BECAUSE of the pandemic that disrupted schooling nationwide, our educators have introduced what they call Online Classes or Distance Learning.
This appears as new to many people especially in the rural areas where many families have no computers. That is why they said that they are not ready for the incoming school year with the introduction of Distance Learning.
As we said, many in the rural areas do not have computers at home. On line education will therefore impose additional burden on the parents. Can you imagine how much they will spend if they have six children and all are in school and they will provide them with computers?
Maybe this Online Classes or distance learning is good for special courses, say a writer’s course like short story writing. We took one such course in our younger days as we were an admirer of Hiligaynon short story writers Conrado Norada and Ramon Muzones. We wanted also to write short stories like them but our stories came out not as good and so we gave up.
Going over some interviews of students on distance learning, we noted that their overall impression of it is not good. We quote hereunder some comments of students in reply to a question asked them.
Question: How do you feel about Distance Learning?
Answers:
1) “It might not entirely give good quality education.” – Sophia B. Cruz, 18, First Year Diplomatic Affairs, De La Salle – College of St. Benilde
2) “Sad. It is harder for us to really learn the subject. Unlike before when we used books. Now we use laptops and software, and some students can’t even afford those things.” – Jaymee Malig, 15, Third Year High School, Good Shepherd Christian School
3) “It will lessen student population a lot due to numerous students relying on technology, which some do not have the privilege to obtain.” – Derek Malchus, 19, First Year, BS Computer Science, FEU Alabang
4) “I personally do not like distance learning because I prefer sitting in a classroom where it is inter-active and where I get to meet new people.” – CJ Victoria (female)
5) “I am ok with it because the students and the teachers will be safe from the virus.” – Isaiah Nathan Cruz, 14, Grade 9, The Seed Montessori School
With the above typical answer of students interviewed about Distance Learning being introduced by the Department of Education starting with schools in Metro Manila, perhaps Congress should take a look at this new program because it might discourage many students from entering college.
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GEM OF THOUGHT
“Put lipstick on a pig.” – If people put lipstick on a pig, they make superficial or cosmetic changes, hoping that it will make the product more attractive.
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