THE FUTURE OF EDUCATION IS HERE: Online Training Blazes the Trail for Hybrid Flexible Learning

As schools approach the end of S.Y. 2020-2021, this is the perfect time for educators to assess the teaching and learning experience they have created during the year of the pandemic. Which methods were successful and what could be done better? Addressing this need is the main goal of the second season of Diwa iFLEx for Home-Based Education (Diwa iFLEx). The first of five learning sessions was held last March 05, Friday, and was attended by around a thousand educators from the National Capital Region (NCR) and Dubai.

Diwa iFLEx is a training program geared to inspire excellence and creativity in educators for the effective delivery of lessons from school to home using the different combinations of Diwa educational resources, both wired and non-wired.

This year’s Diwa iFLEx sheds light on the possible changes in the education system in the post-COVID-19 future. Specifically, it focused on the concept of Hybrid Flexible Learning, an instructional approach that combines face-to-face and online learning. It also highlighted how schools can empower relevant stakeholders to become co-animators in this new era of education.

Mr. Edizon A. Fermin, Ph.D., Vice President of Academic Affairs of National Teachers College, was the learning session’s thought leader. He is an expert on e-learning, literacy, teacher education, sociolinguistics, students affairs program development, and curriculum development.

“Diwa iFLEx Season 2 is very important as it equips school leaders and educators on how to navigate the new landscape better, manage further changes in that landscape, and create the desired culture supporting that landscape,” said Mr. Fermin.

Joining him as featured educators are Mr. Juanito Tan, principal of St. Mary's Academy, Pasay; and Mr. Lord Celeste Balo, principal of St. Andrew's School, Inc., Parañaque. Both of them shared how their schools successfully implemented their learning continuity plan and how they developed innovative ways to support the educational, social, and emotional needs of students and parents. The goal of this sharing segment was to inspire other schools to be adaptive and creative in navigating the uncertainties brought about by these unprecedented times.

They also emphasized how Diwa was able to provide them with ENRICHING training programs and activities that propelled their respective communities holistically.

“We at St. Mary’s Academy, Pasay are grateful for the support extended to us by Diwa. They did not only conduct personal and professional development trainings and orientations on our teaching personnel but also helped our non-teaching staff maximize Genyo e-Learning (Genyo) as a means for sending announcements, conducting virtual student elections, and the like,” Mr. Tan mentioned.

Mr. Balo added, “One of the main challenges we faced last year was how to ensure the integrity of assessment. Luckily, Genyo provided us a platform to facilitate online exams. The trainings and orientations they conducted in the earlier months of the community quarantine allowed us to craft guidelines in administering such activities.”

These learning opportunities are part of Diwa 5G, which offers a wide array of personal and professional development programs for educators and learners. Diwa 5G is an innovative suite of educational resources that help schools create ENGAGING, FLEXIBLE, ACCESSIBLE, ENRICHING, and RELEVANT teaching and learning spaces that place learners at the center of the experience.