The still-active COVID-19 outbreak has disrupted daily life for over years. One of the institutions that has suffered greatly is the nation’s educational system. The Department of Education (DepEd) has implemented many reforms known as “blended learning” to ensure that learners’ needs are not disregarded in this so-called new normal.
Technology is used to mix online and offline learning methods in blended learning. When using a webcam-enabled application, students can study with their teacher and classmates online. Offline, however, is when the teacher gives the students the lesson, seatwork, and assignment so they can do it at their own pace before the due date. Every assignment is turned in and graded online. This new educational approach brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic may be an additional hardship at this challenging time, especially to students who belong to families with financial problem and parental support. And while things won’t go back to the “normal” we’ve all become accustomed to; let’s all do our best to adapt and make the situation at hand work. Keep in mind that the goal of online learning is to maintain students’ academic engagement so they can remember what they have studied.
The Covid-19 pandemic challenged our notions of what constitutes teaching and had an effect on every aspect of education, including funding, the use of technology, enrollment, and other factors. It highlighted economic inequalities and the physical and mental capabilities of our pupils while also posing technical difficulties for both students and teachers.
Parents have expressed dissatisfaction about the lack of individual attention and face-to-face contact among the pupils. It is not an exaggeration to argue that the present crisis is permanently changing the face of education. Difficulties like online fatigue, inadequate Internet connectivity, and mental health challenges are just a few of the issues that need to be addressed. We must acknowledge the truth that our schools would never be the same again.
All areas of education have adapted quite well, leading to not just academic advancements but also to innovation, inventiveness, and commitment. I am certain that we will succeed in light of everything said above as well as our lessons learned from the previous year. Teachers, students, and their families have benefited much from the time spent teaching and learning at home. A wonderful opportunity to review our educational strategy and lay the groundwork for a new norm that will significantly enhance the education of our younger siblings exists as the world emerges from broad isolation. It’s hardly surprising that many Filipino students have difficulty adjusting to remote education. No matter how badly they want to, not all Filipino parents can easily afford to get their kids a laptop, computer, tablet, or phone, let alone an internet connection. As a result of the pandemic, many individuals lost their employment.
This is understood by the education industry. They are thus utilizing this opportunity to change how we teach our children. Although it will be a challenging task, this is an opportunity for the Philippines to build the schools of the future. The pandemic is far from over, and who knows what other disasters we may face in the future. By promoting flexible learning, they are doing this in one of the most essential ways. This suggests that educational initiatives are planned to satisfy the demands of communities, schools, and learners. The COVID-19 pandemic will significantly alter the classroom atmosphere. Nevertheless, the DepEd is optimistic that 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, despite the various social and economic scenarios of families that affect the availability of learning support at home, as well as the specific needs of different learners.
By: Michelle F. Ferrer |Principal |Jesus F. Magsaysay Technical Vocational High School |Castillejos,Zambales
