For decades, we were bounded with “teacher-to-students” ratio: the best classroom where everybody knew each other, not only by name. This is a common scenario among teachers who were attracted or interested to study post-graduate studies after taking a regular four-year course in education. Before, one had to take a bus to Manila to pursue masteral studies because no school in our province was offering these special courses. But, that was history. At present, there are already schools in Bataan where one can enroll and continue studying up to doctoral courses.
We cannot deny that getting a masteral degree is a “must” for teachers. Without it, a teacher cannot be promoted. But then again, another set of issues are at hand. One, not having enough money to provide for “extra” education. Another is TIME. A teacher may have the money, but time will not allow it. So, instead of spending weekend at home to be with his or her family, he or she has to be away to study. Aside from teaching, a teacher has other tasks to accomplish. Daily lessons, a LOT of reports, community services, construction of innovative materials for teaching, home visitations among others. So, what is the best alternative?
Studying on line so far is an option laid to teachers. Universities around the globe are already offering this. It sounds tempting, and sounds effortless too. But, it is not easy as it sounds. Time and travel can be minimized by this method. Nevertheless, effort applied to studying is the same. Being “massive” on line education is becoming the trend of future researchers and Masteral degree holders and even Doctoral degree graduates. Because it is “open” for everyone and anybody can access it as long as one has an internet connection. Assessments through tests and assignments are given regularly aside from online conferences.
Of course, one’s work gets evaluated by professors. In the end, you may pass or fail, or like the vast majority of enrollees, just stop showing up. And for those who endured the process, they graduate without noticing it. Why? Because people nowadays spend more time in the internet, so why not maximize its use.
On the other hand, some basic learnings get lost in this method. How can a teacher foster meaningful discussions with just one? Using skype may be effective for a face-to-face conference, but how about the others’ perspective in the issue you are discussing? You may not get the satisfaction that your answer is the best without others agreeing on it, right? In addition, because this type of classroom is virtual, nobody knows each other intimately. Meaning, they lose the potential of developing their social skills which is very important why one goes to school to study. The confidence of presenting yourself in front of other people also lessens. One may feel isolated or may become self-centered, and not being aware of it at all.
In the end, it is still up to the teacher how to achieve their ultimate goals in getting higher education. It may be tedious; it may be expensive or even ambitious. Either way, this is clearly one way of improving ourselves as teachers, as professionals.
By: VILMA S. FERNANDO | MT-I | BNHS
