Online Classes in the Philippines During Pandemic

    The COVID-19 pandemic began a year ago. And so far, not only the Philippines, but all countries worldwide are still grappling with this terrible virus.

    Many establishments and businesses were closed down and the unemployment rate increased. The Department of Education has established a continuity plan for the next academic year.

    Although some schools did not expect that online classes would be possible. Other private schools have adjusted the system. But some parents wished to skip the school year because some cannot adapt, some don’t have internet access, some don’t have the means to pay the tuition fees and to buy the needed things but most importantly they think children probably will not learn with this kind of set-up.

    Honestly, as a parent, I wished to skip the school year for my sons, but it’s my responsibility as a parent to give them the education they need even there’s a pandemic on-going. So, I decided to enroll them even though I knew it would be tough for them and for us, the parents. I know that my sons, particularly the grade schooler, will very much need my time on his online classes. Orientation is a must, because not all students are keen on using the computer. They needed to familiarize themselves with every computer function. How to make it work and go through all possible websites that will be used.

    My son had trouble keeping up with the class. He is not motivated at the beginning. I noticed that sometimes he did not pay much attention and told me that he would like to see his classmates and teachers personally. He was sad because he couldn't play and talk to his classmates the way he used to. But I talked to him and explained thoroughly why all these things happen. 

    As for the lessons, I saw that he found it hard to read and study all the online modules. I had to print the materials for him so that he could understand their lessons correctly and properly. After his classes, I needed to teach the lessons again because he did not fully understand the lessons during their online classes. 

The challenges I believe learners experienced with these distance learning are:

 1. Internet connection is the main issue. If all family members use the connection simultaneously and there is an interruption, usually during peak hours, it was hard to connect to the class. They went through a slow internet and were disconnected.

 2. Space. Not all have a big space or room to use for online classes. During this pandemic, work from home was also put in place. It's like there's a fight at home where everybody's talking at the same time. 

3. Learning Materials. Students found it difficult to study without a paper handouts of the learning materials like books.  Some schools have relied on e-books and YouTube videos as resources. As a tutor, I know that students learn well if they have materials they can keep, highlight and review at any point during the day.

4. Gadget like computer, laptop and cell phone. Not everybody can afford to buy these things or even own at least one. Especially if the family has a lot of children and only have enough money to buy the things they needed to live.   

5. Gadget malfunction. camera and microphone not functioning well. Sometimes this stuff happens. And it affects the concentration of the student.

6. Modules. Are not taught and delivered properly due to lack of time and difficulty in teaching during the online classes. With regard to public schools, delivery of modules was the primary problem for teachers. In particular, in rural areas where other pupils live at the top of the mountains or far away to visit. Teachers made efforts to finish, print the modules and deliver them even using their own money to buy paper, printer and transport costs to bring them to their students. (I salute all teachers out there).  

But unfortunately they are times that to be able to meet the deadline for submission, parents tend to be the one who answers their children's modules.

7. Eye Problem Due to Online Classes – just as adults, kids can experience the headaches, blurred vision and dry eyes associated with staring at laptops or tablets for long periods, such as a full school day.  The student experienced and complaints of eye fatigue during an online course with the increase in screen time and the number of asynchronous tasks assigned to them.

    It was really tough at first, but we learned to adapt and accept that this is the new norm. We have to be flexible and strong on behalf of our family.

    Another school year has come to an end and another academic year is about to start. Some schools are holding registrations and preparing for further distance learning. 

    That said, it is my hope that the process will be better organized and better planned. And the schools and teachers will continue to be more sympathetic to the submission of tasks and the situation of the family. And finally, to establish flexibility in terms of payment of the tuition fees.

    And I pray continually that this pandemic will soon end for the good of all, not just of my country, but of the entire world.

Stay Safe!

Tinkerbell