Name: Romel B.

Guray
Year/Block: II/205
Day/Time: TTH/5:30-7:00 PM

TEACHER vs. STUDENT

ONLINE CLASS DEBATE

Disclaimer: The views and opinions of the character here, specifically the student, do not reflect the views and
opinions of the writer. This debate was just made based on the relevant public opinions of most students

Teacher: Hi, everyone! Do you have any concerns with regards to our class?

Student: Yes, ma'am. Just a suggestion. Can we normalize having an off camera during zoom
classes?

Teacher: This is impossible. We came out to the idea of using Zoom to conduct a class where I
can see your ever-so lovely faces.

Student: But, not everyone has space they are comfortable sharing the class with.

Teacher: How am I going to check if you really are present in my class if you do have an off
camera with you?

Student: Are you sure that those with cameras are mentally with you? I mean, what is the point
of requiring students to have cameras on?

Teacher: The point is, the RESPECT! If you are in my situation, as a teacher, you will understand
that talking with people with cameras off feels stupid. It's as if I'm talking to none. By simply
talking within the class with people who have their cameras on, it feels different. I feel
appreciated and valued.

Student: Joining the class with just a microphone still works---the respect will still be there
verbally.

Teacher: We teachers need visual respect. Seeing you guys join the class with cameras on
means so much to us.

Student: But using Zoom with video presence takes a lot of data cost for about 450 MB per
hour, for your information. It will be a great help for students if you will allow us to just stick for
sound based-learning.
Teacher: Sound-based learning like a radio feels funny. This is not 1890, a time of Guglielmo
Marconi.

Student: Funny or what on you, we won't mind. It's the last thing we think would save our
Zoom meetings.

Teacher: Sound-based learning is not credible at all. It gives paranoia for teachers. It's not even
decent to be talking to black screens with just your names attached to it. I'm sorry, but sound-
based mode is a no for me. Forgive me.

Student: We do still have another concern to raise, ma'am. It's an internet connection. It's
really a huge struggle. With the location of our house, the signal goes unstable most of the
time.

Teacher: If reception or great connection is your concern, go and find it somewhere. My dear
student, there are solutions around, you just need to find it and grab it.

Student: Ma'am, I do not want to sound disrespectful with my straight ideas, but since you kept
on calling for respect, do you even respect your students' capabilities amidst this pandemic?
Not all parents are getting good wages at the moment. Aiming for money is a punch to the
moon. Not all are privileged to load and re-load their prepaid every single time.

And me, being in my shoes, someone who lives in a remote area, the connection is a problem in
my case.

Teacher: But you are a student, you enrolled here, you must adhere to what the school decides
us to do.

Student: Oh welcome to the toxicity of online classes. It's clear, noticeable, you only think of
doing all these online interactions and stuff so we can testify that the school has done
something? And since you have done something already, it's now an obligation for students to
pay for tuition fees that quickly?

Teacher: You cannot talk to us like that. The entire school administration is doing its best and
using all its resources to provide you with quality education. You should not be talking behind
them.

Student: Quality education? A lie. To be honest, I learned something more on YouTube than in
real online classes. Online classes just taught me how to cram and immediately do what the
teacher instructs for compliance.

Teacher: If you learned something more than this whole online class thing then just drop. You
can continue regardless when the situation gets better.

Student: I expect motivation from a teacher like you. But it seems like I am being demoralized,
on the other way. This is just my criticism. The educational system we are in can do better.
Teacher: This is way too much. It's your job as a student to conform to all of these things.
Studying really is hard. That's the common problem with this generation, they easily whine for
giving them simple tasks; easily get stressed. Studying really works like that. Been there done
that. Life at school works that way.

Student: Ma'am I think you are in no exact place to judge students' reactions every time you
release a task to be accomplished. Not all students are living like a daughter nor a son of a
queen. The majority are struggling because they also have part-time jobs to attend to and
household duties to be accomplished at home. It's a huge conscience seeing your parents and
siblings do the chores at home while you, sitting pretty here for online classes.

Teacher: I do get it. I do get the point. I do understand. But since you are a student, balance
your responsibilities. Make time for your class, and at the same time for your family and
yourself. We are all in the same challenge. I can feel your agony.

Student: I feel sorry for the said violent ideas. I know I became disrespectful for explaining my
and our side/s. my apology for being violent earlier.

Teacher: It's okay. I do understand your cry about this online class. Even me, I find it extremely
hard. But this is the New Normal kind of learning---our need to adjust is necessary.

Student: Indeed. Because if we will not be adjusting, consequently it will become harder for us
to deal with it.

Teacher: Exactly the point! We do not have any other choice than to conform and abide on the
concept of learning under this New Normal situation. But don't fret, this too shall pass. We are
all in this together.