Teachers are unhappy with the Department of Education’s decision to continue online classes during disasters like typhoons.
The teachers’ group, called ACT, thinks it’s not fair and not considerate of students and their families’ situations during calamities.
They say that safety should be the top priority, and it’s challenging to conduct online classes when learners and their families are dealing with floods and other calamities.
The Department of Education spokesperson, Michael Poa, said they won’t suspend classes anymore during calamities because they want to keep the learning going even during recovery mode.
They will use alternative methods like modules, blended learning, or online classes so that students can continue studying from home.
However, the teachers’ group believes this decision is unrealistic.
They argue that the DepEd should focus on improving the curriculum, providing more funds, and giving better salaries to teachers and staff.
In the past, classes were automatically canceled during storms and other disasters, but now they will only suspend in-person classes.
Learners will have to continue using what they call “alternative delivery mode” to keep up with their studies.
The DepEd has provided guidelines for class suspensions in 2022, which include automatic cancellation of classes in areas where specific typhoon signals have been raised.
In such cases, they will implement distance learning, performance tasks, projects, or makeup classes to make sure students can still meet their learning goals.
Source: PhilNews24 | July 31, 2023
