DepEd gets over 87M modules, 74K tablets for flexible learning
The Department of Education (DepEd) on Saturday said it recently procured over 87 million learning modules and more than 74,000 tablets to be used by learners nationwide under its flexible learning options (FLO) fund.
“These learning resources are designed to support learners who are studying independently, allowing them to learn at their own pace and make adjustments as needed,” Education Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara said in a statement.
Through the FLO, learning opportunities are provided to students who are unable to go to school for various reasons, allowing for flexible schedules, locations and methods of learning depending on their circumstances and resources.
The newly acquired learning materials would benefit over 300,000 learners in high and medium risk areas across 16 regions, providing them with the necessary resources to continue their education through alternative means, the DepEd said.
Under FLO, students who are enrolled in school but are at risk of dropping out may avail of Alternative Delivery Modes (ADM), which offers a “menu” of alternative learning delivery approaches and programs.
Alternative modes
According to the DepEd, ADM follows the K-12 curriculum without the traditional classroom setup, allowing students to learn through modular distance learning, online distance learning, blended learning, open high school system, night high school, rural farm school and homeschooling.
The DepEd also offers the Alternative Learning System (ALS) under FLO, which provides an option to those who may not be able to attend and finish formal education in schools.
The agency implements two major programs under ALS, which are the Basic Literacy program and the Continuing Education program, both of which the learner can take at any time and place, depending on their availability.
The procurement of new materials for FLO was part of the DepEd’s strategic early procurement activities (EPA), which aims to expand access to education.
“We made a commitment to fast-track learning resources, and we are making good on that promise. EPA is more than just a procurement strategy. It is a game-changer in making sure no learner is left waiting,” Angara said.
Picking up the pace
The DepEd said its Bureau of Alternative Education previously delivered almost 3 million modules and 330,000 session guides across 16 regions. An additional P115 million was also allocated to different regions to reproduce locally developed modules using FLO-Learning Resources funds from the previous years.
“As we strengthen our alternative education programs, we also make sure that our learners are equipped with crucial educational tools and resources to aid them in their learning and help them reintegrate into the educational system,” Angara said.
Nearly 300 ALS implementers have also undergone specialized training, with support from Unesco, so they can effectively use these resources.
