As the gov’t shifts to distance learning, Knowledge Channel could have been a big help

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the government was left with no choice but to shift to distance learning for the safety of the students. Knowledge Channel has offered the government to share its video lessons that could reach as many as 7.6  million students, a huge portion of the 27 million expected to enroll this school year.

However, Knowledge Channel, owned by ABS-CBN, is currently off the air due to the cease and desist order by the National Telecommunications Commission.

In an statement Knowledge Channel Foundation Inc. (KCFI) director for operations Edric Calma, KC is ready to work with the government in distance learning.

“Knowledge Channel is prepared to work with the government. We have created and acquired more than a thousand video lessons, all based on the K – 12 curriculum of the Department of Education and these are ready for use,” he said.

Multimedia learning with Knowledge Channel

PUSH.com wrote: For 21 years, KCFI has developed and acquired multimedia educational materials that public schools nationwide, especially in remote regions used to enhance teaching and learning. They are aired over Knowledge Channel and used for instruction by KCFI-trained teachers and are also designed for home-based learning. Before ABS-CBN went off the air on May 5, Knowledge Channel aired over SKYcable, SKYdirect, ABS-CBN TVplus, and other cable and direct to home satellite TV providers, reaching millions of students.

Calma also said that KCFI has developed into video format 50% of the most essential learning competencies (MELC) that DepEd requires to be taught for the school year. In fact, KCFI can easily develop the remaining 50%.

Knowledge Channel’s method of using technology like television has proven effective and has improved the academic performance of children. To support this claim, studies conducted by the DLSU La Sallian Institute for Development and Educational Research and the UP Statistical Center for Research Foundation’s Impact Study for Proficient Measures for Quality Education revealed that children who were taught using Knowledge Channel video lessons performed better in tests.

“The most essential learning competencies are the minimum curriculum-prescribed skills that students must acquire,” Calma said.

Classes are slated to open on August 24. 2020.

Understanding and creating designs, systems and processes

The 21st century DepEd curriculum is about understanding and creating designs, systems and processes, unlike in the past when students were just required to memorize.

“Subjects like mathematics and the sciences involve understanding of processes, and they need to be visually illustrated for kids to understand,” Calma said, adding “with this kind of curriculum, we need TV.”

“Children’s critical thinking and creativity are triggered by video lessons because we challenge them with questions at the beginning, halfway through and at the end of the episode,” Calma emphasizing that multimedia resources could improve one’s critical thinking skills.

National Council for Children’s Television

According to National Council for Children’s Television board member Alice Panares, the government is faced with the near-impossible task of training a 900,000-strong teaching workforce to teach students using media before the August opening of classes.

Panares believes that Knowledge Channel is helpful in distance learning program

“While the teachers are being trained, why not tap first the lessons of Knowledge Channel since it already has existing materials,” Panares said, adding that “Knowledge Channel has done a very complete work in educating the students in different areas.”

KCFI president and executive director Rina Lopez Bautista appealed that KCFI be given the chance to share with the government its expertise for the sake of the children.

Lopez Bautista said, “We believe that learning must continue for all and that no child should be left behind. We appeal to our lawmakers and the Filipino people to recognize ABS-CBN’s contributions to education and that ABS-CBN is granted a new franchise so that we can again reach the children no matter where they are in the Philippines. The Knowledge Channel Foundation continues, and will be working to continue to be in the service of Filipino children.”

Last July 10, House of Representative denied the franchise renewal application of ABS-CBN.