Distance learning gets push

MANILA, Philippines - The House of Representatives has approved on final reading before it adjourned early this month a bill that will institutionalize distance education. Called "Open High School System (OHSS)," House Bill (HB) 4082 seeks to set up an OHSS division under the Department of Education. The OHSS seeks to deliver educational services to high school students using print, radio, television and computer-based communications, satellite broadcasting, teleconferencing, and other multimedia learning and teaching technologies. Students under the OHSS will be allowed to study on their own without having to regularly attend classes in conventional classrooms. The system will be open to those who have finished their elementary education as well to adults who are high school qualifiers under the Philippine Educational Placement Test. Principally authored by Albay Rep. Edcel C. Lagman (1st district), HB 4082 seeks to set up Distance Learning Centers in a regular secondary schools in the regional or division level. Four similar bills are pending at the committee on education, arts and culture. - BusinessWorld