Learning in Times of Crisis

 

        The rapidly-developing coronavirus crisis is dominating global headlines and altering life as we know it. Our country, the Philippines, is in a state of turmoil. We are combating a virus with no foreseeable solution that is too great to bear. The coronavirus has changed how we work, play, and learn. Projects have been delayed, schools are closing, and many people have been asked to work from home. The world seems to have ground to a halt because of the novel coronavirus.

As Covid-19 cases continue to expand in the Philippines, online teaching and learning have been implemented by most schools to keep students safe and help control the spreading of the virus. Problems have arisen as to how students who do not have stable internet connectivity will have access to education amidst this pandemic. Educators, parents, and students have different views on this issue, but the Department of Education proposed different modalities of learning. They use alternative modalities such as online learning, modular or paper-based learning materials, and media-based instruction through TV and radio.

One of the modalities I'm taking is modular learning. This mode of learning is a response to the call for education among students who prefer the traditional way of learning. Teachers hand over the printed modules to the parents or guardians of students once a week. These contain numerous activities, discussions, and performance tasks that the students have to undertake on their own. 

Modular learning was confusing to adjust to as a student participating in the home-learning program. There have been several concerns that the home-learning program is much more stressful than regular classes. "One of the common reasons for this went along the lines of: "Regular classes may have been tough, but it makes it so much more manageable and less frustrating to have friends by your side. Online classes take advantage of socializing with friends and being stuck alone with nothing but tasks."

Besides, many students are participating in home-learning programs often claim that online classes have a greater workload than regular classes, which I somehow agree with. This teaching method is pathetic. It's ruining teachers' and students ' mental, emotional, and physical health. Little do they know, students aren't learning, they just want to survive this school year and rely on deadlines a lot more. This is not what I thought would be called "education."

The bigger problem with modular learning is that because of lack of knowledge, this strategy would not work on certain learners and they will not read and comprehend on their own. Yes, they have their parents to advise and teach them, but some parents are also unable to guide them because they are not capable of reading with comprehension either.

However, it can be more difficult and challenging than ever to study at home. Little do we know, some people are facing problems at home. As a result, many students can't concentrate on doing their activities, tasks, or requirements at home.

From what I'm seeing and witnessing in the middle of the pandemic, the only solution for this is to follow health protocols and have a competent government that has adequate solutions for combating this virus. In this way, face to face classes will be implemented.

References:

https://voxeu.org/article/impact-covid-19-education#:~:text=Solutions%3F-,The%20global%20lockdown%20of%20education%20institutions%20is%20going%20to%20cause,replacement%20by%20an%20inferior%20alternative.

https://www.un.org/development/desa/dspd/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2020/08/sg_policy_brief_covid-19_and_education_august_2020.pdf

https://ec.europa.eu/jrc/en/publication/likely-impact-covid-19-education-reflections-based-existing-literature-and-recent-international

https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/04/coronavirus-education-global-covid19-online-digital-learning/