BACK-TO-SCHOOL season will take a different vibe this year. No thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic, we take a temporary break from the thrill of buying new school supplies, hanging out in our favorite places on campus and reuniting “physically” with classmates, campus friends and teachers.
There have been many issues and concerns regarding the opening of the new school year and holding classes. While some prefer a so-called “academic freeze” because of economic problems hitting many families today, others would like to have a safe way to continue learning.
These readers give their take on how learning should be in a time when schools and universities join everyone in a prolonged quarantine.
“It would have been nice if there’s a way to cater to all students to continue education even virtually. But unfortunately, not everyone has the privilege to have a decent internet connection and gadget. I also don’t like the idea to take the risk of opening schools for now. So it is okay to postpone the school year until it is safe for everybody.”
Daryll Carillo | Financial advisor / Real estate salesperson / Freelance host
“Allow the schools to continue with effective online learning wherein students and teachers can study or work from home. Although not all students learn at the same pace or in the same way, we can make adaptive modes of learning. For those without internet, schools could produce learning materials and distribute them to their respective barangays for the safety and convenience of students. The mode of delivery of education should be proficient in digital technology and majority of students should have access to this. We should create a generation of students prepared for a digital future.”
Julius James Diez | 3-D animator
“I’ve taken the plausible solutions into account and it appears that freezing the academic year is the best solution for as long as face-to-face classes aren’t possible yet. These prioritize everyone’s safety and recognize the fact that not all students have the same means and resources. On the contrary, this would mean a longer school year for the next opening of classes, delayed graduation and a halt to each and every student’s dreams. But our safety and dreams hang in the balance. It is for us to weigh and contemplate which is more valuable to us. As for me, for as long as there is no vaccine or cure for this virus, I am for the freezing of the academic year.
Angelo Pielago | High school student
“Schools have to adapt for students to get the education they need. I believe the best learning mode that schools can shift to is the homeschool program. With this, schools are able to follow a systematic method for students’ learning without having to undergo the risks of direct exposure to the virus. Schools can supply the students with proper learning materials, either physically through print media, or online through digital learning platforms, which ensure that students are getting the essential information for their learning. Schools must be ready to transition to in-class education because social interaction is the best way to learn.
Aaliyah Mataragnon | Architecture student