The second problem, education

No vaccine, no classes. Do you remember this statement from President Duterte? He does not want face-to-face classes where students traditionally come together in a classroom. All the precautions done during the quarantine will be wasted. In a recent development, the DepEd has postponed face-to-face classes following the directive of the president. Education officials were planning on allowing schools that would comply with certain parameters and protocols but I guess all that is scrapped. Classes are supposed to begin on August 24, 2020.

The various learning methods such as blended learning, videoconferencing, homeschooling, and so on will now be fully adopted by all schools. These methods have been met with skepticism because of the reliability issues of the country's internet. I agree. Whatever the DepEd comes up with is wholly dependent on the availability and quality of the internet. Beginning June 1, teachers have started studying the various distribution learning methods the new normal dictates.

My twins are not yet in school. I do have nieces and a nephew who are still studying. I can see how disappointed they are with this new way of learning. School is not just about learning but also about the experience of being with friends and classmates. I can't imagine how subjects that require laboratory time will be taught without physically being in school. I honestly can't imagine how well students can study and learn in their homes. I understand homeschooling does work but it has its limitations. And what about those without gadgets or the internet? And is our internet nationwide reliable? Is the government going to subsidize these gadgets when it is already hard-pressed for funds?  

Only a vaccine can bring back the way things are. Still no news on that. This is a problem. With the cancellation of face-to-face classes, at least we know the children are safe. For now, their disappointment will just have to be accepted. Parents should also step up in the education of their children. The limitations of homeschooling should be tackled by the parents. I just can't imagine what the parents of students who paid expensive tuition at exclusive private schools or collages are thinking. Imagine paying close to or above one hundred thousand pesos per semester for homeschooling. I have no idea if these schools will adjust their tuition. I think they should. It truly is a different world. To think only a few months ago we were all living routine, regular lives with children busy at school. With this school year's graduates being at an obvious disadvantage, they may have to prove homeschooling works.