MindHearts Academy of the Philippines

The school is committed in continuing the education of its students through Online Learning and Learning through Printed Modules and to be succeeded to classroom leaning while ensuring the safety of our beloved students.

In contrast to a regular school day where campus learning take place, the school will provide students with instruction in various forms both online and offline. Perceived by the present situation of our students, teachers, and parents, the realities of the context of the nature of online learning, MAP will ensure that the students develop necessary academic competencies while taking care of their overall well-being.

The school expects that all students will complete their online/modular learning activities and assignments as if they were in school. Because we are counting LCP days towards our days of instruction, we seek the support of parents to be our partners in the delivery of instruction. 

SURVEY ON PARENTS AND STUDENTS READINESS

Last May 7, 2020, MAP conducted a survey to determine the readiness of parents and students in terms of connectivity, availability of needed gadgets, and the presence of parents/guardians to assist the learners. With 215 respondents, data shows that 83.5% are willing to embrace online learning.  The school realizes the importance of a common understanding on the purpose, operation, and limitations of the LMS. Therefore, orientation and training for students, parents and guardians shall be conducted.

After considering student, parent and teacher feedback about Distance Learning through our online survey and online meeting, we came up with a plan to ensure the continuity of learning in the safety of their homes. MAP Flexible Learning System is anchored on the Enhanced Basic Education Curriculum and the identified Most Essential Learning Competencies by the Department of Education. It is also anchored on our oath to providing quality education that promotes academic distinction and holistic skills formation through innovations built on knowledge, skills, technology, values and adaptability. We are taking into consideration the situation of families who have issues with internet connectivity, sharing of devices with other family members and the schedule of availability of an adult for guidance and supervision. We highly encourage each family’s involvement in the student’s learning and we shall be flexible in providing ways or instructions for them to facilitate learning at home with ease, while making use of available resources at home. Aside from live online instructions, teachers will provide a range of pre-recorded videos and screencasts or printed materials for all subjects to ensure that students can learn all of their lessons at their own pace.

Alternative modes of learning will be provided in the following ways:

Home-Based Learning

• Learning Online using the VSmart School & Learning Management System (LMS) – learning is accessed anytime, anywhere using the internet and a single platform (mobile application or web-based) which also enables the school to communicate with stakeholders (students, parents, teachers and administration), create and manage lessons, deliver instructional materials, links and other online tools, administer assessments and monitor student progress. 

1. Asynchronous Learning – refers to any activity, designed by the teacher that may be done by the student in different times but still within the given parameters. This allows for flexibility in terms of the learning pace of students, availability of gadgets (if shared with other people), studying/working time (if a student needs to be assisted by parents who have their own busy schedules) and strength of available internet connection. The teacher will provide materials for reading, lectures for viewing, and assignments for completion and exams for evaluation. The student can read on his own pace or view on his own time. Submission of works may also be done through the VSmart School. 

2. Synchronous Learning – refers to any activity that is scheduled to happen at an exact time and in a virtual place that has been agreed upon or announced earlier. The teacher will have a live video conferencing, live chatting or live streaming with his/her students in a specific time, using the same platform. Synchronous activities will provide opportunities for students to interact with each other and learn collaboratively.

As an additional feature of the VSmart School, parents will be able to monitor and track their child’s progress if they log in using their child’s account. Textbooks and teacher-made modules are also provided to help minimize the child’s screen time.

We understand that students may not always be able to attend their live sessions. In such instances, accommodations will be made so that they can keep up with their lessons at their own pace. For example, recordings of live classes will be made available for them.

• Learning through Printed Modules – for students who do not have internet connection, learning is provided through teacher-made modules in print, specifically designed to develop the target skills in each subject for each week, using simplified and self-directed instructions. Textbooks will also be utilized and more printed activities will be provided in this mode of learning. Parents shall submit the student portfolio at the end of the week for grading and at the same time, pick up the new task for the following week. The school will also be offering a door-to-door delivery and pick-up of the Learning Kits.

Support for Students and Parents

Whether Learning Online or Learning through Printed Modules, teachers will be available for consultation during the day to assist parents or students should they encounter difficulty in their lesson. The teachers will do a close follow-up with the parents and students to evaluate acquisition of knowledge and the required competencies. The school recognizes that there are some parents who have their work and are away from their home from morning until evening. Some students live with their grandparents and supervision might be difficult. So, a flexible learning system will be an adoption of these limitations.

Students and parents will also be given orientation at the beginning of the school year. This will cover topics such as: routines and guidelines for meeting online or claiming/submitting student portfolio in school, tips for establishing a routine at home, setting consultations with the teachers, and others. We will also help the students and parents to become accustomed to the online and offline learning environment. Tutorial videos on topics such as navigating the VSmart School & LMS will be available throughout the year. Our Helpdesk will be on call during office hours to provide assistance.

