VARIOUS schools have been innovative in delivering contextualized blended learning to their students, the Department of Education said.

During the National School Opening Day program held on Monday, DepEd said schools shared their innovative and engaging ways to implement the Basic Education-Learning Continuity Plan which was contextualized based on the local situation and availability of resources.

The education department shared that in Tomas Elementary School SPED Center in Davao Del Norte, teachers utilized various forms of communication to monitor the progress of their learners. They also conducted home visitations to provide learners school materials and other basic needs. The teachers also had Learning Action Cell Sessions for parents of children with hearing impairment.

A parent shared her experience last year.

“Gusto ko na sanang sumuko dahil sa kasalukuyang sitwasyon natin ngayon na nasa kalagitnaan tayo ng pandemya. Pero ang laki talaga ng pasasalamat ko sa Sto. Tomas Central Elementary School SPED Center. Lalo na sa mga guro na walang sawang humimok sa akin na ipagpatuloy ang pag-aaral ng aking mga anak. Na kahit mahirap ang sitwasyon patuloy pa din ang kanilang pag-aaral,” Remedios Mison, a parent of a SPED learner, said.

Meanwhile, Antique National School, a rural school in San Jose De Buenavista, Antique, launched the Technical and Vocational Livelihood on Wheels. Under the  program, tools and equipment that will help TVL learners in their hands-on activities will be taken to the barangay.

“This is good for learners with no equipment at home like oven or beaker. Not all of them have internet access, may mga competencies kasi na madaling matutunan ‘pag ginagawa ng bata,” Antique NHS Principal Roger A. Jamolo said.

In the implementation of its Alternative Learning System program, Tarlac-based Dolores Ongsiako Central Elementary School has developed Project RISE (Radio-based Instruction to Support Education) and Project VLOG (Video-based for Learning Opportunities and Growth).

“Naging mapanghamon ang taong panuruan dahil sa pandemya subalit sa kabila ng maraming suliranin ay naipamalas ng mga ALS teachers ng Dolores Ongsiako Central Elementary School ang kanilang kahandaan at kakayahan sa pagsulong ng blended learning,” Tarlac SDS Pozon said.

Education Secretary Leonor Briones lauded the schools’ efforts and encouraged them to continue what they’re doing for the sake of students.

“I hope that we will all be challenged to continually do what we can to bring and create innovative and daring methods of teaching so that we can bring education to all our learners,” Briones said.