Goodbye, Online learning

Published: November 16, 2022
Time: 11:50 PM
Article #: 249

I didn't anticipate reading such dreadful news today, which will once more sap my motivation. Many of my colleagues on my block were upset and wanted to start online petitions after reading this. Since three years ago, we have been using virtual learning. I can say that the amount of labor we put in each day makes what we are going through also quite difficult. If forced to choose, online classes are more challenging than in-person ones. It is believed that this is the new norm in education, although many of us have adjusted to the change. We don't know why it will be discontinued and the old method of instruction reinstated.

Don't get me wrong; I would also like to return to complete face-to-face education. But I honestly believe that this just leaked CHED Memorandum was not even well reviewed.

The CHED order said that “upon a comprehensive assessment of institutional capabilities, analysis of learner needs and preferences, and conduct of stakeholder consultations, HEIs (higher education institutions) may choose to design and deliver their degree programs through onsite learning or hybrid learning modality starting the second semester of school year 2022 to 2023.”

CHED further noted that “unless there is an approval from them,” college and universities cannot offer their “degree programs in full distance learning, including online modality.”

Source: https://www.rappler.com/nation/ched-says-no-more-fully-online-classes-2023/

They are unaware that the majority of students in the provinces attend online programs. Due to the location of some of the state colleges that many students attend, the NCR will become crowded if this is implemented and full face-to-face communication is restored since many young people would leave the provinces. Another issue for students is the allocation for transportation, food, and even the boarding house here in Metro Manila.

I'm not sure why they can accomplish stuff like this with such ease. When it comes to this, there ought to be a lot of consideration, but it looks like it mainly benefits students who want to return to school. What about people who want to continue their education online but don't want to go back? What about students who manage to balance work and education in order to make ends meet while working a full-time job? For sure, a lot of college students here are now working.

There are still a few weeks left in the year, so I'm still holding out hope that it will be revised. I saw on Facebook that the notification from CHED had also frustrated a lot of students and parents. I think we still have the freedom to decide what will work best for our learning style. There are pupils that can still keep up with the lessons even if they are online, so maybe it will be fair for everyone if both options will still be available.