The Brighter Side of the Education in the New Normal
Marjorie B. Cudal
The occurrence of this pandemic has changed the mindset of people. The usual became unusual, as with living in the “new normal”. It made people uncertain of the usual routines that we have such as going to the grocery, malls, parks, market and other public places. One of the most affected aspect is in the field of education. How can students, teachers, parents and administrators be able to adapt in the new normal? Struggles have been observed for several months of quarantine and it has been a question if education should be continued or not. But the Secretary of Education has always been positive to continuing education, there is hope in pursuing this academic year.
Although comments and opinion of the public still remain negative, such as health being compromised, students are not yet ready to online learning, lack of materials and gadgets etc. These problems are mostly addressed by the learning continuity plan of each school heads which are guided by the Division offices. The health protocols are always followed as to no face to face class will conducted in this school year. Prior to the enrolment, students were given a survey as to what learning modality they prefer this academic year. The results led to the variety of learning modality such as online synchronous learning which the teacher and the students will have a live class through different online platforms such as Google Meet. Another learning modality is the online asynchronous learning which does not require a live class via video call, rather, the materials are to be uploaded or given to the students thru any online platform such as Google Classroom. And lastly, modular learning modality is for students who do not have an internet connection and a gadget such as smart phones, tablets or laptop. Each week teachers will distribute the module to be accomplished weekly and parents will claim it at school every Monday and submit every Friday. Television shows are also one of the learning modalities where in the Department of Education have chosen teachers to become teacher broadcasters on DepEd TV IBC Channel 13. Radio based programs are also offered to areas with available radio stations. These modalities are supplementary for students who do not have internet connection and gadgets at home to be used for their learning.
The diversity of learning modalities do not only resolve the problems of the students in terms of resources but also amplifying students’ skills such as visual, writing, digital arts etc. In addition, the student has the freedom to express themselves in different modalities and media to which they are more convenient and comfortable. Important values such as honesty, trust and independence are inculcated in this new normal learning as it will be a challenge to understand the lessons away from the school set up. The teachers’ flexibility to adapt in the new normal education is very essential in guiding the learners and the parents/guardians as learning facilitator. The unity of the school and its stakeholders will help making quality education possible anchored with the goal of the Department of Education “Sulong Edukalidad”.
All these measures are to be implemented this academic year 2020-2021. This year may not be a good start, but taking a look at these solutions may we find the brighter side of the education in the new normal. The various learning modalities may help students, parents and teachers develop the unique skills that each one of us have. We may not notice it but our ability to become flexible and open to such changes also improve our way of thinking and attitude. It brings out our famous Filipino custom, “Bayanihan”, we work together as one. As we help one another, we can achieve the betterment of the Filipino society. There is still hope for us and future generation, we can still move forward and rise from this pandemic.
--oOo-
III at Madapdap Resettlement Senior High School
The author is Teacher