Frequently Asked Questions

What are the changes regarding tuition and fees?

As stated in the 7 May 2020 memo from the University President, Ateneo will not implement any increase in tuition or fees this school year, even if these have been previously approved by the government. Furthermore, some fees which will not be fully utilized for this kind of online learning will either be removed or reduced. A schedule of tuition and fees will be released in June.

Will physical books and other supplies still be required for online learning?

This varies across grade levels. Some physical books and supplies will still be required for online learning. In addition, new learning materials, carefully curated from the internet and/or created by teachers, will also be provided through our online platforms.

Will standard digital learning gadgets and devices be included in the tuition?

These are not included in the tuition. The purchase of gadgets and devices will be left to the discretion of parents. Each school, however, will recommend technical specifications for such gadgets and devices. These will be released soon.

What if we have more than one child enrolled in online learning? How will we manage the sharing or use of gadgets and devices?

Since the mode of instruction will be mostly “asynchronous,” students can accomplish their activities at their own pace, within a reasonable time frame. In the event that simultaneous synchronous sessions are required, parents may determine which child needs the gadget or device more. Teachers must be informed of any absences during synchronous sessions.

What sort of adult supervision is expected for online learning?

For younger children (i.e. Kinder to Grade 3), adult supervision is necessary in terms of helping students establish a routine, advance lesson objectives, and perform simple troubleshooting.

For older children, adult supervision must be minimal, since students are expected to assume greater responsibility and independence towards their learning. For more details, please refer to part V of this primer.

How will the school prepare my child to adjust to this online learning set-up?

The schools of Basic Education have already scheduled student orientation sessions on the online learning platforms and learning management systems that will be used this school year. Parent orientations have been scheduled as well. Details will be disseminated by the respective schools in due time.

During the year, class advisers/moderators will monitor student well-being and progress, and coordinate with parents, as needed. Moreover, guidance counselors will provide psycho-emotional support to students through non-academic consultations and routine interviews. These and other support systems are set in place to help students transition well to the online learning set-up.

With an increase in screen time for online learning, what avenues for physical activity will the school provide for my child?

Physical education classes will continue to be offered, with a focus on health, physical fitness, and well-being. Exercise routines will also be part of the students’ daily check-ins.

Will technical support be available for the Learning Management System?

Each school has an IT Services office to address any technical concerns on the LMS (see contact details above). In addition, Help Desks are currently being put in place to provide assistance to students and parents.

How are the teachers being prepared for the changes in the mode of learning and teaching?

To ensure that teachers are equipped to implement online learning effectively, they are currently undergoing training on technical skills and pedagogy suited for online learning under the Information Technology Resource Management Office (ITRMO) and Ateneo SALT Institute, respectively.

If we decide to homeschool our child or move him/her to another school this year, will he/she be able to return to Ateneo next school year?

Returning students will necessarily have to go through a process and adhere to the policies and guidelines of each school under Basic Education. In short, automatic admission does not apply for re-entries.

Will online classes continue even if schools are given clearance for face-to-face instruction by the government?

Basic Education foresees that even if clearances are given by the government within the school year, online learning will still be the main mode of teaching until clearer indicators of a decline in COVID-19 cases are evident and safety measures are put in place. The community’s health is our foremost priority.

When will the parents’ orientations take place, and how will they be conducted?

Details and materials for Parents’ Orientations are projected to be sent before the opening of classes in August. Please take note that the May 29/June 5 Parents’ Orientations for Grade 1 and Kinder respectively (as previously announced) will be rescheduled.

Where can we find updated information about AteneoBlueCloud and the upcoming school year?

You may visit ateneobluecloud.ateneo.edu for announcements and updated information, including updated FAQs. You may also follow the Ateneo de Manila Basic Education social media accounts for regular announcements.

1. I have an old computer at home that still works. Can I use this for my child's online learning?

Yes. As long as it can run the latest version of the Google Chrome browser and do the following without crashing:

• Play videos on YouTube

• Open Gmail

• Run Google Meet (video conference software)

then your computer can be used for online learning.

2. Can I use an iPad or a MacBook for my child's online learning activity?

Yes. As long as it can run the latest version of the Google Chrome browser and do the following without crashing:

• Play videos on YouTube

• Open Gmail

• Run Google Meet (video conference software)

then your computer can be used for online learning.

3. Should the Intel processor be 9th generation only? What about 8th generation Intel processors which provide HD video as well?

Yes, 8th generation Intel processors should be fine. Just take note that these would usually be about 3 years old (released in mid-2017). 9th generation Intel processors were released last year.

4. How do I know if the computer has a 9th generation Intel processor?

Usually, you check what type of Intel processor it has by checking the processor type. If it starts with a 9xxx, it usually means it's a 9th gen processor. If it starts with an 8xxx it's an 8th gen, and the 10th gen is 10xxx. So if you're looking to buy a 9th gen i3 processor, it should start with a 9 after the processor type, e.g. Intel Core i3-9100F.

5. What software is required for online learning for K-12 (Grade School, Junior High, Senior High)? Do I need Microsoft Office?

Microsoft Office isn't required for Basic Education Online Learning. Most of the software that will be used for Basic Ed Units (K-12) are part of the G Suite for Education platform, such as Google Classroom, Gmail, Docs, Slides, and Sheets. All of these are part of the OBF account that will be assigned to students. Most of these can run on a regular computer browser but for best compatibility, we recommend that you use Google Chrome to run these apps. Because Google Meet (a video conferencing tool) will be used for some class sessions, we recommend that the device has a webcam and simple earphones with mic.