They say that education is the only resource that no one can steal so it must be valued. Even though we hear this proverb over and over again, we still do not recognize the truth it contains. But during this pandemic, what if not only education threatens to destroy us but also our own immunity against the virus, what would you choose?
This week, the issue of the opening of the class in August became hot. President Duterte’s statements on Monday garnered mixed reactions and opinions after he said he was not in favor of it and that the vaccine had to be given priority before returning to class.
Due to the pandemic, the education sector has become one of the most affected. "Online Classes," is the government's visible way as an alternative to continue the education of students who do not have to go to schools.
As part of the so-called ‘new normal’ in the education system in the country, online education is the visible way to continue the people to follow in the coming school year. The issue is long overdue and opinions are divided on what to do.
Is Pipilinas ready for the online education system? Is this method really effective in solving the problems it faces?
Here are some of the reasons why online classes are best done in the country:
EMBRACE INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY
It is said that online education will be the way for young people to learn how to use modern technology. They will have time to explore some of the new ways of learning. At the same time, most will be able to embrace the modern way of cultivating and learning the youth of the country.
FAST PROCESS AND SYSTEM
This way you don't need any other tools, as long as you have an internet connection you can participate in the discussion faster.
SAVE ON TIME AND MONEY
Students no longer need to go to their respective schools. In online education young people can save more time because they no longer have to spend the fare and will definitely reduce costs. With this perspective, many will save more as they continue to learn.
The following are some of the reasons why online education in the Philippines will not be successful:
PROBLEM WITH GOOD INTERNET CONNECTION
We know that the Philippines is one of the countries with the slowest internet connection. This is definitely the biggest problem students will face if this system continues. Not all students have the privilege of having a good internet connection and another problem is that places do not have a good signal.
In fact, here are some of the news that came out regarding the lack of proper internet connection after some schools started implementing online education:
This video shows a student in Masbate who literally climbed a mountain just to get a good signal for the school requirements to be submitted
Unfortunately, this student died in Capiz in search of a good signal to pass the requirements after the motorcycle he was riding in had an accident.
STRONG SELF-DISCIPLINE
This system will be difficult on the part of the students. There will be many obstacles and distractions in their focus and can cause additional stress and other things.
LIMITED INTERACTION WITH STUDENTS
According to some studies, this system can cause children to have a ‘feeling of isolation’ or seem to be in a place where they cannot leave or leave. There will be no proper communication or interaction with classmates as in a normal life.
According to DepEd, part of the Basic Education - Learning Continuity Plan (BE-LCP) or their future step in tackling COVID-19 is to select schools in innovative and varied ways and systems. learning includes the following: face-to-face, blended learning, distance learning, homeschooling, and other modes of delivery.
The Teachers ’Dignity Coalition (TDC) and the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) of the Philippines are also in favor of not continuing the opening of the class but the government should use the time to intensify the fight against COVID-19.
Here is the opinion of some of the teachers of Taguig City University on the issue of class opening in August and the online education system:
“I am not in favor of class suspension in August 2020 even without the vaccine. The experience from ECQ down to GCQ was already enough to serve as a guide on how to manage individuals to free from viruses. Online classes are definitely an effective medium to replace the traditional classroom activity because this medium is already being used by some of the universities and colleges in the Philippines, ”said Prof. Rumar R. Abaigar, Dean of the College of Hospitality and Tourism Management of Taguig City University regarding the promotion of online classes.
According to Ms. Andrea Nacor, a part-time faculty at Taguig City University, said online classes would be more effective if teachers and students had enough materials.
“August is still far away. Let's wait and see what the outcome of the COVID-19 cases will be in June and July. If the number of cases continues to increase in the said months, it is only appropriate to postpone the entrance. As far as I understand, the health of the students is more important than the education because the study can wait, ”said Prof. Carmelo Beltran of Taguig City University regarding postponement of class.
Prof. is not in favor. Monalisa B. De Leon to stop the opening of the class because she prefers not to have face-to-face instruction or study first; he said every teacher should be more creative in using various modalities such as modular, online learning, television and radio, or a combination of the following if necessary.
This issue will definitely have a long discussion in town. Whatever the outcome, we have only one goal — to eliminate COVID-19 so that everyone can return to school.
Are you? Yes, you who are reading this, what do you think should be done by the Philippines today in the education system?
