the site in its first four weeks of implementation. “Globe and TM subscribers can use DepEd Commons free of charge,” added Usec. Pascua. “We’re continuously uploading content and training teachers on how to make content.”
Without Internet Connection
As for the rest of the population without internet access, DepEd is looking to optimize other media such as radio and television.
Globe also recently launched Globe eLibrary, where useful learning resources such as ebooks and educational videos are available. These can easily be accessed by teachers, parents, and especially K-12 students. The use of this is for free. Visit www.globeelibrary.ph so that learning can continue even as they stay #SafeAtHome.
For other tools to help students become self-sufficient learners, Abalos highlighted pedagogy and curriculum as crucial components when integrating technology in the system. As for remote learning tips, he recommends teachers and parents set a weekly learning schedule.
Moreover, students are advised to make their own plan for self-study. “Notes will help you remember lessons, and treat your day as if you’re going to school,” explained Abalos.
Best Practices and Opportunities with Innovations
As for other good practices, parents also discussed how they and their kids were able to cope with the new lifestyle changes. These included activities that can help promote learning at home.
For Arboleda, her recommendation is “Try to observe your kids more at this point and how they learn at home. It does not necessarily follow that what is being done in the classroom has to be done at home.”
- Related: Four Types of Learners: Understand Your Child’s Learning Style For A Better Homeschooling Experience
As for Michelle, she keeps her children busy with online classes and other activities that fit her kids’ interests. She also uses digital tools being employed by her children’s schools.
Evolving Tools for Learning
“That is the role of technology: to bring new tools,” says Usec. Pascua. “And this quarantine period has given us a new perspective towards learning. We need to prepare for this situation in the months to come, review existing tools, and to build on other platforms and technologies.” He said that all these are needed to deliver the education that we need at this time. The digital learning experience at home should be further enhanced.
For more updates on upcoming Globe E-skwela webinars and information on Globe myBusiness, visit https://www.facebook.com/globemybusiness/.
Also remember safety protocols for your children as they access the internet.
Other Homeschooling Stories
Meanwhile, here are other stories about our family’s homeschooling in Bacolod journey.
- Working from Home and Homeschooling Amidst Covid-19 Pandemic
- Homeschooling: Handling Negative Opinion the Positive Way
- Preparing Your Child for Kinder School Opening
- Benefits of Dress-Up Play for Children
- Homeschooling in Bacolod Moms at Expo Mom 2017
- What To Do If Your Child Is Unhappy In School
- Teach Kids About the Real Meaning of Easter
- Good Quality Sleep Keeps the Monster Mom Away
- BACOLOD HOMESCHOOLERS NETWORK: Making a Difference
Ang Ganda po talaga ng Services ng Globe..A big help po lalong lalo na ngaun pandemic na online schooling ang mga Kids natin..
The best tlaga ang Globe, stable & good connection. Such a great help sa mga nag-oonline schooling.