New Chapter in Education: I Accept
Fedimyr O. Morales
The temporary closure of school buildings due to Covid-19 came up with an unanticipated impact: a new realization that teachers have extraordinary skills, carry out essential work and set up their best to ensure that learners will get the education they need. Hence, learning and teaching continues through distance learning approaches across the country. In Sapang Bato National High School (SBNHS), a public institution, the modular distance learning has been adopted. According to the Department of Education (DepEd), modular distance learning involves individualized instruction that allows learners to use self-learning modules (SLMs) in print or digital format/electronic copy, whichever is applicable in the context of the learner, and other learning resources like Learner’s Materials, textbooks, activity sheets, study guides and other study materials. This makes sure that all learners have access to quality basic education for SY 2020-2021 which is anchored with the DepEd programs during this time of pandemic.
Meanwhile, the teachers of SBNHS have already been learning and working from home for the past three months to meet all the requirements needed for the modular distance learning. We understand it is a very different and unsettling situation for everyone as we transition to our ‘new normal’ and that these exceptional circumstances are a change for teachers, students, and their families. It is also clear that switching from traditional classroom and face to face instructor training to distance learning makes the learning experience entirely different for both teachers and learners. Consequently, it will take a certain time for us to get accustomed to the new normal in education. However, we need to accept the new learning environments with an open mind and heart. Understanding the benefits of distance learning and having a group discussion with the community, parents and learners may change this mindset and better prepare learners for distance learning.
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The author is Teacher III at Sapang Bato National High School