UNO R Guidelines For Blended Learning Implementationupdated
UNO R Guidelines For Blended Learning Implementationupdated
UNO R Guidelines For Blended Learning Implementationupdated
1. Rationale
The transition into the new normal brings with it the approach of instructional modality that
is resilient, flexible, and engaging in the role of promoting learning activities that are
responsive to the needs of the students. The University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos, with
due coordination with the Commission on Higher Education and with due cognizance of the
policies stipulated by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious
Diseases, has designed the guidelines that would be responsive to the alert level systems that
are in place nationwide.
The following guidelines are designed to promote continuity in learning through approaches
that would be sensitive to the alert level of the locality, which would then promote continuous
learning initiatives that are optimized accordingly.
The University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos (UNO-R) thus adopts the following guidelines
in the charism of engaging evangelization through excellence, upholding quality education
vis-à-vis the educating of hearts and minds in the call for continuing the enhanced Augustinian
pedagogy and responsive 21st century skills engagement.
The learning design framework is essential in promoting effective teaching strategies that
would engage the students. In light of the new normal mindset, the approach that is best
suited for the learners would be the blended learning approach. According to Smith and Hill
(2019), blended learning applies a combination of traditional and online methodologies of
instruction, with the goal of promoting multiple means of developing competencies.
Of the various learning design frameworks, UNO-R adopts a multimodal design, wherein the
delivery of course content and the assessments will be done through multiple modes. The
framework of instruction is to be done using the following scheme:
Page 1 of 18
Primarily On-site Instruction
Combination of On-site or
Collaboration with Peers On- Online Assessments (Except
site and Online Periodic Examinations which
are done ON-SITE)
Blended Learning shall thus be defined as the use of online methodologies to supplement the
on-site instruction approach.
Instruction and Laboratory Work: Primarily, as permitted by CHED and the IATF, instruction
is to be done on-site, where the instructor will be provided technological tools to support the
teaching-learning engagement.
Assessments: The assessments of learning may be done through a blend of on-site and online
strategies, depending on the competencies that are measures and the approach that is
designed by the instructor. The utilization of LMS will be the main channel of online
assessments. However, for periodic examinations (prelim, midterm, and finals), these will be
conducted on-site.
Collaboration: Collaboration with peers will also be facilitated on-site and online through the
many channels of communication that can be used to enhance interaction among students.
Page 2 of 18
3. Learning Delivery Modalities and Instructional Approaches
Microsoft Teams is the official Learning Management System to be used at the tertiary level,
so that consolidation of resources and the streamlining of activities may be done accordingly.
The LMS will be now designed as an adjunct to the learning process, since on-site instruction
is the primary mode that will be applied, provided that conditions are favorable (i.e. Alert
Level 1).
Table 1
University Instruction Protocol System (Tertiary Level)
Condition Alert Level 0-1 Alert Level 2-3 Alert Level 4-5
Protocol Protocol A Protocol B Protocol C
Lecture ON-SITE 1 ONLINE ONLINE
Assessments ON-SITE and/or ONLINE ONLINE
ONLINE2
Laboratory and ON-SITE ON-SITE3 ONLINE/DEFERRED4
Fieldwork
1For the Recoletos de Bacolod Graduate School and the Expanded Tertiary Education,
Equivalency and Accreditation Program, instruction will be conducted primarily online, with a
pre-determined set of on-site interaction.
2 For periodic examinations, these will be conducted strictly on-site.
3 For Alert Level 3, arrangements will be made for on-site conduct since the capacity is reduced
to 30%.
4 Deferred laboratory activities would mean that these activities will be conducted at a later
The above matrix will be the guide in determining the instructional approach to be conducted
at the tertiary level. For the basic education level, the guidelines of the Department of
Education will prevail; however, the protocols may also be similar in nature to that applied at
the tertiary level, since it is expected that the basic education will enact an on-site approach
at full capacity by November 2nd, 2022.
