“Operationalizing Flexible Learning Plan” amid the current crisis.

On June 23, 2020, Midway Colleges, Inc. conducted a webinar titled “Operationalizing Flexible Learning Plan” led by the Dean of the College of Education, University of the Philippines Diliman, Dr. Jerome T. Buenviaje. The webinar oriented the participants on the nature, principles, and strategies for the implementation of flexible learning amid the current crisis situation.

Dr. Buenviaje mentioned the Learning Continuity Plan,  which consists of three phases that are anchored with the principle of flexibility, inclusivity, and ingenuity.

For Phase I or Remote Learning, it is a home-based learning using the learners’ available resources and capabilities. Phase II, or Blended Learning, combines the approach of online and face-to-face learning. Lastly, Phase III or Enhanced Residential Learning is where learning is done face-to-face in the campus while using online and offline modes in learning. 

Knowing the foundation of this is given importance as well; Course Design, Teaching and Learning, Student Support Services, and Organization and Management are the pillars that make up this plan.

Next, we have the two approaches for instruction. The first is Flipped Class Approach which is composed of Explore (where learners study the study guide available online), Firm Up/Deepen (where teacher conducts an online lesson), Transfer (where learners perform assigned tasks), and Evaluate (where teacher provides feedback on the student output). The second approach is Conventional Class Approach which is composed of Explore/Firm Up (Teacher conducts online lecture), Deepen (learner expands knowledge through group activities), Transfer (learner performs assigned tasks), and Evaluate (where teacher provides feedback on the output).

In ensuring the smooth implementation of the flexible remote instruction, it is imperative that the expectations from the teachers and the learners are outlined. We have to identify the teachers’ and learners’ expectations and areas affected. This will make up the Implementation of the Instructional Model – Virtual Lecture and Laboratory.

Lastly, we Midway’s Learning Management System (LMS) has been tackled. It consists of synchronous and asynchronous activities as well as other platforms in which students with limited connectivity may also participate.