The 2020 pandemic situation has come up with a lot of required adjustments in terms of providing continuous education to students in all academic levels and age brackets. It is distinct in a way since the classroom set up is sidetracked of the usual picture. The recourse is to hold virtual classed due to the prevailing condition that threatens the health of people. Hence, the usual five days a week face-to-face in school between teachers and students has shifted to online learning.
In this regard, a lot of preparation has been made by the Department of Education DepEd) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). Side by side with the preparation are adjustments that are needed to be taken care of to ensure that the implementation of the online learning process will be smooth and effective. From the classroom set-up, the transition work required plans and strategies to substantiate the distance learning mode. Since personal contact is a restriction during a pandemic, virtual sessions are put in place using the internet as medium for the prescribed learning sessions.
During the October 5, 2020 opening of online classes the point of readiness to run the educational process has been questioned by some quarters. Heads up, DepEd attended and addressed the queries and reservations that were raised during the opening salvo of the process on a timely basis. The same thing was done by the people from CHED who actually started their school activities at a much earlier time than that of DepEd in providing service to college students.
It was a painstaking task to find resolve about the concerns that ranges from problems about internet signal, reproduction of modular materials, readiness of students and their parents or guardians for those in the kinder and elementary level. Notwithstanding, the capacity of the marginalized family to provide the needed gadgets also became a matter of concern. Even with gadgets the next area to be solved is the availability of internet access given the fluctuating signal outside of the urban areas. In addition, teachers also have their concern about the supply of laptops or computers that are instrumental in the delivery of instructions to learners.
No one can deny that the pandemic earmarked an unfamiliar stage in our existence. The extraordinary event brings us to a new experience which is literally outside of our comfort zone. The perspective comes with the realization that not even a lethal virus can keep mankind at bay in its continuous quest for knowledge.
There may be more degree of difficulty to be expected ahead but time and again since the foundation of the earth, resiliency and determination bring out the better in the people of this world. Furthermore, let us also hold on to faith. If we think that we can heal as one, we might as well keep our focus in learning to live and let live even the hard way.
By: CARMELLET R. LALAS | TEACHER III | Bataan National High School | Balanga City, Bataan