Blended Learning

For school year 2020-2021, we plan to continue 100% home-based learning for at least the first two quarters, and we are prepared to run the entire year fully home-based if necessary. However, as per the instruction of DepEd Secretary, there will be no face-to-face classes until a vaccine for COVID-19 is developed.

We will continue to monitor the national and global situation. If and when it becomes safe to do so, we may gradually shift to Blended Learning. This is a combination of Online/Printed Modular Learning and Face-to-Face Learning. This will only be applied when students and personnel are safe to go to school.

Physical appearance in school per class will be done once or twice a week by cluster to minimize the number of students in school and to always observe social distancing. Class size will be limited to six students. Physical appearance in school will only start, depending on the advisories of DOH, IATF and DepEd with parents’ consent.

The school acknowledges the parents’ apprehension and anxieties in sending their children back to school. We shall only offer this mode of learning to those who would allow their children to go back to school, following stringent health and safety protocols. To those who have opted to remain in the home-based mode of learning, we shall continue to cater to their needs and work as hard in delivering quality education.

TOOLS AND SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

• Textbooks are useful resources that will be made available before the start of online and printed modular learning

• Modules and exercise materials can be uploaded online through the VSmart School or by pick-up

• Laptop, desktop computer, tablet or smart phones that are capable to access the Internet browser (Chrome, Safari, Internet Explorer, etc.) or download the VSmart application which is available in Google Playstore (Android devices) and Apple App Store (IOS devices)

• Earphones or headphones

• Web camera (mobile phone camera, built-in or external webcam, etc.)

• Stable internet connection, minimum of 5mbps

Distribution of Learning Kits and Modules will be done once a week. Parents may pick-up the modules from school or have it delivered to their home. Submission of Student Portfolio in this mode of learning will also be done weekly.

OPENING OF CLASSES

Schedule of classes (online learning) will be given during the orientation period which is the first week of August. Enrollees will be accepted until the last week of July 2020. This is to have a fixed number of students per class and for proper scheduling of classes especially when in-class discussion is needed. MAP will officially start the School Year in August 24, 2020, as per the Department of Education’s announcement last May 11, 2020. 

ASSESSMENT AND GRADING SYSTEM

MindHearts Academy of the Philippines’ learning assessment will depend on the guidelines set by the Department of Education. 

HOME-SCHOOL PARTNERSHIP

We encourage parents, older siblings or other relatives of our students to cooperate with teachers as learning coaches to improve academic performance.

PARENT-TEACHER CONSULTATIONS

Teachers are available for consultation during school days. For online learners, the teachers are open for consultation via chat or video conferencing through the VSmart LMS. Schedules will be set per day, per subject area. For printed module learners, the teachers are also open for consultation via text message or call (school’s landline or teacher’s cellphone). There will also be specific schedules per day, per subject area. Parents who wish to consult or send their messages beyond school hours may do so, but will be advised to expect responses later or the following day. 

ROLES OF STAKEHOLDERS

The parents‘ investment in their children in MAP is honored by the school through its commitment to home-school partnership, quality education and character formation.

To develop learning, whether in a traditional face to face classroom setting or in home-based learning, students, teachers and parents must work together with their unique roles to play. These are applied to guide each one to guarantee the effectiveness and efficiency of home-based learning as well as for students to adapt easily to the new structure.

Expectations for students, parents and teachers:

• STUDENTS

  • Accomplish tasks and complete homework on time

  • Ask a question when something is not clear

  • Maintain good physical health through exercise, proper nutrition and adequate sleep

  • Follow procedures, rules and policies

• PARENTS

  • Set up a study space and provide the required technology or system

  • Prepare for technical issues that may come up

  • See that your child/children establish a routine for working on his/her virtual activities daily

  • Help your child/children maintain a regular study schedule

  • Monitor your child/children’s progress weekly using the LMS or through communication with the teacher

• TEACHERS

  • Plan lessons that are relevant and appropriate to the present learning environment

  • Carry out planned lessons in an efficient yet friendly demeanor

  • Prepare appropriate handouts and/or materials in a timely manner

  • Look out for students who have connectivity issues

  • Be responsive to the queries and concerns of students and parents

  • Class Advisers and Coordinators will have special responsibilities to exemplify personal care for students

DISCIPLINE AND CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Student Handbook will be revisited to address the change in norms and policies of the New Normal for education. The revised guidelines will be uploaded in the school’s Facebook page while printed handbook will be handed as soon as the school received the reproduced copies.

Monthly academic celebrations and activities will be conducted with the use of technology and other platforms. Online activities, creation of powerpoint presentations and the like can be alternative forms.