Matter of necessity

Mary E. Ann Sarmiento

SCHOOLING during this time of pandemic will expose just how grossly unprepared our school system is. Not that it was in good shape to start with before all this happened. For a long time, we were just okay, getting by with what little resource that was given.

The gap between a well-founded privately run school and a typical public school has never been wider. That’s what this pandemic has done. At a time where technology will play a greater role, most if not all of us, still rely on paper. Don’t get me wrong, technology on its own cannot teach. Human interaction is still best for learning but our current circumstance doesn’t allow that.

It’s saddening that most students do not have access to the technology that our current conditions demand. We can no longer downplay technology’s importance in the educational system. It is no longer a matter of convenience but of necessity. Technology as an aid for learning has never been more needed than it is today.

This pandemic has also made evident the important role our students’ parents will hold. Gone are the days of passiveness. Learning can no longer be, in most part, only the teachers’ duty. Learning at home will be a new fact of life.

As we enter this new normal, we must find a way to narrow the gap and inequality in our educational system. Rich or poor, students should have the same opportunity to learn. Education cannot only be for those who can afford and have access to technology. We should create a better and acceptable baseline for learning.

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The author is Teacher III at Manibaug Paralaya Elementary School, Porac East District