Page 3 of 18
3.2.1. Protocol System Description
3.2.1.1. Protocol A
Protocol A is activated in Alert Levels 0-1. Protocol A applies a 100% on-site lecture delivery,
which will be done on-campus. Assessments are also to be done on-site, but the instructor has
the discretion to assign some assessments to be done online. Periodic examinations will be
conducted strictly on-site. Laboratory and fieldwork are also expected to be done on-site.
3.2.1.2. Protocol B
Protocol B is activated in Alert Levels 2-3. While the Alert Levels would indicate a possibility of
50% capacity for indoor venues for Alert Level 2 and 30% capacity for indoor venues for Alert
Level 3, it is most efficient to design the approach that accommodates both instructor and
the student. Hence, Protocol B applies a 100% online lecture delivery, with assessments to be
delivered online, including periodic examinations. Laboratory and fieldwork will be done on-
site, but proper scheduling will be arranged for Alert Level 3, since the capacity is reduced to
30%.
3.2.1.3. Protocol C
Protocol C is activated in Alert Levels 4-5. All lecture and assessments will be done online.
Laboratory and fieldwork will be either done online through alternative schemes or will be
deferred. The deferred approach involves the instructor scheduling the laboratory activities
to be implemented when Protocols A or B will be reactivated once the Alert Levels become 0-
1 or 2-3, respectively.
Page 4 of 18
3.3. Continued Online Learning System
As stipulated by CHED memos, the on-site or in-person instruction is limited, at this time, to
students and faculty who have been fully vaccinated (at least 14 days after the second dose
for two-dose vaccines or at least 14 days after the only dose for one-dose vaccines). The
University may offer an online learning system for the students who are not vaccinated,
provided the following conditions are achieved:
1) The student must have stable Internet connectivity of at least 5 Mbps to ensure
seamless synchronous learning as well as a laptop to be able to engage in such
learning;
2) The student must be able to provide multiple camera setups during assessments which
will be monitored by the instructor;
3) The student must prepare a contingency plan for loss of internet or power due to
whatever circumstance there may be, such as announced or unannounced power
interruptions, problems in Internet connectivity due to physical problems at the
location of the student or by the telecommunication company; and
4) The student must be aware of attendance guidelines as well as excused absences as
stipulated by the Student Manual.
Page 5 of 18
5. Academic and Non-Academic Activities Continuity Plan
Activities within the institution will follow the Protocol System as to their implementation.
Please be guided by the following matrix.
Table 2
Academic and Non-Academic Activities Continuity Plan
Signed
memorandum
of Agreement
(MOA) shall be
required.
Page 6 of 18
Activity ALERT LEVEL 1 ALERT LEVEL 2 ALERT LEVEL 3 ALERT
LEVEL 4
Protocol A Protocol B Protocol B Protocol
C
4 Physical Education ALLOWED ALLOWED ALLOWED NOT
(Subject for (Subject for ALLOWED
approval) approval)
Page 7 of 18
Activity ALERT LEVEL 1 ALERT LEVEL 2 ALERT LEVEL 3 ALERT
LEVEL 4
Protocol A Protocol B Protocol B Protocol
C
Page 8 of 18
Activity ALERT LEVEL 1 ALERT LEVEL 2 ALERT LEVEL 3 ALERT
LEVEL 4
Protocol A Protocol B Protocol B Protocol
C
5 Sports Fest/ ALLOWED ALLOWED ALLOWED NOT
Intramurals (Subject for (Subject for ALLOWED
Approval) Approval)
o Limit the
o Limit the
participants to
participants
to 70% the 50% the venue
venue of the of the
capacity. capacity.
o Outdoor
activities are
not
recommended.
