CHED : Flexible learning will be implemented next academic year

By: Elpidio Salorsano

CHED recommends universities and colleges to implement a flexible learning process for the next school year as the alternative learning method amid the threat of pandemic crisis.

In an interview with the Chairperson of the Commission on Higher Education, Mr. Prospero “Popoy” De Vera, he stated that they may implement flexible learning for the universities and colleges. Also, he mentioned that the universities that can implement flexible learning can start classes in August and those who have difficulty in flexible learning may start maybe in September or even later, depending on their capability of using a flexible learning process.

He further discussed the difference of online classes to the flexible learning process. He said that there are not only online classes because it’s just a part of flexible learning, it also employs other methods to deliver the lessons to the students without the need for internet connections.

In flexible learning, they will both use online and offline options for the students CHED clarifies.

In other state universities like UP, Mr. De Vera said that they are doing it before even before this pandemic comes. He added that colleges and universities will be redesigning the syllabus, adjusting schedules for the students. Also, he said that the enrollment pattern is different.

During the interview, the interviewer asks Mr. De Vera if CHED will ask the private universities to lessen the expenses including the tuition fee and another miscellaneous fee that students are paying for.

“Yes, the private universities are doing that now and CHED does not have to tell them to do it because that is already a practice. Remember, Ateneo de Manila University has already reimbursed tuition and on the other hand, La Salle was told me that they will do the same.”

Regarding that, he also said that the other private universities are crediting excess payments of the second semester to the flex semester.

“So kaniya -kaniya silang pagtingin dun sa fee structure nila and they are adjusting the fee structure depending on the delivery structure that they will implement starting on the opening of the school year.“, he added