DUMAGUETE CITY, Aug. 26 (PIA) -- Technical-Vocational Education Training (TVET) Institutions in Negros Oriental embark on alternative learning methods for tech-voc learners during this time of pandemic.
TESDA Negros Oriental Officer in Charge and Public Information Officer Beth Aimee Tubog disclosed that the agency has certified 24 Technical-Vocational Institutions (TVIs) suitable for flexible learning while the province remains under Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ) status.
Tubog said flexible learning systems can be delivered through online, distance or modular learning, and blended learning which can be a combination of online with face-to-face learning while the other one is the modular or distance learning with face-to-face interaction.
The TESDA official explained that the face-to-face sessions can not be avoided especially in courses related to agriculture or in programs that require hands-on experience.
In line witht this, TVIs must strictly comply with the safety guidelines set by the National Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on COVID-19 as per Resolution No. 47.
“The observance of 50 percent face-to-face. Dili sila tanan. Usually ang atong training mokabat ang atong mga trainees to maximum of 20. When they do face-to-face, by 10s ra ni sila in every area. Naa man tay laboratory, naa man ta lecture rooms so dili sila mag-uban tanan. They will observe permanent seating arrangement in the classroom for the contact tracing (They must observe 50 percent face-to-face. Usually, in our trainings, we gather a maximum of 20 persons. When they do face-to-face, it will now be by ten in every area. We have laboratory and lecture rooms so they will be separated. They will also observe permanent seating arrangement in the classroom for the contact tracing),” said Tubog.
“Ato lantawon ang atong mga eskwelahan. We will visit the institution as to their physical set-up, health protocols, katong atoang mga requirement, mga sanitation, footbath, thermal scanner. They must have that present in their institution (We will also visit the institution and inspect their physical set-up, health protocols, sanitation, and other requirements such as provision of footbath and thermal scanner. They must have that present in their institution),” Tubog added.
However, for courses such as center servicing, bookkeeping and the like, TESDA hopes that as much as possible, lessons can be carried online for the safety and benefit of the learner.
Meanwhile, Metro Dumaguete College (MDC) President Dr. Delma Manila, who is also the president of the TVI association in Negros Oriental, noted that since March, TVIs have started preparing for alternative learning methods.
Citing MDC measures as an example, Manila said they initiated a survey for their learners asking them what method of learning they prefer.
She also shared that TVIs have developed a learning management system over the past months to improve the delivery of lessons during this pandemic.
She also commented that TVET sector in the province was not badly hit by the COVID-19 crisis, noting that TVIs have not expressed any intent to close while there is still COVID-19.
Manila also said TESDA did not cut off scholarship funds in schools which somehow helped TVIs cope with the negative effects of the pandemic.
So far, there are still some TVIs that have not been given yet the “go signal” to operate.
Tubog said TVIs should also seek the approval of their local government unit before they can proceed with their classes.
On the other hand, TESDA also extends additional cash incentives for their scholars as part of the COVID-19 support interventions.
Tubog announced that aside from the P160 daily training support fund and one-year GSIS insurance enrollment, scholars are also given P500 internet incentive and another P500 for the purchase of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). (ral/PIA7-Negros Oriental)
Source: Philippines Information Agency (pia.gov.ph)
0 Comments