DISTANCE LEARNING IN TIMES OF EMERGENCIES

Donata L. Bolos

The occurrence of coronavirus pandemic and its formidable impact especially in education compelled the Department of Education to convert the mode of learning delivery from classroom-oriented learning to distance learning.

This method of learning delivery (distance learning), teachers and students do not meet in the usual classroom set up but use the Internet, radio and TV based lessons, e-mail, mail, texts, etc., to have classes. In simple words, distance learning is describe as any learning that happens when students are separated from teachers and peers physically.

The use of distance learning during this health crisis comes with countless advantages. Some of which are as follow:

1. It supports self-paced learning.

2. It encourages students to stay self-disciplined.

3. It helps the students to be producers of their own learning

4. It encourages students to be more responsible

5. The flexibility of time allows students to study and learn in their desire/ preferred time.

However, though distance learning could be one of the effective methods that can be use in education as we continue to grapple with the pandemic, it has drawbacks that need to be considered. Some of which are as follow:

1. Not all students have internet connections

2. Lack interaction between teachers and students

3. It does not offer immediate feedbacks

Overall, with the far-flung effect brought about by the coronavirus that really affect the education in the country, we must cope up with the changes and accept challenges. The schools use any possible modalities to deliver the needed educational services to students to acquire the necessary knowledge, understanding, skills, and attitudes that they need. And distance learning is one method that is being utilized to achieve these.

--oOo-

The author is Teacher III at San Agustin Elem. School