The global education system has been disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. In the Philippines, educational institutions are working to ensure that learning is not disrupted by the current health crisis.

CHED Chairman J. Prospero De Vera III explains that flexible learning means “you mix and match the available options depending on the situation of the students, teachers, connectivity and health situation on the ground.”

For higher education institutions, “flexible learning” entails a mix of digital and non-digital technology and does not necessitate being connected to the internet.
It entails using a variety of learning delivery strategies, such as using online platforms or digital or printed modules.

3 modes of flexible learning

Online – A flexible learning mode that is based on electronic technology and uses available online classrooms to deliver instructions. Webcasts, podcasts, videos, audio, and other open educational resources (OERs) are examples of digital learning materials.

CHED launched headtopics.com, a web-based platform to aid online learning, that provides free learning materials for college students.

Offline – A flexible learning mode that does not rely on internet access. Learning can take the form of printed modules or digital forms like video and audio stored on storage devices.

Blended – A type of flexible learning that combines online and offline learning modes. Lessons are delivered using online technology, but other classroom activities are carried out using printed modules, video tapes, storage devices, and learning packets.

“From now on, flexible learning will be the norm. There is no going back to the traditional full-packed, face-to-face classrooms,” he stated.

“Why are we doing this? Because if we go back to the traditional face-to-face classroom, we run the risk of exposing our educational stakeholders to the same risks if another pandemic comes in” he added.