DepEd warns against selling of free learning materials online

The Department of Education (DepEd) warned against the selling of its free learning materials online as it reminded the public that these can be availed for free.

DepEd Undersecretary Alain Pascua said Wednesday the department would take legal action against those selling free learning materials online following reports of the wrongdoing.

“These people are using free learning materials from DepEd and are shamelessly selling it online,” Pascua said.

“All DepEd authorized and quality-assured materials are for free and they will be uploaded once finalized at the DepEd Commons… If they are being sold at this time, most probably these are still drafts,” he added.

The illegal selling of learning materials online comes as the country’s education system prepares to shift to “blended learning” as the government deferred ‘face to face’ classes due to the persisting risk of the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Remote enrollment is currently ongoing for the entire month of June. Classes meanwhile are scheduled to start on Aug. 24.

Pascua also warned the public, particularly teachers, against groups charging fees for supposed webinars conducted by DepEd.

“If webinar organizers are charging participation fees, then these are neither sanctioned nor authorized by DepEd,” Pascua said.

“We are in talks with our legal department for any legal action we can take on these erring groups and individuals,” he added.

Pascua reminded the public that educational materials can be accessed for free through the agency’s online learning platform, the DepEd Commons.

DepEd Tambayan also offers free online learning materials such as workbooks and worksheets.