As traditional face-to-face classes are subjected to restrictions, it is a major turning point for the Philippine education system to implement flexible modes of delivery as the ‘new normal' of learning. This response is of great help for continuity with students' welfare at first-hand. Filipinos are to go back to the time when homes are sought as learning institutions instead of schools. However, serious concerns like unstable connection, learning devices and financial difficulties have arisen. At least, the feasibility and effectiveness of these modalities remains a question.
With DepEd launching its learning continuity plan for the school year, the ‘hope of the nation' are faced with alternatives like blended, distance and homeschooling. There are households left with no choice but to resort to the ‘lesser evil.' CHED, on the other hand, allowed HEIs to exercise full academic freedom in adopting delivery modes that are deemed effective in their local conditions. Despite of this autonomy, some institutions adopting unimodal approach especially online classes disregard the principle of inclusivity and even prove to be opportunists after breakdown of unnecessary fees.
Students taking skill-based courses are skeptic on the outcomes of learning online but the higher ed authority is up for moving classes that require physical presence in second semester. Limited F2F interaction are allowed for universities in low-risk areas, however. It is unsure if that would jeopardise students' health amid extreme measures. For instance, 2 Incheon students tested positive in South Korea and 70 cases of coronavirus in schoolchildren were reported after schools in France reopen.
Academic freeze in the long-run may seem ideal but it would contribute on the economic recession as teachers and other school employees would be jobless and cause delay for near graduates. There would also be a ‘brain drain' or departure of teachers to other sectors. Students coming from poor families might lose their drive in learning and are less likely to return to school.
For a dilemma that we're facing in a health crisis right now, isn't it practical to put education alongside with safety? While vaccines aren't available in the market, it is better to look on safe and alternative methods. All we need is a proper system that will accommodate all the learners to continue their education, whether they are rich or poor. Government should reach out the less privileged since they don't have the means and resources. It is still economic-friendly for it to fund education rather than freeze the calendar and just give financial aid for employees. If funds are lost for unproductivity, it will create a domino effect in all services including healthcare.
Political will in a seemingly difficult issue plays significantly. Think of how Mayor Sotto and VP Robredo addressed digital divide by raising P1.2 billion to provide tablets, laptops and learning devices for public school teachers and students in Pasig and urging the public for secondhand gadgets that can be utilized for distance learning, respectively. In low-risk areas where universities are allowed to conduct limited F2F classes, they should ensure minimum health standards. From a ‘no ID, no entry' should be ‘no facemask, no entry' policy. Mass testing and contact tracing must be conducted before school opening and financial subsidy should be provided by the government so that higher learning institutions can comply with safety standards.
From political leaders, school administrators must not take advantage of students for profit and should be considerate enough in decision-making to capacitate all students' learning. I've seen a case of an ADMU student who was able to cope despite her lack of consistent Internet connection because her school kept sending her a flash drive containing the syllabus, readings, slides and transcripts of their lectures. There are also schools that will send the learning materials in drop-off points and couriers for students living in far-flung areas as well as institutions that lowered their tuition. As for teachers, they should be lenient on the learner's situations. I think, DepEd should compensate teachers that will travel for homeschooling or might as well hire more teachers. Parents and students should understand that this is the best possible solution offered.
If we really aim for inclusive and accessible education with no students left behind, blind spots must be discerned and resolved should we not to let the circumstances hinder our basic rights to education. Education is also an ‘essential activity,' a critical sector in nation-building. We must recognize its imperative role in our lives, hence, a safe and proactive education should be emphasized in this time of pandemic.
About the Author
Paul Mendez, 19, is an incoming third year BSED student in Romblon State University – Romblon Campus. He is specializing in English and currently works as a news editor in their school's official student publication.
