STUDENTS DURING PANDEMIC

A few years ago when face to face classes

were suspended nationwide due to
pandamic, several months were lost to
rest students as the government sought
other ways to teach students without
face to face classes taking place. But on
October 5, 2020 the campuses stayed
close and face to face lessons remained
suspended due to the COVID 19
pandemic. While Coronavirus has
affected many Filipinos the elemtary and
high school students in both public and private school stated their online class last october 5
according to Department of Education. Following President Rodrigo Duterte's directive for schools to
delay face-to-face classes until a coronavirus vaccine becomes available, the DepEd has shifted to
distance learning. The distance learning is where the students are learning thru online, teachers uses
different applications like zoom, google meet and messenger her they can communicate with each
other. This means also that lessons are delivered without face to face setup and with the mix of
modular learning, online learning, tv, youtube and radio programs. The 2020 enrollment was lower
than 2019 enrollment because of pandemic, majority of students that did not enroll are from private
school while some of them are traffered to public schools. The reopening of classes had delayed
because of lack of knowledge about distance learning and lack of unity between the government and
parents of the students.
Online learning was the best solution for continuing education during the pandemic,
especially in tertiary education. This has been activated in some global institutes. However,
most schools, colleges, and universities do not use this education mode, and their staff does
not know what is involved in e-learning. The Teachers had to adapt this kind of unexpected
situation using synchronous and asynchronous instruction, while also being challenged to
establish connections with students, families, and co-teachers. Because of this pandemic
situation many teachers from different schools had a desire to leave their job and find a
suitable job for them in terms of financial and health aspects. The sudden closure of the
nation's schools has brought into sharp focus the true importance of teachers and the work
most do every day on behalf of other people's children.
E-learning was a best solution to a distance learning in Education. While instructors need
to put in intensive work and time to design the instruction, students need to equip
themselves with technical proficiency to decode the course material. There are some
problems or challenges that every students had faced becuase of distance learning in the
midst of pandemic.
First was the adaptability struggle of every students, switching from traditional classroom
and face to face intructor to distance learning and computer based learning in a virtual
classroom makes the learning experience for the students difficult. Students with a
“traditional” mindset find it difficult to adapt distance learning. However they must accept
the learning situation with a open mind and heart. Understanding the benefits and
importance of distance learning and e-learning may help the students to be better in this kind
of learning and this can change their mindset.
Second was technical issues, many students are not provided with good internet connection
that every e-learning is required, the student may fail in virtual classes. Some of them don’t
even own computers and seek help in Learning Resource Centers for technical assistance. The
best solution for this is knowing the perfect technology support for the subject before
enrollment and properly equipping themselves with a good internet connection.
Third was technology literacy, although this generation was good in technology and can able
to operate their computers, lack of computer literacy was the main issue of students this
time. Many of this students can operate basic computer application and programs like
microsoft word, powerpoit and excel therefore they can't handle the files from their
intructors. Technological proficiency is a must for following online courses, as it enables
students to manage their assignments without struggle. Basic knowledge in computer can
help students to participate in their online class without interruption and struggle. Fourth
was time management, this is an essential requirement for e-learning because students are
accustomed to their teachers handling their time.
They rarely have the time to take the courses due to their various everyday commitments.
The regular schedule planner can help them to plan their schedule within the day, they can
set up alarms or reminders about their online class, assignment and projects.
Lastly was self motivation, this is a best requirement in online class. Some students are giving
up in online class because they are lack of self motivation. Students need to find a best
motivation to properly equip themselves for future challenges in education and courses. Only
positive attitude can help these students to overcome the challenges in online learning.
The COVID-19 pandemic has become a global health issue and has had a major impact on
education but after two years of online class the President Mr. Rodrigo Duterte approved the
pilot face to face class for few cities on the country. With the coordination of Depart of
Health and Department of Education, they assessed that more schools were qualified to join
the pilot run, as the COVID-19 situation in the country continues to improve. The DepEd also
added that they recieved appeals from school in metro manila to include their school to the
pilot run of face to face class.
In the midst of pandemic unity is important between the school, teachers, students and
the parent of the students because this can be the key to understand each role and
reponsibility while there is a pandemic. According to DOH or Department of Health we can
be part of unity and cooperation if we practice to protect our selves againts the virus. There
are bast ways to do this such as frequent and proper handwashing, the proper cough
itiquette, maintain the one meter distance between people, always asure that your food is
well-cooked and take vitamins to make your stamina strong. With the practice of this ways to
prevent virus we may back to the old normal and we can win against the virus.