1.

On March 15, 2020 the country was ravaged by lockdowns and ECQs because of the
Covid 19 virus that has entered our country. Due to this, our country’s education was put to a
halt. Of course, the Department of Education (DepEd) wanted the education sector to be active
again. After many months of deliberation, DepEd applied distance learning modalities
throughout the whole country.

Distance learning was conducted in all the schools to ensure the continuity of learning.
This way, learners both from urban and rural areas could continue their education by utilizing
online and/or offline platforms, television and radio, and printed modules which were
distributed weekly. Although this was a good strategy on DepEd’s part, distance learning has
proved to be difficult for thousands if not millions of students because of numerous reasons.
Distance learning requires self-motivation and focus. As students are in the comfort of their
homes, they are not bound by any rules other than the reminders given to them by their
parents which in most cases are left disregarded. This results to them slacking off and doing
other things like going out or playing games all day instead of learning. Another problem with
distance learning is that teachers and professors do not fully know if the students are really
learning and understanding the lessons that they are being given. In distance learning teaching
personnel are not in the presence of learners physically, meaning they are not able to supervise
the students while doing their designated activities. Furthermore, students also tend to look up
answers to their activities online. This nullifies one of the main goals of distance learning which
is self-learning using the lessons and explanations provided to them. These are only a few of the
many disadvantages of distance learning which was implemented in the Philippines.

Distance learning has been proved to be somewhat workable alternative way of

learning in the Philippines, providing the learners with their needed education in times of crisis.
But if it is issued within a long time period, the education system might not be able to hold itself
upright. Yes, we can learn from our past mistakes and further improve this mode of learning
however, is it really necessary to evolutionize something that’s near to being obsolete in our
country’s current state?