Knowledge Channel to aid in distance and blended learning
President Duterte approves re-opening of classes on August 24
DepEd to implement distance and blended learning
Knowledge Channel to support DepEd with its curriculum-based video lessons on-air and online
Parents can still give their children the opportunity to learn when classes re-open on August 24 despite not having face-to-face interaction.
In a press briefing with President Rodrigo Duterte last May 28, Education Chief Leonor Magtolis Briones presented her plan to the Inter-Agency Task Force for Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) wherein the Department of Education (DepEd) will implement blended and distance learning.
Learning must go on
Briones cited various methods including online and use of printed materials. She also emphasized the use of television and radio for learners with limited internet access. “Now for those who don’t have access to interconnectivity, then we have television. Right now 15% of television time should be dedicated to programs designed for children.”
She also added that there are already existing educational programs on television stations. One of these is the Knowledge Channel which has been airing curriculum-based video lessons since 1999.
DepEd Curriculum and Instruction Undersecretary Diosdado San Antonio also explained that educational videos, particularly those of Knowledge Channel, are being aligned to the most essential learning competencies identified by his team. “Ang importante naka-angkla sa most essential learning competencies kahit yung mga video na naihanda ng Knowledge Channel. Actually kasama sa inaaral kung saan sila naa-angkop na essential learning competence kasi lahat doon ibabase.”
According to President Duterte, he supports the plan that Briones presented. “But education I think if it is compromised, it should be negligible, so it should go on, because the future of this country depends on how we educate our young people nowadays.”
WATCH: TV, Knowledge Channel to be used for distance and blended learning
Tried and tested
Since 1999, Knowledge Channel Foundation, Inc. (KCFI) has been actively supporting DepEd in improving the quality of basic education through media and technology. In a presentation made by KCFI President and Executive Director Rina Lopez to a Philippine Business for Education (PBEd) Online Forum last May 29, she mentioned how Knowledge Channel has been a tried and tested model in learning through television.
“We work with the various departments in DepEd for content and assessment, subject matter experts, and have over the years developed an instructional design that is uniquely suited for Knowledge Channel in the Philippine public schools,” said Lopez. The channel implements a special programming grid that accommodates learners from Kinder to Grade 10 covering major subjects and topics identified by DepEd.
In addition, KCFI has been helping schools gain access to Knowledge Channel by donating educational television packages with support from donors or “Knowledge Champions”. The Foundation has also been proactive in responding to the learning crisis in the country by initiating EduKalidad sa Kalamidad, an emergency education program done in partnership with DepEd. It also jumpstarted the “Stay at Home, Learn at Home” Campaign with ABS-CBN since the implementation of the Enhanced Community Quarantine last March.
With ABS-CBN as Knowledge Channel’s most important partner in broadcasting educational programs, it has lost its presence on TVplus since the shutdown. In an interview with TV Patrol, Rep. Carlos Zarate expressed the importance of having ABS-CBN return to free TV. “Diba ang ABS-CBN may mga programa na noon ng Knowledge Channel, may Sineskewla sila, may Mathtinik, Epol Apple, at iba pa. Kaya siguro magandang mai-approve na rin ang franchise nito at makabalik sa are. Malaki ang magiging ambag nito sa bagong kalakaran ng edukasyon.”
Currently, Knowledge Channel can be accessed via SKYcable channel 5, SKYdirect channel 12, and other cable and satellite operators. Its video lessons can also be accessed on knowledgechannel.org, YouTube (knowledgechannelorg), commons.deped.gov.ph, and on Facebook (knowledgechannel).
For the latest updates, visit knowledgechannel.org or follow us on Facebook at /knowledgechannelfoundation.