Page 9 of 18
Activity ALERT LEVEL 1 ALERT LEVEL 2 ALERT LEVEL 3 ALERT
LEVEL 4
Protocol A Protocol B Protocol B Protocol
C
(Subject for (Subject for
Approval) Approval)
Page 10 of 18
6. Student Affairs and Services Continuity Plan
Table 3
Student Affairs and Services Continuity Plan
Page 11 of 18
Services ALERT LEVEL 1 ALERT LEVEL 2 ALERT LEVEL 3 ALERT
LEVEL 4
Protocol A Protocol B Protocol B Protocol
C
5 Student Handbook Hard copy as available • online version (e-handbook)
Development of the guidebook/ handbook
in MS Teams that are
downloadable
• online FAQs – related to the
different services and
policies;
• observance of proper
discipline even on online
classes and interactions
(online etiquette), access to
resources on e-citizenship,
digital well-being, digital
safety, etc.
Student Development Services
1 Student • Submission of recognition/ • Online submission of
Organizations and accreditation documents application for accreditation
Activities drop-off points in the schools.; and re-accreditation of
• Campus organizations to pass student organizations.
list of activities observing • Online activities through
health protocols or LGU / Student Affairs and Services
CHED memos days
• Online platforms or virtual
meeting rooms to student
organizations for their
student activities.
2 Leadership Training • Possibility onsite as per higher • Webinars on leadership
agencies memorandum in view integrated with Augustinian
of the pandemic Recollect Integral Formation
• Online resources on or links
to leadership.
• Allowing students to
participate as official
representative in online
seminars-workshops,
conferences, etc.
3 Student • Possibility onsite as per higher • Provision of Student
Council/Government agencies memorandum in view Council/Government online
of the pandemic platforms, virtual meeting
rooms, etc.
• Provision of online platform
as part of virtual place where
documents, files, and other
Page 12 of 18
Services ALERT LEVEL 1 ALERT LEVEL 2 ALERT LEVEL 3 ALERT
LEVEL 4
Protocol A Protocol B Protocol B Protocol
C
related matters are uploaded
and maintain a less distracted
line of communication
• Online activities through
Student Affairs and Services
Days
4 Student Discipline • Onsite deliberation as allowed • Virtual orientations
by health protocol guidelines highlighting positive
reinforcement of behaviors
producing resilient and well-
mannered individuals.
• Availability of code of
discipline information in MS
Teams
• Online student discipline
process managed by a
committee that will handle
student complaints
(grievances) following
standard protocols.
5 Student • Possibility onsite as per higher • Webinars on online campus
Publication/Year agencies memorandum in view journalism.
Book of the pandemic • Software for students to
convert print campus
journals to e-publication.
• Online platforms for student
publications.
• Online Page as subscribed by
thousands of student within
the organization
Institutional Student Programs and Services
1 Admission Services • Submission of academic • Online enrollment together
credentials as allowed by with the in-house
health protocol guidelines Management Information
System
• Submission of scanned
copies of basic admission
credentials, but with
undertaking on the
submission of not readily
available documents. Once
admitted they are required to
submit original credentials
Page 13 of 18
Services ALERT LEVEL 1 ALERT LEVEL 2 ALERT LEVEL 3 ALERT
LEVEL 4
Protocol A Protocol B Protocol B Protocol
C
Page 14 of 18
Services ALERT LEVEL 1 ALERT LEVEL 2 ALERT LEVEL 3 ALERT
LEVEL 4
Protocol A Protocol B Protocol B Protocol
C
10 Cultural and Arts • Possibility onsite as per higher • Provision of student activities
Programs agencies memorandum in view through organizations
of the pandemic related to cultural and arts
programs
• Assistance in staging online
institutional events, local and
national cultural/historical
celebrations
11 Sports Development • Possibility onsite as per higher • Host individualized physical
Programs agencies memorandum in view fitness program through
of the pandemic online platforms
• Information provided
through Sport Office MS
Teams Account
12 Social and • On-site outreach as allowed by • Virtual meetings and
Community government issuances related activities related to outreach
Involvement to health and outreach programs and volunteerism
Programs activities • MS Teams to provide
relevant information related
to outreach
• Partnership with LGU/NOG in
pursuing humanitarian
causes
7. Classroom Management
The week starts on Monday and will end on Saturday, from 7:30 am to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday
(from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm) is designated as the Augustinian Recollect Integral Formation
(ARIF) Day or Activity Day. ARIF is a formation program spearheaded by the Recoletos
Educational Apostolate in the Philippines (REAP), which would focus on different formation
initiatives in the spirit of the Evangelical mission of the University. All activities on ARIF will be
scheduled in the given timeslot. Additionally, it is encouraged that all student-driven activities
be designated on Wednesdays.
