In anticipation of policies that would prohibit face-to-face learning in order to prevent a second wave of Covid-19 infections, the Quirino provincial government on Tuesday launched online a webinar series to help parents adapt to home and online teaching methods that will be used by students in the coming schoolyear.
According to Quirino Gov. Dax Cua, the webinar series named “Project New Normal” aims “to equip parents with the skills and knowledge they need to properly guide their children, who under current circumstances will be constrained to learn at home.”
A province-wide survey conducted by the DepEd-Quirino office found that only 2% of students preferred face-to-face learning for the coming academic year. Almost half (47%) preferred modular learning, with online learning the second preference at 24%, and blended learning third at 19%.
“Initiatives like Project New Normal are necessary given the recent pronouncement of the Department of Education (DepEd), which has decided to postpone face-to-face classes until a vaccine for Covid-19 is available,” stressed Cua, an alumnus of the University of the Philippines.
The webinar has five modules, which will (1) discuss the basics of effective parenting, (2) provide understanding of learners, (3) equip parents with engaging strategies and approaches to facilitate learning, (4) acquaint them with the new normal, and (5) suggest strategies on the culture of building partnership between parents and children.
The webinar has five modules, which will (1) discuss the basics of effective parenting, (2) provide understanding of learners, (3) equip parents with engaging strategies and approaches to facilitate learning, (4) acquaint them with the new normal, and (5) suggest strategies on the culture of building partnership between parents and children.
The modules were developed by the provincial government in partnership with Quirino State University and the DepEd-Schools Division Office of Quirino, and has the full support of the DepEd and the Commission on Higher Education.
Cua pointed out that “Quirino and the rest of the country cannot wait for a vaccine before resuming the education of its children; we have to find a way to continue educating our youth.”
“One way we can do this is by maximizing the benefits of information and communications technology. Parents and guardians will play a key role in these efforts, as they will have to take on additional responsibilities in the education of their children.”
The former three-term representative and former Chairman of the House Committee on Ways and Means explained that “not all parents are equipped with the tools necessary to guide young learners, and to help them better cope with the changing landscape of education, we must educate them on how to teach and guide their children in their new classrooms: their homes.”
“Not all parents are equipped with the tools necessary to guide young learners, and to help them better cope with the changing landscape of education, we must educate them on how to teach and guide their children in their new classrooms: their homes.”
Cua, the National President of the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines, urged other provincial governments to develop similar programs to ensure that schoolchildren around the country will continue to receive their education.
“We have to help our constituents adapt––whether it is work from home or learn from home. They will look to us for guidance and assistance, and we have to be there for them.”
