Other modes of learning

Patricia Anne Medina Paule

BECAUSE face-to-face classes will not be allowed this school year, without the availability of a vaccine against COVID-19, our county’s public officials are urging the Department of Education to pursue other modes of conducting classes that can still comply with health and safety protocols.

At this time, the burden should not be on the children. They should not be pressured to do something that will affect their health. Students’ education should continue, but in a safe way.

Schools and education officials are also urged to guide students as they adjust to new modes of learning as most of the students do not own laptops or internet access.

Students should be given the equal opportunity under the learning continuity plan, according to officials.

Difficulties of adjusting to the new modes of learning, along with the health risks of the environment, may affect the students’ mental and emotional conditions, as well as their ability to learn in school.

Earlier, the President has been granted power to set a different date of the school opening, upon the recommendation of the Secretary of Education, in the event a state of emergency is declared. The deferred school opening is applied to all basic education schools, including foreign and international schools, throughout the country or parts of it.

Concerned agencies should work together to provide for alternative, remote learning methods that can ensure education access even for students who have no internet connection.

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