Education System Amidst the Pandemic: An Analysis

Online learning or Remote learning became the main platform of our Educational system this
Academic year because of the Pandemic. No face-to-face interaction is allowed that’s why we have no
choice but to conduct everything virtually. Many opt to not continue schooling this academic year because
it is hard for them to keep up with everything specially if we are going to talk about the availability of
resources. According to DepEd, 23 Million students enrolled this year compared to 27.2 Million last year.
Many movements arouse because of that such as #AcademicFreezeNow and #NoStudentLeftBehind.
DepEd did not listen to those movement because for them it is okay to push through this year. They
proposed this thing called Flexible Learning where a student can choose between Online and Modular
learning based on the availability of their resources whereas College Student has no choice but to choose
Online learning because they are not under DepEd.

The Implementation of Online Classes is a fresh policy in our country. This is the first time where
we will undergo a system-wide virtual learning mode. It is a good idea to continue the Education amidst
the pandemic via Virtual learning. However, it is evident that not all the students are able to undergo the
new normal in education efficiently in terms of the availability of resources like Internet connection,
Gadgets, etc. Additionally, we are all not ready emotionally. We have no time to prepare so adjusting to
the new normal is not an easy task. It may cause the development of anxiety among the students.
According to High Focus Centers (2020), Students may feel anxious about keeping up with their
schoolwork and they may also feel anxious about being in front of the camera in which may be referred to
as social anxiety.

But, one thing that I want to point out is that If we follow the sentiments of the people behind
those movements, It will drastically affect the job of the Teachers and Educators as it is their main source
of Income. I know it is hard for us students, but It is so much harder for our Teachers and Educators. We
are all victims of unjust implementation of the new normal for our Education system amidst the
Pandemic.

We should see the silver-lining of the situation. Parents should teach their children the basic life
skills while learning at home and the Children, who are digitally inclined, should teach the older people
the proper way of using the technology. By that, it can be a two-way learning. Also, Many LGUs are
stepping up their game by providing the resources needed for the remote learning of the students. This is
not toxic positivity but as we are not receiving enough support from the government, this is the best thing
to do. Cope up with the situation and continue moving forward. Education is the most important
possession that the youth must have.

To all of you, we are all in this together. We have no choice, but we can have Alternatives. What
we should do is to use our privilege to help those who are underprivileged. It may be hard, but one thing
is for sure, we will eventually acquire what we desire. We might have a hard time embracing it but
gradually we will all be used to it and eventually discover new things and skills that we can use in future
endeavors. Education is important. We should not let external forces hinder us from acquiring new
knowledge given by education. Education is a foundation of a better life. Education drives us into a
peaceful world because it affects our understanding of the difference between right and wrong. So, let us
not be stagnant because Education matters even amidst of crisis.

References:

High Focus Centers. (2020, December 01). Online Learning & Teen Mental Health Retrieved February
28, 2021, from https://highfocuscenters.pyramidhealthcarepa.com/the-effects-of-online-learning-on-a-
teens-mental-health

Ramos, C. M. (2020, August 12). DepEd: Enrollees for SY 2020-2021 reach more than 23 million |
Inquirer News. INQUIRER.Net. Retrieved February 28, 2021 from
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1320429/deped-enrollees-for-sy-2020-2021-reach-more-than-23-million