Introduction
Fort del Pilar National High School (FDPNHS), a former annex of Baguio City National High School (BCNHS), achieved its independent status on December 10, 2021. Along with its independence is the offering of the senior high school (SHS). FDPNHS is inside the Philippine Military Academy (PMA). PMA and BCNHHS entered upon a memorandum of agreement to accommodate the children of the soldiers who were situated in PMA. Over time, the school’s population expanded, and now it caters to around 900 enrollees from grades seven to twelve.
The school has its principal, an administrative officer, a bookkeeper, and an administrative assistant. Teacher-designates oversee the clinic, library, and guidance. Due to its limited space, the school was only open for the humanities and social sciences (HUMSS)—academic track. Also, only one section for each grade level in the SHS was created. Ninety-four learners were enrolled (47 for grade 11; 47 for grade 12).
For the first implementation of the SHS program (SY 2021-2022, 2022-2023), the school converted the computer laboratory into a classroom to accommodate grade 11 and grade 12 learners through scheduling. The students have used the computer laboratory alternately. On the days when a grade level is not required to go to school, they are given modules to accomplish. Through the school’s and its stakeholders’ efforts, a makeshift classroom was constructed before the second semester opened. Thus, grades 11 and 12 each have a classroom, and in-person classes were conducted.
As the school year 2022-2023 opened, FDPNHS was chosen as one of the pilot schools for implementing the SMART Learning Communities. FDPNHS-SHS was placed under the blended learning category. Under this type, grade 11 and grade 12 will have days where they will have online distance learning (ODL) and in-person classes. The computer laboratory and its units and equipment are given priority to the SHS students. Additionally, the school upgraded its internet capacity to have a stronger internet connection. Baguio LGU also donated 50 tablets to aid the learners in the SLC. SDO-Baguio also provided teachers with training and seminars before implementing the said program.
Best Practices
The Schools Division of Baguio City (SDO-Baguio), together with the local government of Baguio (LGU-Baguio) and Information Communication Technology Council of Baguio, the SMART Learning Community (SLC) was established to further promote the vision, mission, and core values of DepEd. This project aims for inclusive and accessible digital learning available to all students. Also, to transform traditional teaching to Information and Communication Technology (ICT)-based pedagogy. Pilot schools will incorporate blended learning in a grade level where it is applied.
Since its implementation, FDPNHS strives to ensure that quality education is delivered through the SLC. The school implemented the blended learning approach where students will have online and in-person classes. The faculty teaching in the SHS uses Google Classroom as its primary mode of online learning. Also, the SMART room is equipped with internet connection, SMART TV, and tablets so that the teachers and learners will have a better access to the digital world. Using different apps to the learning-teaching cycle is maximized like the INQSWELA of the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Microsoft Sway, and AI powered apps.
Challenges
Challenges… In the implementation of the SLC in FDPNHS, teachers and students as much as they can, try to improve the use of technology to have a better utilization of the blended learning mode of learning. Some of the challenges that the school is trying to wrestle with are as follows: slow internet connection, teachers and students alike not well versed with the apps that can enhance learning through the use of technology, limited working technological devices and time constraints with the use of these apps.
Despite efforts of upgrading the internet connection, it seems effortless when the devices are used simultaneously. Only few desktops and tablets function well and it takes time to load certain apps intended to be used during the class discussion.
Learning to utilize and manipulate apps also is an impediment. Due to the slow internet connection, both teachers and students cannot fully have a simultaneous growth and development in learning these apps.
Regardless of these challenges, the school stakeholders join hand in hand in making efforts to realize the goals of having the SLC. Remedies and alternatives are sought in order to still go on with an effective learning despite these struggles in the use of technology.