Education System Amidst the Pandemic

 

   Online learning or Remote learning became the main platform of our Educational system this Academic year because of the Pandemic. No face-to-face interaction is permitted, we have no choice except to do all of our business virtually. Many students have decided not to continue their education this academic year since it is difficult for them to keep up with everything, especially when it comes to resource availability. According to DepEd , there are 23 million students enrolled this year, down from 27.2 million the previous year. As a result, many movements such as #AcademicFreezeNow and #NoStudentLeftBehind have sprung up. DepEd did not pay attention to those movements because they believe it is acceptable to continue this year. They proposed a concept called Flexible Learning, in which a student can choose between online and modular learning depending on the resources available to them, whereas college student have no choice but to choose online learning because they are not under Department of Education's jurisdiction.

     The Implementation of Online Classes is a fresh policy in our country. This is the first time where we will undergo a system-wide virtual learning mode. It is a good idea to continue the Education amidst the pandemic via Virtual learning. However, it is evident that not all students are able to undergo the new normal in education efficiently in terms of availability of resources like Internet connection, Gadgets, etc. Additionally, we are all not ready emotionally, We have no time to prepare so adjusting to the new normal is not an easy task. It may cause the development of anxiety among the students. According to High Focus Centers (2020), Students may feel anxious about keeping up with their schoolwork and they may also feel anxious about being in front of the camera in which mat be referred to as social anxiety. 

   But, one thing that I want to point out is that If we follow the sentiments of the people behind those movements, it will drastically affect the job of the Teachers and Educators as it is their main source of Income. I know it is hard for us students, but it is so much harder for our Teachers and Educators. We are all victims of unjust implementation of the new normal for our Education system amidst the Pandemic.

  We should see the silver-lining of the situation. Parents should teach their children the basic life skills while learning at home the Children, who are digitally inclined, should teach the older people the proper way of using the technology. By that, it can be a two-way learning. Also, Many LGU's are stepping up their game by providing the resources needed for the remote learning of the students. This is not toxic positivity but as we are not receiving enough support from the government, this is the best thing to do. Cope up with the situation and continue moving forward. Education is the most important possession that the youth must have.

   To all of you, we are all in this together. We have no choice, but we can have Alternatives. What we should do is to use our privilege to help those who are underprivileged. It may be hard, but one thing is for sure, we will eventually acquire what we desire. We might have a hard time embracing it but gradually we will all be used to it and eventually discover new things and skills that we can use in future endeavors. Education is important. We should not let external forces hinder us from acquiring new knowledge given by education. Education is a foundation of a better life. Education drives us into a peaceful world because it affects our understanding of the difference between right and wrong. So, let us not be stagnant because Education matters even amidst of crisis.