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In-person classes in colleges, universities ‘optional,’ for select programs only: CHED

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Jaehwa Bernardo, ABS-CBN News

<div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2020/news/12/01/20201201-covid-19-protocol-fatima-university-md-3.jpg"/><figcaption>CHED officials led by Chariman Prospero De Vera III and National Task Force Against COVID-19 chief implementer Sec. Carlito Galvez Jr. inspect the Our Lady of Fatima University Valenzuela campus&#x27; retrofitted classrooms on December 1, 2020 in prepartion for possible face-to-face classes for certain courses. <em>Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News</em></figcaption></figure></div><p>MANILA – There won&#x27;t be a flurry of students rushing back to campuses once government allows the resumption of in-person classes in colleges and universities, even on a limited scale, while the COVID-19 pandemic persists.</p><p>The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) said Tuesday the conduct of limited face-to-face or in-person classes would be optional for colleges and universities, and only for courses with activities that could not be accomplished through remote means.</p><p>“’Yong limited face-to-face is not a requirement, it is an option… given to universities who would like to do limited face-to-face under certain restrictions and guidelines,” said CHED Chairman Prospero de Vera during the inspection of facilities of the Our Lady of Fatima University (OLFU) in Valenzuela City with National Task Force Against COVID-19 chief implementer Carlito Galvez.</p><p>OLFU “retrofitted” its classrooms, library, and other facilities to comply with COVID-19 health standards in case government gives the school the green light for limited in-person classes.</p><p>De Vera said the guidelines would be issued within the month so higher education institutions (HEIs) could hold in-person classes by their second semesters, which usually start in January.</p><ul class="op-related-articles">	<li><a href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/08/05/20/ched-eyes-face-to-face-classes-in-low-risk-mgcq-areas-by-january-2021">CHED eyes limited face-to-face classes in low-risk MGCQ areas by January 2021</a></li></ul><p>He added that limited in-person classes would only be for programs with activities that would be difficult to accomplish through remote learning.</p><p>“Maybe we can start only with the health-related programs [such as] medicine, nursing, physical therapy. Hindi ka magiging magaling na doktor o nurse kung hindi ka talaga pupunta sa ospital (You will not be a good doctor or nurse if you don’t really go to the hospital),” De Vera said.</p><p>“We need face-to-face kasi mayroon tayong experiential learning, meaning mas madali mo siyang turuan kapag ginagawa mo,” Galvez said.</p><p>(We need face-to-face because we have what we call experiential learning, meaning it would be easier for you to learn because you’re doing it.)</p><ul class="op-related-articles">	<li><a href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/09/12/20/unreliable-internet-excessive-requirements-college-students-face-remote-learning-woes">Unreliable internet, excessive requirements: College students face remote learning woes</a></li></ul><p>De Vera also urged colleges and universities to start reconfiguring their facilities for limited in-person classes even without the guidelines.</p><p>He reiterated that HEIs must coordinate with local government units and CHED offices if they want to hold physical classes. </p><div><strong> Inspection</strong></div><p>In OLFU, for example, the school placed markers inside its buildings, indicating the required spacing between and among students and personnel. The school also installed signage and other information materials to remind people of health and safety protocols. </p><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2020/news/12/01/our-lady-of-fatima-university.jpg"/><figcaption>A classroom at the Our Lady of Fatima University in Valenzuela City, which will only be used by 8 students at a time in case government allows limited in-person classes. </figcaption></figure></div><p>The university also limited the number of students that would be using classrooms, depending on size, to maintain physical distancing.</p><p>Following the inspection, Galvez and health officials from the Valenzuela city government made recommendations, such as installing more signage and alcohol dispensers, and adjusting ventilation in classrooms.</p><p>Galvez added that OLFU’s health protocols can serve as a “template” for other schools that want to hold limited in-person classes.</p><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO:</strong></div><figure class="op-interactive"><iframe height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/k_QsiFL01EA?enablejsapi=1" width="560"></iframe></figure><div class="iwantbar">Watch more in <a href="//www.iwantv.com.ph/">iWantv</a> or <a href="//tfc.tv/">TFC.tv</a></div>

<p>Don’t expect a flurry of students to come rushing back to campuses once government allows the conduct of limited in-person in colleges and universities.</p>

Don’t expect a flurry of students to come rushing back to campuses once government allows the conduct of limited in-person in colleges and universities.

In-person classes in colleges, universities ‘optional,’ for select programs only: CHED

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In-person classes in colleges, universities ‘optional,’ for select programs only: CHED

Jaehwa Bernardo,

ABS-CBN News

Published December 01, 2020 05:13 PM PHT

|

Updated December 01, 2020 05:50 PM PHT

Read More:

education

higher education

Commission on Higher Education

face-to-face classes

in-person classes

Carlito Gavlez

Our Lady of Fatima University

OLFU

OLFU Valenzuela

Covid-19 pandemic

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