With this country going into distance-learning / hybrid mode, it looks like a lot of learning + materials will be on proprietary, private + mostly US-based platforms (Google, Zoom, etc). It's unlikely that this gov will invest in dev + hosting our own learning platforms.

It's a shame because there are options. Instead of Zoom (or whatever video conferencing platform), DepEd could be investing in hosting our own instances of either jitsi or Big Blue Button. Instead of Google, our own instances of etherpads + ethercalcs. Heck, even etherdraws.

These local instances of these platforms fit much better with the quality of our internet access. If the telcos can be convinced to give 0-rating to these local hosts, even better. Or, if it's a community-based instance, then they won't even need global internet access.

It would also ensure that distance learning is much more able to enact the our Privacy Law. Instead of the "pikit-mata" crossed-fingers hoping that these corporate platforms won't violate students' + teachers' privacy -- too much. We know all that data will be used to make $$$.

Did no one in the DICT and / or the DepEd consider this? Real question.