ONLINE DISTANCE LEARNING: ONE SIZE DOES NOT FIT ALL

By: Eloisa Reyes –Journalist/ @Jaguar Chronicles

Amidst the pandemic that everyone is suffering, Department of Education has launched online platform called DepEd Commons, which allows distance learning through digital technology. For this reason, lots of schools and universities here in the Philippines choose to offer online classes and pursue this so-called “Online Distance Learning”. But the big question is, can online education be an effective alternative for face-to-face classes or is it just a one-size-fits-all approach in education? “One-size-fits-all” teaching approach assumes that all learners are the same. Given that different students have different learning styles, have different strengths and weaknesses, and receive varying amounts of parental support at home. Does it make sense to throw all students onto the same “conveyor belt” of education and expect the same outcomes? Online classrooms, internet resources, and digital technology have been remarkable modes of closing the physical distance and making education perpetual and accessible. But we must also ask, “For whom?” Is it only for privileged students? How about the other types of students? Those who have different learning styles? Those who are not computer literate? Those who came from the poorest of the poor? Are we going to left them behind since Online Education is part of the new normal?

A national survey taken earlier this year by Millennial Branding showed that of more than 1,000 students, 78 percent believed learning in the classroom to be easier and more effective than learning through online courses. But in today’s situation, online education has been suggested to be the effective alternative for face to face learning. In this so-called “Online Distance Learning” students are required to submit a digital copy of their activities, projects and any requirements through email attachment or other online means. Moreover, teachers conduct their discussions via zoom meeting and learners are required to take quizzes and exams online. For this reason, students must know how to use Canvas, Google classroom, Zoom and any other online applications that can support learning. However, different problems and issues start to arise in this type of learning especially in terms of socio-economic status and different learning styles of the students. ODL becomes a wide issue for some students who don’t have the means to be involved in this type of learning. Due to the fact that not everyone has gadgets and internet connection at home, lots of universities are bombarded with negative comments from parents and students. Also, in terms of learning styles, the problem is not all students are computer literate and have the capacity to learn effectively using digital technology. However, despite the constant drumbeat of criticisms, other universities still continue to pursue ODL and start to open classes amidst the COVID-19 outbreak in the country.

The adjustments done by universities for continuing teaching through online resources is an impressive solution for the pandemic we are suffering right now. However, the situation also unveils the painful reality of social inequality here in the Philippines. I start to wonder what will happen to the poorest of the poor in our country. How are they going to cope with this new normal in our own education system? Only those who have the resources to buy gadgets and to get an internet connection in their homes are the ones who are privileged to continue their learning despite the physical distance. I understand that everyone has no choice but to deal with this kind of situation and strive hard to cope with the new changes. However, the issues for Online Distance Learning must be addressed by government officials and higher authorities in education knowing the fact that Philippines is still a developing country. I hope that everyone has the right to receive quality education regardless of the different learning styles, socio-economic status, cultural background and such. We should always keep in mind that “Education must be an equal opportunity for all and it should definitely not be attained by chance.”

By Eloisa Reyes