Words by Glaiza Iglas | Editorial Cartoon by Princess Ella Marie Gado

Most students juggle different tasks every day – from house chores, school activities, and sometimes to a part- or a full-time job. This situation holds true even before COVID-19 began its takeover across the world.

It is a fact, the pandemic has caused many deaths, sufferings, tears, and yes — changes. In a more localized scenario, COVID has altered the traditional teaching–learning process in the Philippines. Such occurrence showed a quick transition from physical learning (face-to-face) to blended, distance, or module learning. Before, students go to school, universities, or institution to study but now, learning takes place around the four corners of a student’s house facing his/her laptop or cellphone whenever necessary.

Many Filipinos have expressed their belief that the government and the students are not prepared for online classes, well – no one is ready for a pandemic – that’s for sure! But of course, men have to cope with the changes and adjust accordingly. Thus, distance or module learning is one way to cope. And as the school year started, most students, teachers, professor, and even principals are waking up everyday feeling so tired and stressed.

Students as well as the teachers are trying to adapt in the new normal style of education and hoping that this pandemic would end very soon, so everything will go back to normal. But because of the difficulties being encountered in this “new setup” such as too many modules to work on and unstable Internet connection, many students are asking for #academicfreeze. Such campaign is very rampant in any social media platform – Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

Aside from that petition for academic freeze, social media are also being used as a source of news especially when it is related to online classes. Recently, a 21-year-old 3^rd year college student from Bohol allegedly killed himself due to his frustration when his professor refused to accept his late submitted module.

This is a heart-breaking news for everyone. The world is already suffering from a pandemic and then this?

Take a look at the scenario…online learning has definitely brought advantages for most students because it has taught students to be more disciplined. They need to manage their time and priorities to accomplish all their tasks at home and for school.

But the question of most students is that, are they still learning or they are just accomplishing their activities for the sake of grades and compliance?

Filipinos are aware that Philippines does not have a fast and reliable Internet connection. And not all students and teachers can afford smartphones and laptops to be used in online or blended learning. These are basically the reasons why many people say that virtual learning is only available for a fractional number of students.

On the other hand, the Department of Education prepared different modalities to continue the education in the country but it is not well organized. There are many students and teachers who are confused with how blended learning works.

Online learning is new for everyone – from teachers, students, and parents. Hence, such learning modality is deemed flawed, but with proper communication, this kind of misunderstanding and challenge can be resolved and overcome.

Most students believe that online learning is not suitable for them because of the given situation. Ergo, they experience mental break down, anxiety, depression, and worst death.

However, be reminded that suicide is not a solution to any problem. Students could ask guidance and help from their teachers, classmates, families, and friends especially when they are struggling with their studies. Also, posting news on social media regarding suicides that are allegedly related to online classes will not be a help for anyone! Oh no, it will not grant the academic freeze but will just heighten the worries and anxiety of every student.

In these trying times, what people need to do is to motivate and support each other. Online classes may significantly vary from the actual and physical learning and that COVID is not an easy opponent to beat. But, learning must not be stopped by any virus or disaster for it is a continuous process that can change the world for the BETTER.

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