MODULAR as well as online classes in some private schools have begun. Modular classes are those with hard copy modules and have to be self-studied by students in their homes. The modules are prepared by schools and lessons.to such have to be studied and "absorbed" by modular learning students.
On the other hand, students of online classes have theirs on a computer with a teacher teaching and watched on screen. Homeworks, recitations and examinations are done online too. A computer and an internet connection, however, are needed to conduct this kind of learning from home.
Despite the cost of a computer and an internet subscription, the wealthy and even the not-so have availed of these online classes offered by schools. Even with the surge in the prices of computers recently, desktops and laptops alike, parents have to buy these gadgets with closed eyes just to make their children's learning continue.
Meanwhile, internet providers have increased in their subscribers' numbers in addition to their existing ones due to the need for connection by those who are attending online classes. The increase in the number of internet users, however, entailed some problems.
With such an increase, broadband capacities have decreased because of the high demand for internet connections. The result was the unusual increase in slow connections if not offline services of providers. Even if one shall avail of the high MB (megabytes) package, slow connections are still observed.
Further, most of the internet providers are having some areas bogging down due perhaps to the high number of internet users in certain areas. PLDT, Converge and Globe are major players among internet connection providers. They too are suffering from the need for more bandwidth.
Suffering most are the end-users of internet connections for the slow if not unavailable connections. Online students are having a hard time connecting to their classes.
The country's internet providers were caught off-guard by the pandemic. Because of the said global health threat, there is a rise in the number of internet users. Consequently, there is this rise too of the required bandwidth capacity of providers so that they can distribute such to their subscribers.
Even before the pandemic, internet providers' services lag behind as compared to providers in other countries. There are many complaints before the pandemic of slow connections which have now become slower.
The government, with all its threat of closure to telecommunication companies, needs to seriously enjoin these providers to improve further their services in the name of our young students attending online classes. As part of its mandate, the government should help and do its role in providing quality and safe education for students in the country.
Online students cannot afford slow internet connections and there's got to be government authorities who should look into this.
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