DISTANCE LEARNING
Gone are the days where we set our alarms, wake up and dress up early, sometimes skipping breakfast, beating up traffic jams, and tapping ID's, all for face-to-face classes. I miss waiting for our instructor to enter the room, I miss chatting and being noisy in class, I miss hanging out with friends, eating together with them, learning and being personally and physically present inside the four walled classroom, and how I miss rushing home to lay and relax on my bed. All because of this global health crisis, schools turned into "video call and zoom universities". Distance gets more difficult when it comes to learning than on love. This is one of the effects that this COVID-19 has brought to the Education industry. It is so ironic how our teachers or instructors deprive us from using mobile phones and any gadget in class, yet today, it is on gadgets that we attend classes. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of this Online Distance Learning I came up basing in my observations.
Benefits and Downsides
It is considerable that everything has a bright side, and that one must take time to realize and look further in order to see it. This Online Distance Learning somehow has given me positive realizations as a student. I learned how important time management is, this ODL is so difficult to take accordingly since the mode for us is asynchronous where we can do any task for a longer time even when the class hour is over. It has been a challenge for me to discipline myself, and to pay attention to the ticking of the clock. Indeed, time is gold. It made me glad also that attending class nowadays does not ask me to take a bath early. Preparation for going to school has always been hustle, especially if you're a late bird. And lastly, this online class has trained me to give my full attention and focus in the classes.
On the other hand, I think this Online Distance Learning has brought more disadvantages to people. Since the Internet connection, being the most needed requirement for ODL, a lot cannot afford to have a stable and strong internet connection. Plus, considering our situation today, that it is all about finding food and jobs for survival, home expenses get doubled. Not only that, how about those students living in the province, which may be considered as remote areas, knowing that the Internet connection is not strong? It would be so difficult and a sacrifice to climb up a mountain just to find a better connection. Another necessity needed for learning now is the mobile devices, gadgets, computers. I feel sad for those stories and posts I came across on social media where a parent sacrifices and finds a way to buy his or her child a phone for online classes. It is indeed very hard for us students to choose between the idea of accepting the challenges of online class in order to graduate on time, or skip enrolling for now but graduate later. This is really a challenge not only for us but also our parents, and even our ever patient teachers. Personally, the disadvantage this ODL have given me is the idea of "mamaya na" habit, for us Filipinos, since tasks are due on a longer period of time I always tend to enjoy being lazy than to finish my tasks first. Also, this is because of all the present distractions around me which keeps tempting me; my social media accounts, chatting with friends and loved ones, movies, my bed, and my siblings.
Here are some tips for you when having interest in taking the challenge of attending online class.
Things you need for Online Distance Learning
Aside from gadgets (phone, tablets, laptop, computer, headphones) and Internet connection, you need these things when attending online classes:
BRAVERY- make sure that you are ready to face the challenges that may come. Make yourself fully determined and be aware that this mode of learning might be difficult.
KEEP IN CONTACT- it does not mean that distance learning requires you to fully distance yourself from everyone. Stay connected and continue being friends with your classmates, remember that learning is more fun when having a positive learning atmosphere. Don't forget to also establish good and respectful relationships with our respective teachers.
TAKE THE RISK- I can say that this mode of learning now is a sacrifice for everyone. Take this as a challenge to help you improve and perform better in class despite the mode of learning.
"Education is a birth right", as the founder of our University has said. A strong and inspiring message indeed, however, as I came to see the situation for education right now in this pandemic, I feel the inequality knowing that those who are capable are the only one who is able to afford and achieve learning right now. However, I also believe that things like education need not to be rushed. Education is a lifetime, and we can achieve success anytime, at any age, and any place. Not everyone is privileged enough to enjoy and have fun with learning during this time of pandemic, but all I can say for my fellow students out there enrolled today is that we might have regrets and difficulties during this time but remember that in the end, all of this will pay off.
Let us not also forget to give thanks and show appreciation to our dear instructors who also sacrifice themselves and do their job in order to teach us. Remember to be polite in addressing them and talking to them even online. The best lesson which I am still learning up until today is the lesson of this pandemic situation. I hope we only need a final examination in order to pass and finish this situation. Instead of pointing blames to anyone, let's keep ourselves educated and unite as one instead to help fight against this COVID-19 pandemic.