Flexible Learning Approaches
Synopsis
Flexible learning breaks the barriers of time, space, and distance for students by giving them the flexibility to study in the conditions they are comfortable with. Approaches in flexible learning come in three forms, namely online, offline, and blended. Online is electronic-based where it uses online classrooms to deliver instructions. Webcasts, podcasts, videos, and audios fall under this category. Some examples of this are Moodle LMS and Google Classroom. Offline, on the other hand, does not use internet connectivity. Printed modules, videotapes, storage devices, and learning packets are all under this approach. Examples of offline materials are textbooks and USB flash drives that contain videos and audio. Blended is where online and offline approaches are used. In the blended approach, online technology is used for delivering lessons to students. For the other activities, offline materials, such as the ones mentioned earlier, are used. Prospero de Vera III, Chair of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), said that the commission has adopted the policy that flexible learning will continue moving forward for Philippine education. It is then important for institutions to invest in the proper materials for flexible learning as well as provide training and development to teachers for them to be fully equipped for the new norm.
