Summary of Frequently Asked Questions on
THE REMOTE LEARNING CENTER EDUCATION
CET Webinar 2020
CLARIFICATION ON RLCE TERMS
What definition of blended learning should we follow when DepEd is using Blended to mean modular and online (or use of radio/tv); and not face-to-face and online?
Blended learning is defined as the combination of face to face instruction and computer mediated instruction (O’ Byrne & Pytash, 2015). Simonson (2019) defined it to be “an application of remote learning where courses and programs have varying degrees to face to face and distance delivered learning experiences which may not be computer mediated.” Dr. Dina Ocampo also added in her recent webinar on Education Resilience and Learning Continuity in the TIme of Covid 19: ICT can be used for communication among teachers and students while lessons can be learned through content either offline or accessed online.
The RLCE Task Force based the definition of Blended Learning from these experienced experts in the field of ODeL (Open and Distance e-Learning).
When and where is blended learning applicable?
Because of face-to-face interaction restrictions in areas under a Community Quarantine, blended learning is most applicable only in areas where limited and/or clustered meetings are allowed and when the CQ is already lifted. Schools need to consult their respective LGUs in planning for the transition to Blended Learning delivery mode.
When students are doing the same subject or PACE but different pages on the same schedule for easier online supervision, can this be considered as lockstep?
We never lockstep our students in the S.O.T./A.C.E. procedures.
When a school uses an online mode of delivery, does synchronous mean that the school staff are Supervising/Monitoring students virtually during the entire designated school time schedule?
The term “synchronous” applies only to online classes or group activities like devotions or Non-PACE mini-classes. For the PACEwork, Supervisors do not necessarily have to be monitoring students all at the same time on screen. They communicate with students as needs arise (scoring, technical assistance, etc.), pretty much like answering flags.
Can home visitation be made possible when an LGU will not allow it?
Yes. But make sure you check the localized guidelines as LGUs have different implementation policies.
DISCIPLINE, MOTIVATION, AND CONTROLS IN A RLCE SET-UP
How is the Corrective Action Notice given in a RLCE set-up?
One easy way to set this up is to create a Messenger Group Chat with the LC Supervisor as admin of the GC. She adds ONLY the student and the parent/s, and this becomes like a “private conference room” where the daily Correction Action Notice may be given. Once the parents acknowledge it (either with a reply, thumbs up sign, etc) then it is considered delivered and signed. This is also a good avenue for parent/supervisor conferences.
What are the recommended guidelines (and delivery) for merits and demerits and other motivational tools in a RLCE set-up?
Merits and demerits can still be applicable to RLCE. LMS like Schoology and Class Dojo have their own system of merits. You can setup an online merit store. Students can still purchase using their merits through it and have it delivered to them at the time they are due for a new PACE and have it delivered. Whatever way works for you.
What are the recommended guidelines for attendance and tardiness in a remote learning set-up?
Attendance may be checked when students “attend” the morning exercises via an online platform (zoom or messenger rooms, for example) which can be done more quickly if the students are divided in smaller groups. Anyone not seen as online will be considered absent or, if the student logs in later, will be considered tardy. An excuse letter from the parents may be sent to the Supervisor through the private GC.
Are wearing of school uniform and ID required and checked? How will this be done?
This will have to be decided by each school. The uniform provides more structure and helps set the mind of the student that he is in school and not on vacation and thus may be more productive academically.
Can schools have a copy of the videos re these RLCE set-ups (e.g. goal setting and checking, scoring and rescoring, taking check-ups and self-tests)?
Yes, Bethany Baptist Academy made a Remote Learning Video Series on how to set your goals, scoring and Check-ups and STs/PTs. If it is applicable to your school, you can send an email request to theprincipal@bbailigan.com.
Can SOTP provide a step-by-step guide in scoring procedures using the online delivery mode?
(This question is answered by the previous question.)
Will we do away with awards such as Best Office in a RLCE set-up?
We believe there is no way we can assess Best Office at home unless we come to visit every day. It is just safe to say that there will be a number of awards that may not be applicable to RLCE, and Best Office is one of them.
Can Readmaster Plus still be applicable in a RLCE set-up?
We do not advise using Readmaster this school year because the access license is required for every laptop or desktop to be used.
PACE TEST ADMINISTRATION
How is testing done in a Distant Learning Set-Up?
