By Bernie Cahiles-Magkilat iAcademy, a Makati-based learning institution specializing on computing, business, and design courses, is geared up to implement a flexible learning arrangement that might be considered the “new normal” for schools and universities nationwide as a result of COVID-19 pandemic. Vanessa Tanco, iACADEMY’s President and CEO said this is in response to the Commission on Higher Education’s consideration for a “rolling” opening of classes for colleges and universities for academic year 2020-2021. “In implementing and embracing any new process or system, the initial stage is always the most difficult as it requires shifting paradigms, creating new habits, and learning new tools and methods of doing things. The school continues to strive to cultivate a culture of learning by seeking alternative ways of delivering the lessons using the available resources. We rise above this unprecedented situation by being ready and open to radical changes and unconventional ideas while continuing to be creative and innovative in overcoming these difficulties and adapting to the inevitable ‘new normal’,” said Tanco. iACADEMY has updated its guidelines on the completion of their term and the start of A.Y. 2020- ’21 in the event that the government will extend the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) beyond May 15 and face-to-face classes are still not possible in June. “Since iACADEMY has started online learning and given the new development and directive of CHED, the school has been and will continue to implement a flexible learning mode approach,” Tanco stressed. Earlier, CHED disclosed that it is considered a “rolling” opening of classes for colleges and universities for academic year 2020- 2021. Those universities ready with a flexible learning system, they can open in August. For those who have difficulty, they can open later. For students to complete their term, classes will continue through flexible learning modes until May 30. These learning modes may be synchronous or asynchronous. Synchronous teaching and learning refer to conducting learning sessions where students and professors interact and collaborate in real time. This setup allows immediate feedback and facilitates the exchange of ideas and information. This includes teleconferences, live broadcasts, webinars, and chats using various online platforms such as Learning Managament Systems, Google Meet, and the like.