SAMAR State University plans to use the radio for distance learning as it grapples with ways to address the “digital divide” among students and provide the education they need amid the Covid19 pandemic.

Along with other Visayas-based schools, the SSU, being the chair of the Technology Infrastructure and Support of the Committee of the Eastern Visayas Higher Education Institutions Flexible Learning Management Consortium, hosted the “Webinar Series on On-Air Learning: Rediscovering Radio for Flexible Learning” – a suggestion made by the university’s top official.

SSU President Dr. Marilyn D. Cardoso said the use of radio will bridge the gap between students who have access to the internet and those who don’t, noting that millions do not have online access.

“826 million students kept out of classrooms by the pandemic do not have access to a computer at home, 706 million students lack internet access, and 56 million live in areas not covered by mobile network. This is the very reason for this webinar, to make sure learning continues amidst disruption,” Cardosa said in a post on SSU’s official website.

While the idea is yet to be pushed, the school is prepared to use its flexible learning scheme called Moodle-Based Learning Management System.

SSU has yet to be announce when classes will begin. It said all previously enrolled students during the academic year 2019-2020 will be automatically enrolled for the upcoming school year.