by Leila Pasamonte and Miguel Anabo
What will be the “new normal” for schools, colleges, and universities?
All educational institutions in Metro Manila have temporarily closed ever since the government declared the community lockdown in March. Classes still resume for most schools and universities through online forums, discussions, and meetings. Learning materials are sent to students through platforms like Google Classroom, Moodle, iStudy and many more.
Learning has evolved from face-to-face classes to on-screen or blended learning. However, the issue is that there is an ongoing pandemic. There could not be a ‘quality education’ during this time when there are people infected, dying, hungry – the whole experience of living through a pandemic.
Students are expressing their vital concerns on social media regarding the sudden transition in education. By using hashtags like #NoStudentLeftBehind, not only students, but parents and concerned citizens are also partaking in the discussions for hopes of being heard by the national government and school administrations.
One of the stressed issues is internet inaccessibility. Unfortunately, not everyone has a stable internet connection. Some students rely on their mobile data; Some visit computer shops; Some do not have the budget to rent a computer or buy load.
Check out this 20-year-old student who had to climb a mountain to send requirements due to unstable internet connection. All the effort so she would not be “left behind”:
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/hashtag/content/736143/student-climbs-mountain-in-search-of-signal-to-send-school-requirements/story/
The students’ well-being is another issue. The families of students are affected by the crisis. Having an infected family member is already stressing – financially or mentally, both for some. Due to this, the student is unable to focus on school readings, exams, and requirements. A student may also be overwhelmed with all the situations happening not only in the country but globally. Every student has a different learning pace. It is quite impossible to fully give attention to academics, considering the circumstances the world is going through right now.
Studying the given learning materials are not as effective as what's done on usual. Learning becomes passive – which cannot be referred to as ‘quality education’.
Department of Education (DepEd) said that classes will have to start in August as the country is still on the process of flattening the curve. Commission on Higher Education (CHED) is authorizing universities (that have August-July academic year) to extend their semester for a month once the government lifts the quarantine.
There will become a ‘new normal’ post-COVID ‘19. How is this going to affect education in the next academic year?
Students are calling the school administrations to do mass promotion. They also appeal to suspension of classes until the contagious disease is contained and controlled.
If the next academic year will still be held online, there should be massive considerations that will fit all the learners’ needs and concerns.
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