Post-Test

Reconsideration of Face-to-Face Classes

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought the world into a whole new environment. It
has affected all aspects of our lives especially in the field of education. It brought the
education into a new different level. Face-to-face classes which is considered to be the
traditional way of classes was put on hold because of the threat brought about by this
pandemic. The educational system here in the Philippines was shifted into the new
normal way which is the distance learning modalities. Different modes of learning such
as modular distance learning, online learning, television-based and radio-based
instructions and blended learning have been used just to continue the education here in
our country. But these modes of learning really increase the learnings of the students here
in the country? Does it make ourselves globally competitive? Does it still provide the
quality of education? These distance learning modalities implemented by the
government has still brought a lot of problems especially to us, students. Problems such
as quality of education, cost effectiveness of distance learning modalities, and students
concern are the common problems existed in the implementation of distance learning
modalities. Face-to-face classes should be reconsidered to address the problems
brought about by the distance learning modalities and to provide quality education
which could help students to be more globally competitive individuals.
First problem is the quality of education. The quality of education brought by the
distance learning modalities is really far different from the traditional ones. Today, we are
only limited to having answering the modules. Performances such as laboratory
experiments are not performed since we are having insufficient resources found in our
homes. Unlike, in face-to-face classes, we are able to do experiments in laboratories and
other performances which helps us develop our skills and attitudes towards learning.
Palloff and Pratt (2020) always reminds us that “technology does not teach students;
effective teachers do”. In addition, one study surveyed an extensive list of students, from
both domestic and foreign colleges and universities, who took classes in both mediums.
The survey found that 48% of the students preferred the face-to-face medium and only
34% preferred online classes (Kishore, et al, 2009).
Second is cost effectiveness. Are they actually cost efficient? Pheps et.al (1991)
found out that “the potential cost-effectiveness of using online technologies in distance
education is still uncertain”. Furthermore, some schools and institutions adapted online
learning in their classes. But what will happen to those who doesn’t have mobile phones,
laptops and Internet connection? How are they going to cope up with their lessons? Will
they buy equipment to cope up with distance learning modalities? Purchasing
equipment just to cope up with the online distance learning is really not practical.
Lastly, is students concern. Not all students are suited in these distance learning
modalities since some of them don’t have enough resources at home. Some of them
don’t have enough support coming from their parents. Also, not all the subjects are best
taught via distance learning modalities. Gallegos and Schmidt (2001), stated that
students who had experience distance learning modalities were confused and the
inefficiency of distance learning is a great concern. Moreover, they also stated that
distance learning modalities does not work for everyone. Distance learning is best suited
for those who are self-directed and self-motivated. Additionally, students struggle with
work-life balance. As a student, I need to balance my studies and my responsibilities at
home. With the pressured deadlines of submission of outputs, I tend to have sleepless
nights because of the loaded activities found in the modules. At some point, health issues
might arise if these continues.
These are just few of the problems existing in the distance learning modalities. For
these reason, how could a Filipino student get a quality education to cope with the
students in other countries and become more globally competitive? According to Sen.
Nancy Binay, “We’ve already heard first-hand feedbacks from parents and teachers that
online learning and modular learnings are not for everyone.” Also, some establishments
were already permitted to operate and some activities were already approved to be
conducted such as cockfighting. Having vacation with the families has already been
done now. Why not reconsidering face-to-face classes if the aforementioned activities
have been permitted?
In conclusion, face-to-face classes is really far different and more effective than
the distance learning modalities. In this situation, the government should consider it and
have a dry run of it in some areas where COVID-19 cases are not that much and
threatening, with the implementation of strict observance of the health standards.

Mandatory Vaccination for COVID-19 in the Philippines

COVID-19 pandemic has brought the world in shocked as it vastly affected all
areas in the world. It has shaken all aspects of our lives. It has been the largest crisis existed
in the 21st century and sculpted its name on the history books all over the world. This
deadly virus changed the way people lived in this world, bringing the new normal era. It
has also rocked the health security of the world as different countries are trying to solve
this problem by creating their own vaccines to mitigate and eliminate the transmission of
the virus. But how effective these vaccines are? What are its effects to human body? Is it
safe to be vaccinated even if the vaccine has been created for a short period of time?
The government is now acquiring vaccines from other countries such as Sinovac from
China. But the question here is, is it mandatory for all the Filipinos to be vaccinated? As a
Filipino citizen, I am not going to acquire the vaccine for COVID-19. Vaccination for
COVID-19 in the Philippines should not be mandatory because of the following factors:
efficacy of the vaccines, it is the right of the people to refuse from mandatory
vaccination, and the insufficiency of resources of the government in acquiring vaccines.
First, the efficacy of the vaccines. Effective vaccine takes year and years to
develop. Sinovac’s efficacy level is only at 50.38% in late-stage clinical trial in Brazil. Its
variant is still unknown, although a study in Brazil demonstrated 50.38% efficacy at
preventing symptomatic infections (according to biospace.com). In addition, Despite
the years, flu vaccines have been shown 50% - 60% effective. How much more the newly
created COVID-19 vaccines? This means that the vaccine is not yet stable since its
efficacy level did not reach 80%. With this, do you still want to be vaccinated even if its
efficacy level is still unstable yet? Also, its side effects are not yet identified.
Second, it is the right of the people to refuse from mandatory vaccination. Yes! It
really is. According to Department of Health, vaccination is not mandatory. It is optional.
It is your choice if you want to get vaccinated or not. It would be unreasonably to impose
such mandatory vaccination to those people who are healthy and have a strong
immune system. That is why, vaccination should only focus to those who have weaker
immune system and to those who are already infected.
Lastly, the government doesn’t enough budget and resources in acquiring
vaccines, if they want to vaccinate the 111 million Filipinos. According to healthline.com,
COVID-19 vaccines ranges $3 to $37 dollars per dosage. See? Is the government have
enough budget to purchase vaccines from other countries? Definitely not. If they will,
well surely, the Philippine’s debt might increase again and again. Suppose that other
countries will give us free vaccines, although some countries already did, it is enough to
impose such mandatory vaccines? I guess none. Generally speaking, the government
doesn’t have enough resources to supplement the mandatory COVID-19 vaccination in
the Philippines.
To sum up, mandatory vaccination of COVID-19 in the Philippines is not an ideal
one. It must be optional. The government should prioritize those who are prone to COVID-
19 such as the senior citizens, health workers, indigent population, and uniformed
personnel. There is no need for the government to implement mandatory vaccination of
COVID-19 here in the country. “Although our main concern is to treat people with
substance use disorder and mental health issues and to ultimately prepare them for
reintegration into society, vaccination is crucial in terms of ensuring overall health and
well-being” – Susanne Bjelbo.