As discussed during the CET Webinar, PACE Tests may be given orally, through screen sharing, or a combination of the two. ACE Ministries also recommended sending the PTs to parents in sealed envelopes, which can be taken in the virtual presence of a Supervisor or, if applicable, with a parent supervising.
Can PACE Tests on the same PACE number and subject be scheduled at the same time?
This does not follow the individualized system we uphold in the SOT System.
RR & ABCS IN REMOTE LEARNING SET-UP
With regards to allowable screen time for RR and ABCs students, how can this be reconciled with the total number of hours done during animal, character trait, and Bible storytelling?
The RR and ABCs teachers will have to identify the most essential skills which need to be taught and monitored for development in order to accomplish the objective/s of the lesson/program. This is why it was strongly recommended that the RR and ABCs teacher must have extensive experience in administering the programs under the “old normal”. To consume less time for the story-telling, it is suggested that these be pre-recorded so they can be shown right away to students as needed. Also, do not add, change, or revise the story. Remember that even the words in each story, and the way it is told, are there to assist in the development of the student.
If the screen time cannot be limited to an hour or less, it is suggested that there be “breaks” during the screen time. The “breaks” can be used to do supplemental activities/practice activities with the parent/guardian.
Sample Copy of the Suggested Schedule of Activities and possible platforms to be used for RR and ABCs Program
(PCST teachers are still working with the schedule of activities) Possible platforms are zoom (for delivery) and OBS program (for recording powerpoint consisting of pictures/illustrations of the story — with “live” teaching)
What will be the ideal student-teacher ratio in a RLCE set-up?
This was actually discussed during the session. We suggested around 4 or 5 students per teacher.
What would be the best delivery in administering the ABCs Post Test?
The BEST way to administer the post test is F2F(Face to Fsce), either in school or at the home of the student, if this is allowed under LGU/IATF guidelines, and with the express consent of the parents.
PACE PRESCRIPTIONS AND PROJECTIONS IN A REMOTE LEARNING SET-UP
Can Projections and PACE Prescriptions be adjusted in RLCE set-up given the challenges and difficulties of doing PACE Work in this set-up?
Yes.
DEALING WITH PARENTS
How will we deal with parents who will want to continue the RLCE Set-up even after the pandemic?
We may have to wait for the time when face-to-face classes will be allowed again. The public health conditions may have changed.
How will Remote Learning Set-Up be possible when parents are working, and no one can monitor the students at home?
If the student is going to be in RR or ABCs, adult supervision at home is a MUST. If the parents are not available, another RESPONSIBLE adult may be designated to supervise, and he/she MUST be included in the training/orientation. The younger the student, the more essential the supervision at home becomes. Although our PACEs are self-instructional, it is wiser to monitor and limit the student’s use of the technology/device. The parents MUST understand, and be willing to take, their roles and responsibilities in the RLCE set up.
DISTANCE LEARNING:
How are we going to do our chapel hour, devotions, etc.?
Be creative in planning your chapel and devotions. Take note that online instruction is very different from face-to-face interaction.
What are the specific guidelines in distance learning (in areas without internet connection)? Will parents bring PACEs for scoring daily?
A daily scoring may be quite unrealistic. Maybe a weekly or twice-weekly arrangement is more reasonable. It will also depend on the quarantine level of the community.
What will be the recommended delivery schedule and number of PACEs to be delivered at home?
Schools may opt to do weekly, monthly, or quarterly delivery of PACEs and materials and the amount will depend on the schedule preferred,
How can Scripture memorization be checked in a distance learning set-up?
Monthly Scripture recitation will be done through video before a Supervisor or Monitor.
DIAGNOSTIC TESTING
Diagnostic Test administration guidelines in a distance learning set-up (Sample MOA with Parents)
(I shared this file with Sir Erich, Maam Pranza, and Sir Teedj — if you want to use in reply to the request)
Can we give both online & paper and pencil test?
Yes
How can we ensure that parents protect the confidentiality of the test and that they will administer it without any coaching?
We can’t. All we can do is have them sign the “Confidentiality Agreement.” This is why when discussing the DT results with parents, the Administrator/Principal should always emphasize that the validity of the DT is dependent on their compliance with the instructions — and that if, as the student is going through PACEwork, the Supervisor finds that the student consistently fails tests or has difficulty understanding the material, the school reserves the right to rediagnose.
