DepEd is finding a way to grant free internet access to students using the distance learning platform.
Free internet access for students
With the community lockdown still in effect in most cities in the Philippines, the Department of Education (DepEd), introduced distance learning in order to continue educating students amid the COVID-19 crisis.
The concern regarding distance learning is that not all students from public schools are able to join in due to the lack of gadgets and internet access. Enrolling to data services might not be an option for some families which belong to the low to zero income sector.
Accessed without any data charges deducted
With the help of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), local network providers in the country were tapped to allow the distance learning platform “DepEd Commons” to be accessed without any data charges deducted on the user.
Local network providers in the Philippines: Globe and Smart have allowed users to gain free internet access on the site made up for DepEd Commons only. Any external links coming from the site will incur regular data charges as it is not covered by the understanding between the Telcos and DepEd.
Effective nationwide as long as free internet access
DepEd Secretary Leonor Briones is positive that the online platform will be effective nationwide as long as free internet access for DepEd Commons is available for all students.
With the reopening of classes in the Philippines set to resume by August 24, the DepEd is conducting more webinar training for teachers in handling the online learning platform.
The DepEd has also opened the option for private school students to access the online learning platform, in case they want to cross research on topics they discuss at school.