The class schedule is to be distributed during the week, wherein a 3-unit class will be
scheduled in one of the three primary sessions: 9:00 am – 12:00 nn, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm, and
5:30 pm – 8:30 pm. For 1-unit subjects, there is a 7:30-9:00 AM slot available, as well as a 4:00
pm-5:30 pm slot that may be utilized. The design of the three-hour session is to ensure that,
at any given time, the campus will have 50% fewer students than the usual 1h30 session of
Page 15 of 18
9:00-10:30 and 10:30-12:00, for instance. For classes with more than 3 units, the distribution of
the class schedules is done strategically.
The implementation of the class schedule will be based on the Protocol System illustrated in
Table 1.
To ensure adequate spacing between students, each class size will have a maximum of 40-42
students for lecture, and a maximum of 40-42 for laboratory. For the College of Allied Medical
Health Sciences, as guided by their CMOs, the maximum capacity of the laboratory is 20
students.
8. Grading System
Since the courses will be delivered using the on-site lecture and a combination of online and
on-site assessments, for the tertiary level, the old grading system will be applied.
One semester is divided into three terms: prelim, midterm, and finals. Each term consists of
class standing (assessments) and periodic examinations. For the term grade, it is calculated
as follows:
This is usually applied to GE courses and as determined by the College. For professional
courses, a different calculation may be used, such as:
Other grading systems may be utilized based on the discretion of the College as long as such
are approved by their respective deans.
Page 16 of 18
References
CHED. (2020). CMO No. 4, Series of 2020: Guidelines on the Implementation of Flexible
Learning.
CHED. (2021). CHED-DOH Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2021-001: Guidelines on the
Gradual Reopening of Campuses of Higher Education Institutions for Limited Face-to-
Face Classes during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
CHED. (2021). CMO No. 8, Series of 2021: Guidelines on the Implementation of Flexible
Delivery of Student Affairs and Services (SAS) Programs during the COVID-19
Pandemic.
CHED. (2021). CMO No. 19, Series of 2021: Guidelines on the Conduct of Critical Workshop
and Laboratory, Thesis and Capstone Design and OJT Courses of Engineering and
Engineering Technology Programs during the COVID-19 Pandemic Period.
CHED. (2021). CHED-DOH Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2021-004: Guidelines on the
Implementation of Limited Face-to-Face Classes for All Programs of Higher Education
Classes for all Programs of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Areas Under Alert
Levels System for COVID-19 Response.
CHED. (2022). CMO No. 1, Series of 2022: Supplemental Guidelines to CHED-DOH Joint
Memorandum Circular (JMC) No. 2021-004, on the Additional Guidelines
for the Operations of Limited Face-to- Face Classes of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in
Areas Under Alert Level 1.
CHED. (2022). CMO No. 4, Series of 2022: Guidelines on the Safety Seal Certification Program
for Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).
CHED. (2022). CMO No. 5, Series of 2022: Amendment to Article IV. H. of CHED-DOH JMC No.
2021-004 or the Guidelines on the Implementation of Limited Face-to-face Classes for
All Programs of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Areas under Alert Levels
System for COVID-19 Response and Amendment of Article III.B., Item 12 of CHED
Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 01, series of 2022.
CHED. (2022). CMO No. 6, Series of 2022: Sustaining Flexible Learning in Higher Education:
An Addendum to CMO No. 4, Series of 2022.
Smith, K., & Hill, J. (2019). Defining the nature of blended learning through its depiction in
current research. Higher Education Research & Development, 38(2), 383-397.
UNO-R. (2020). Online Education Implementation Guidelines (Version 3.0).
Page 17 of 18
Academic Council S.Y. 2022-2023
Page 18 of 18