FOR NON-PACE SUBJECTS
Do you have recommended materials for Non-PACE and Senior High Subjects
Most schools get materials from the established printing companies like Vibal, Phoenix, Rex, Diwa, and a few others. These may also be supplemented by online videos and materials. The key is training teachers to create their course outlines and lessons to provide meaningful learning experiences to students. Having good materials without trained teachers will not work.
Is it recommended to get materials from DepEd Commons?
Since we have not studied the content of DepEd Commons, we cannot recommend it. But this may be a possible source or reference. DepEd announced that they are making it available to private schools.
Is it recommended to get materials for non-PACE subjects and SHS from DepEd Commons?
Same answer as previous question. But if you have been using textbooks in the last few years for non-PACE subjects and SHS, we recommend that you continue using these and strategize on how you can teach via online platforms.
SCORING PROCEDURE FOR LOWER LEVEL STUDENTS
Can we allow parents to sign/initial and score Check-ups and Self-Tests for lower level PACEs since it is still easier for them to score these?
Yes.
ACCEPTING TRANSFER STUDENTS
Can we accept transfer students from another region, province, or abroad since we are in a remote learning set-up? What specific DepEd ruling/memos are we violating should we accommodate these transfer students?
In a dialogue with DepEd in Marikina City, this was technically answered in the negative since that will be more on “homeschooling,” which is reserved to homeschool providers and recognized schools with homeschooling permits.
Can we accept a transfer student for Grade 7 when we find out that the said student cannot read yet?
It would not be advisable to accept a non-reader into the system since our curriculum is self instructional and reading-based.
DEPED DO. 13 AND OTHER CONCERNS:
Are schools using SOTP required to align with DepEd’s MELC?
If you have a permit with the DepEd, then you are required to cover the Minimum Essential Learning Competencies. We used the term “cover” instead of “align” simply to clarify that our system adequately covers the MELCs. However, take note of items where you may need to do an enhancement to meet other requirements, like a reading material from a Filipino-authored piece in English.
How will we classify our schools if we are using online (as means of communication or delivery) and PACEs as IMs (instructional materials)? Are we required to comply the listed requirements both for Category A and B?
It seems that regional offices have different interpretations on this. Initially, JFA was told to do Category A (Online Delivery Mode) since we would be communicating with students online while using modules. But we ended up submitting requirements for A and B to make sure we had complied with everything. In some areas, they were required to comply with Category B (Modular Distance Learning ) only.
Is there a need for us to add additional guidelines in our school handbook in a RLCE set-up?
I would advise that you do so in order to provide clarifications to your parents. It would be good to anticipate the questions they may ask and provide the answers in your handbook.
EARNING CPD UNITS CONCERNS:
How many CPD units are we getting from this webinar?
We have not received any feedback from PRC yet regarding the CPD units for the CET webinar. Our initial application for CET (the face-to-face CET) was granted 15 CPD units, but it might not be the same with the CET webinar.
Do the CPD units apply to other professions like Psychometrician or Guidance Counselor?
No. PREFI (the mother company of the School of Tomorrow®, Philippines) is an accredited CPD Provider for Professional Teachers ONLY. Also, PREFI only applies its programs (CET included) to be CPD Programs for Professional Teachers.
STAFF HIRING GUIDELINES DURING THIS REMOTE SET-UP
What if the school is under-staffed, can schools hire new staff even without training?
New staff training is a MUST. You may contact School Services Department for possible schedules.
How can training of newly hired staff be possible when face-to-face training is not allowed?
With GCQ and MGCQ in most areas of the country, face-to-face training is possible with limited attendance. In fact, Davao and Baguio already completed their blended CETs, which were mostly face-to-face.
INTER-PERSONAL RELATIONS AND PROFESSIONALISM
If a School Head or Superior is found to be violating a SOTP procedure, how can a school staff handle this?
Dialogue is a key word in professionalism. Set up a meeting with your School Head to discuss areas where there may be differences in interpreting a procedure. If there is a clear violation on the side of the Superior, reference to the Procedures Manual is a must. This is the reason we asked schools to do an In-House Procedures Review.
Are school staff required to be in complete uniform (including shoes) when they are working from home?
This will be an administrative prerogative. However, it would be important to dress appropriately and be aware of how you will appear to the students on screen.