INTRODUCTION FOR TED TALK ABOUT FLEXIBLE LEARNING:
1. Get the audience’s attention.
2. She clearly identifies the subject.
3. Tell why it is important to them.
Flexible learning in the age of Covid 19
How flexible is flexible learning?
No one can deny that the only constant in this world is change. We go through so much
about it in our lives. We grow physically, emotionally, mentally, perhaps financially and
spiritually, and of course socially. Through those times we have learned to be flexible constantly
to adapt to the changes. I would even say that flexibility is really a must have in our lives for
survival due to the forever occurring changes and we must go with the flow. And that ladies and
gentlemen is really essential most especially on the current situation that is happening all around
the globe, and no one is an exemption of it. The new normal as what my mother is always telling
me is here, the so-called flexible learning.
So, what we are going to do today is to discuss about flexible learning, to know the
advantage and disadvantages of it, and state some recommendations about the said topic.
Now, ever since the pandemic caused by corona virus has disrupted the educational
system worldwide. In the Philippines, educational institutions are trying to make sure that
learning is unhampered during the health crisis. And so, I remember the very first time thatthey
announced that everyone or every schools and universities, public or private, will undergo the
flexible learning program. To be honest I was excited, my lazy self was glad to the thought of
schooling while I just stay inside my home. It was a greatcomforting thought, but disappointing
because I didn’t understand the concept of it and what it means. Which is embarrassing to
confess now. Knowing what we would go through is very important so you will know be
prepared
Flexible learning for higher education institutions involves a combination of digital and
non-digital technology, which according to CHED, doesn't necessarily require being connected
to the internet. Additionally, it ensures the continuity of inclusive and accessible education when
the use of traditional modes of teaching is not feasible, as in the occurrence of national
emergencies.
It has 3 modes:

Online – A flexible learning mode which is electronic-based and which uses available
online classrooms for the delivery of instruction. Learning materials are in digital format
such as webcast, podcast, videos, audio, and other open educational resources or OERs.

Offline – A flexible learning mode that does not use internet connectivity at all. Learning
is done through printed modules or uses digital forms such as video and audio placed in
storage devices.

Blended – A type of flexible learning which is a combination of online and offline
modes. Online technology will be used for delivering lessons, while other classroom
activities will be done offline using printed modules, video tapes, storage devices, and
learning packets.
Body:
How flexible is flexible learning? The quality assurance of flexible learning is a
challenge. This pandemic pushed the boundaries of everyone including the field of education.
Since new normal includes no face to face interaction, majority platform used for classes are
through online connection. However, numerous problems emerge throughout the implementation
of flexible learning.
Online flexible learning, for instance online classrooms use alternative ways for learning
course concepts, such as interactive videos, recorded lectures, and well-written materials. As
online learning evolves, students will have more options through virtual and augmented reality
which will help create a richer and more immersive learning experience.But, it is not for
everyone. Access to a computer and stable internet connection is difficult to some students.
Considering the usage of smart phones somehow provides support for academics but the
functions are limited. Despite the booming growth in technological capabilities, the rates of
computer literacy are still far from perfect. It’s highly important that we look at online learning
as an addition, rather than as a replacement to traditional education.
Offline flexible learning, with offline learning, it’s easier to ensure attendees are paying
attention to the training. The process of learning is not isolated as there are other students
learning along and sharing knowledge. The true form of learning is where there is involvement
of people sharing and receiving knowledge without delay. And this is achieved in a conventional
offline classroom.But, it is risky. Offline learning means the shift to modules provided by the
school. The process of distributing and submitting these papers increase the exposure to the
environment. This makes the students or anyone responsible for handling the modules vulnerable
to Coronavirus.
Blended flexible learning, with schools all over the world redesigning because of
COVID-19, blended learning is becoming a new normal. It has been around for a while and is
the combination of traditional face-to-face instruction with aspects of online instruction all while
students are in the classroom with the teacher. Blended learning strives to provide students the
best of both face-to-face and online learning experiences. Blended classrooms include face-toface instruction techniques such as direct instruction or lecture, group discussions, and smallgroup work while also using technology to provide in-class online learning that students can do
at home provided they have access to necessary technology.
The struggles during this time are hard. But we must continue to be resilient and strong
for better days are coming, sooner than we know.
Conclusion:
The increasing availability of Internet connectivity and interactive Web applications have
contributed to the growth in the number of schools implementing flexible learning. Although
implementing Flexible Learning is a complex process because educators must determine the
perfect blend of face-to-face activities and online learning activities when designing courses,
early research indicates students have favourable opinions about participating in Flexible
Learning courses versus the traditional face-to face classroom. The main objective of flexible
learning is to provide learners with utmost flexibility on the learning content, schedules, access,
and innovative assessment, making use of digital and non-digital tools. In the present time,
flexible learning aims to reduce the number of students who goes out thus it is to promote
physical distancing and to protect the health of the students and the teachers and this also abides
tothe rules or laws that the government had created since the start of the pandemic. So the
teachers and students will need to work collaboratively and take equal ownership in determining
the best principles for an approach that redefines what it means in order to teach and to learn).
And schools should continue to implement disruptive technologies or innovations that are
affordable and will provide engaging and effective instruction that personalizes learning for all
students. And students should become more conscious of enhancing themselves with flexible
learning, so that they can come out with flying colours in their profession. They should equip
themselves with profound knowledge of technology in order to develop their interest and make
their learning easy and effective. Flexible learning moulds the learners to plan their activities
according to their interest and enthusiasm. It also keeps their mind in pleasant situation and out
of external fear.