Smart’s distance learning initiative adoption rise 927% in pandemic

PLDT’s wireless arm Smart Communications, Inc (Smart) saw a triple digit increase in the adoption rate among schools of one of its longstanding learning initiatives, providing pandemic-resilient inclusive education.

From initially 73 implementing schools for SY 2019-2020, Smart saw a 927% increase in the implementers of the Central Visayan Institute and Foundation – Dynamic Learning Program, or CVIF-DLP, during the pandemic. There are now almost 750 formal and informal schools and learning communities implementing the crisis-resilient teaching strategy, proven to hone independent learning to help achieve Smart’s #LearnSmart goal that there will be #NoLearnerLeftBehind.

Smart revealed this today in a web forum featuring CVIF-DLP, preparing teachers, parents, students, and local government units for the coming school year 2021-22.  Advocates of the CVIF-DLP also shared their perspectives on the transition to the CVIF-DLP method, best practices, and how it enabled progress for the community during the COVID-19 lockdown.

With the theme “No Learner Left Behind: Inclusive Education for a #BetterWorld,” the web forum streamed live on June 25, 2021 from 1PM-4PM via the Dynamic Learning Program Facebook page. The forum highlighted the inspirational journey of some of the schools and institutions that implemented the CVIF-DLP in school year 2020-2021.   

“We’re here to listen to educators and learners on what worked well during the pandemic school year 2020-21, and see what we can do further in the way of innovating education, keeping it resilient and inclusive though the next normal,” said Cathy Yap-Yang, FVP & Group Head, Corporate Communications for PLDT and Smart. 

The virtual event echoed Smart’s “Live Smarter for a Better World” campaign, inspiring people to commit to sustainable actions with lasting, positive impact to society. The campaign also encourages everyone to ignite their passions to help change the world for the better.  

“We have been creating programs that enrich education through digital learning, but I believe that now is the time to persistently improve learning strategies and expand our reach to truly ensure that no learner is left behind as we dream and make our way to a better world,” Smart AVP for Community Partnerships Stephanie V. Orlino said.   

Founded in 2002 by Ramon Magsaysay Awardees Dr. Christopher Bernido and Dr. Maria Victoria Carpio-Bernido, CVIF-DLP has proven to be a pandemic-resilient and effective teaching strategy that harnesses the student’s ability to learn independently. 

 This is done through CVIF-DLP Learning Activity Sheets (CVIF-DLP LAS), simplified lessons, and practical exercises that can be accomplished with limited supervision and resources. This tried and tested strategy can also complement any modalities implemented by the Department of Education and was added to their supplementary learning resources starting last year.  

The Smart-backed initiative was also recognized at UNESCO’s Mobile Learning Week 2020, a testament on its powerful platform that can augment learning beyond the traditional classroom setup.   

During the Department of Education’s School Opening Day National Program and World Teachers Day celebration led by Education Secretary Leonor Briones last October 2020, Smart announced the availability of free-to-download CVIF-DLP LAS at www.commons.deped.gov.ph. This DepEd portal can be accessed by Smart, Sun, and TNT subscribers even without data load.    

These ready-to-use Junior and Senior High School resources developed by CVIF is one of only three supplemental learning materials that were endorsed by the government agency for academic year 2020-21.  

“The CVIF-DLP has proven to be limitless on how it can be flexible for any scenario, especially in unexpected situations such as now. We designed it with not just the students, but also the teachers, parents, and the community in mind. We are grateful that more institutions are implementing and recognizing us, and we hope to reach and transform more lives through our program,” said the Bernidos. 

The CVIF-DLP has been supported by Smart and PLDT-Smart Foundation for over a decade through the #LearnSmart advocacy, promoting digital technology to enhance learning. Smart amplifies awareness about the program through extensive online workshops and web forums.   

Along with its parent company PLDT, Smart creates and support various educational initiatives, in line with the commitment to help the nation achieve the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals #4: Quality Education.    

For more info about CVIF-DLP, follow Dynamic Learning Program and Smart Communities on Facebook, visit www.dlp.ph, or send an email to learnsmart@smart.com.ph.