BY JP PEÑOL
OUR UNSEEN opponent “corona” came along and has since kept everyone inside their homes.
Students were initially super happy since there appeared to be no hope of going to school. They were probably thinking of longer vacations!
But poof, the schools woke up, dressed up and prepared for the abrupt battle.
Some teachers probably hadn’t even touched a laptop in their entire life and now they have to suddenly learn how to log in, how to set up video calls, but most importantly, how to hold the attention of their audience while in the comfort of their homes.
While teachers learn the baby steps of new technology, students are having the great time. They believe they are better than their teachers. They know how to make video calls and navigate the new technology in general. Our teachers are actually at the mercy of these students.
These online classes have given parents a new gateway to monitor their kids…and teachers. They can now attend classes along with them! If allowed, some of these parents may answer some quizzes for their children. Are we really learning or are we just submitting requirements?
Some teachers may feel violated. They are not ready for this. They did not sign up for this. Sure, we must adapt with the times. But we must also give our teachers a reasonable amount of time to change with the times.
Slow internet connection is a nightmare. Students can just give this excuse and get away with their online classes…even if they have stable internet connection.
I heard stories about students crying for help because of slow internet connection yet they have the guts to play Mobile Legends or call their jowa via Messenger uninterrupted!
And there was this student who had named himself as “Reconnecting” so when the teacher checks, he would appear to be “reconnecting”. I pity the student.
These online classes are comedy shows for some students. Our teachers continue to provide entertainment to their students without them knowing it!
The shift from face-to-face to online classes is being railroaded while a lot of digital infrastructure is still not in place.
Some students would claim they are unable to see the assignment on the online classroom although they have been added correctly. Some of them would say they have completed the assignments but are unable to upload – yet the truth is they haven’t done any single task.
While online platforms sometimes cause these issues, some students are smart enough to use these to their advantage! This online learning adds more challenges especially for the unprepared teachers and the financially-challenged learners.
While most of us claim we are ready for the “new normal”, students and teachers in far-flung communities may have extreme difficulty accessing materials online or even just delivering printed modules to their students.
While fast-flowing rivers are crossed, and steep mountains are climbed just to provide students with learning kits, we have to focus the spotlight to the dangers of coronavirus just at the horizon.
Again, are we ready or are we just pushing ourselves off the cliff?/PN
