Classes in Philippine public schools resume today but according to reports, there are millions of Filipino students who are not enrolled for this school year. Some are being limited economically as their parents lost income due to the pandemic. Gadgets and an Internet connection are not affordable for many families, and some students are being limited by the lack of access to the Internet.
For those who have managed to enroll, the challenges are real for both parents and students. Parents need to juggle work and chores with the responsibility of supporting their children’s learning, especially if the kids are young. Other parents, especially those who did not get adequate school education and those who are not familiar with technology, are simply ill equipped to teach their own children. On the part of the children, a spotty connection is just one of the main hurdles to learning.
According to the Department of Education, 59 percent of students nationwide will be using the printed module, 20 percent will use the online module, and another 20 percent will learn offline. Additionally, TV and radio will be used for supplemental teaching and learning support for students.
As the whole world is thrust into this extraordinary situation, it is easy to see that almost everyone is lost—from schools and parents to students and teachers, even the Education department. It is the same with many other countries. The lack of stable Internet connection and gadgets like tablets and laptops are areas or issues that we all need to look into, first and foremost. Add to that the need for training and new teaching and learning systems for the schools and educators.
Personal challenges that are harder to address would include home environments that are not conducive to learning, inadequate space, and the loss of face-to-face interaction, which may be more difficult for students with learning disabilities. For sure, included among the millions who were not able to enroll this year are the students with disabilities, whether physical (hearing impaired, visually challenged, etc.) or otherwise (special children, etc.).
As we prepare to enter this new education landscape, I believe it is important to coordinate the efforts and initiatives of different organizations and institutions to highlight the effective teaching practices and systems. We have something to learn from each other. If everyone will share the processes that work through personal experience, then the whole nation will benefit.
Our children have the right to education. And as organizations, institutions, parents, educators, and guardians of the youth, it is our duty to make sure that no student is left behind. However, the present situation—lack of access to gadgets and good Internet connectivity, etc.—puts millions of Filipino students at a disadvantage. They deserve much more than this.