COMPARISON &

CONTRAST

E
ducation is one of the areas most affected by the pandemic. Two years ago, on January 22,
2020, the pandemic started and significantly impacted our everyday lives, which caused
face-to-face learning to come to a halt. Today, we are left with the remembrance of our school
days before the outbreak and now live our lives in new ways and environments where we
strictly avoid contact with other people. However, many people are still struggling with these new
surroundings. This paper will help evaluate the similarities and differences between education before
and during the pandemic.

Education before the pandemic or face-to-face learning is an effective way to acquire knowledge
and skills because it combines different ways of learning, including writing, reading, discussions,
presentations, projects, group work, film clips, demonstrations, and practice. Communication is
primarily verbal. The student is physically present and can be easily monitored, students work on
specific subjects at specific times, and the most vocal students participate the most. In contrast,
education during the pandemic requires independence and dedication without being with a teacher
or other students in a classroom. Students have greater flexibility and can study from home. However,
students may feel alone and unsupported. Students decide where and when to work. Students learn
with self-learning modules as their guide. Moreover, students may feel the need to cheat because of
academic pressure and deadlines. Students are also dependent on the internet. Before and during
the pandemic, education is dynamic, content-centered, engaging, rigorous, and relevant. Teachers
guide and individualize learning based on a variety of factors. Assessment of students’ knowledge and
program effectiveness is also continuous.

Thus, face-to-face learning will help you concentrate harder on your learning because there will
be less distraction than when you were at home. If you want to be involved in group activities, group
learning, and group discussions, face-to-face learning is for you. If you prefer to study at your own
pace, in the comfort of your home, or somewhere else, then online learning is for you. Although it
is a convenient way to learn online, it’s not always a good idea for everyone. Some people find it
challenging to study independently and need face-to-face contact with the teacher and other students
in a classroom setting.

Yesterday and Today

by Breanna Ciel E. Cabahit