“We have the sense that ‘normal’ is not returning, that we are being born into a new normal: a different kind of society, a different relationship with the earth, a different experience of being humanitarian.” — C. Eisenstein

            It’s been almost a year since the still-active COVID-19 epidemic wreaked havoc on daily life. The country’s education system is one of the institutions that has been severely impacted. To guarantee that learners’ requirements are not overlooked in this so-called new normal, the Department of Education (DepEd) has undertaken several changes that have now been termed “blended learning.”

            Blended learning is the use of technology to combine online and offline learning techniques. Online is when students study alongside their teacher and classmates via a webcam-enabled program, but offline is when the teacher provides the students with the lesson, seatwork, or assignment that they may do at their speed within the deadline. All assignments are submitted and assessed online.

            This new method of learning brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic may be an added burden at this difficult period. And, because returning to the “normal” we’ve all been accustomed to isn’t going to be the case, let’s all try our best to shift and make this present scenario work. Remember that the objective of online learning is to keep students academically engaged for them to recall what they have learned.

            The Covid-19 pandemic tested our expectations about instruction and had an impact on all elements of education, including financing, the use of technology, attendance, and so on. It emphasized financial disparities and our students’ physical/mental capacity, as well as presenting technological challenges to both students and teachers.

            Parents have been complaining about the students’ lack of personal attention and face-to-face interactions. There are concerns like Zoom fatigue, poor Internet connectivity, and mental health issues—it is not an overstatement to say that the current crisis is forever altering the face of education. Our schools will never be the same again—this is a fact we must accept.

            All sectors of education have adjusted exceptionally effectively, resulting not just in educational advances but also in creativity, ingenuity, and dedication. Given all of this, as well as our learning experiences over the previous year, I am certain that we will triumph.

            The time spent teaching-learning process from home has supplied educators, students, and their families with invaluable information. As the globe emerges from broad isolation, there is an excellent chance to reassess our educational approach and prepare the way for a new normal that will further improve the education of our younger siblings.

            It’s no surprise that many Filipino students struggle with distance learning. Purchasing a laptop, computer, tablet, or mobile phone, as well as obtaining an internet connection, are not something that all Filipino parents can readily accomplish for their children, no matter how much they want to. Many people lost their jobs as a result of the pandemic.

The education sector is aware of this. As a result, they are seizing this chance to alter the way we educate our children. The pandemic is far from finished, and who knows what other crises we may face in the future, so while it will be a difficult effort, this is a chance for the Philippines to construct the schools of the future.

            One of the most fundamental ways they are accomplishing this is by encouraging flexible learning. This implies that learning programs are designed to meet the needs of students, schools, and communities.

            The classroom environment will be drastically different amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Nonetheless, the DepEd is hopeful that, despite the various social and economic scenarios of families that affect the availability of learning support at home, as well as the unique needs of different learners, the Basic Education Learning Continuity Plan (BE-LCP) could be the key to ensuring educational opportunities that are open and receptive in the new normal.

By: Abegail C. Reyes |Gordon Heights National High School|Olongapo City