It is now over a year when face-to-face classes had been suspended and totally stopped when COVID-19 pandemic set in last March 2019.
Learners were restricted to go outside and had to continue their studies through online or modular mode the following school year. Since nobody preempted the effects of the virus to economic, educational and political landscapes, people had been put in dilemma where they don’t have a clear picture of what will really happen then that classes are stopped, work as well, especially when lock downs were imposed to areas heavily affected by the virus.
Many died but still more were coping up, surviving the odds; however, depression entered the scenario, and students were not spared from this phenomenon. Yes, learners had to face uncertainties, but with grit and perseverance amidst the corona virus, many had survived and now thriving in the New Normal situation.
Well, let’s cut the narrative short and go straight on how learners are coping up with different modalities of learning brought about by this new set up.
1. Modular
Printed learning materials are provided for learners who do not have gadgets like android cellphone, tablet or laptop, etc. and to those who have the technology they are given digitized version of modules.
2. Blended
Two modalities combined, say radio or tv with modular, or online learning. Depending on the availability of technology and the creativity of teachers, parents and local government in providing needed support like internet connection, load and other essentials in ensuring learning continuity.
3. Online
Here, a learner must have the needed gadgets so as to interact with teacher and co-online learners. This kind of modality needs more resources, patience as well, due to low internet signal, and so on.
4. Hybrid
Combination of select face-to-face, online and modular depending on the factors learners are in with regards to their learning realities. If they have the technology, they could take online classes, get modular or what so as to keep their education continuously relevant, updated and meaningful toward the end of the school year.
Imagine the hardships learners are having in far flung areas where no internet signal unless they could get to a higher ground, risking their life and limb just for that purpose. This challenges need utmost attention by the local government in the fringes of political landscape and do necessary support for learners to have their education unhampered by this COVID-19 pandemic. With the collaboration of stakeholders, nothing is impossible. Every endeavor becomes a blessing to unite and rally against ignorance by providing all needed resources for our learners.
Yes, it takes a village to educate a child. Let that village be responsive enough to the needs of our children especially this trying time. Cheers!
