CHANGES IN EDUCATION

The COVID-19 pandemic began a new era in education, leading to remarkable developments
that have transformed the way we teach and learn. With lockdowns, social distancing measures, and
physical classroom closures, educational institutions around the world were compelled to quickly adapt
to the new reality of distant and online learning. This significant transformation in the environment for
learning not only showcased educators' and students' resilience and adaptation but also revealed a slew
of difficulties and opportunities. So, I will further discuss in the next slides how the COVID-19 pandemic
has changed education that was previously unimaginable.

TRANSITION TO ONLINE LEARNING

Both face-to-face learning and online learning have been significantly impacted by the COVID-19
pandemic. Here are a few information on the changes that have taken place in these two educational
approaches.

Face-to-Face Education:

Health and Safety Concerns - The importance of the health and safety of students and staff was the most
immediate and significant effect of COVID-19 on face-to-face education.

Changes in Assessment - To address the challenges of the pandemic, traditional exams and standardized
tests were occasionally augmented or replaced with more project-based exams.

Online Education:

Increasing Accessibility: Students who previously geographic limitations to traditional education now
have access to a wider choice of educational possibilities because of online learning.

Technology integration: Teachers and students both improved their ability to use technology in the
classroom. Due to this, more digital tools and platforms, such as video conferencing, learning
management systems, and educational apps, are being integrated into the learning process.

CHALLENGES FACED BY STUDENTS AND EDUCATORS

While online learning provides flexibility and accessibility, it also brings challenges that both educators
and learners must compromise. This change, caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, has highlighted many
serious difficulties.

1. Technology:
The internet gap is one of the most visible difficulties. Not every student has equal access to technology
and internet connectivity.

To be honest, our country is internet-challenged, a difficulty that has slowed the implementation of
online learning in general. As a result, there was never a day in an online class when a student did not
speak out, such as, "Pasabi naman nadisconnect ako sa meet?" "Ang bagal ng Wi-Fi namin," "Nawalan
kami ng Wi-Fi," "Am I audible po?".

We live in the city, but we still have inconsistencies. What about students who are in distant areas where
the signal isn't as strong as it is in cities? They're compelled to "move mountains" only to get a couple of
signals.

(https://mb.com.ph/2020/09/18/common-problems-that-occur-during-online-classes/)

2. Motivation and engagement:

Online learning often requires a higher level of self-discipline and motivation. Students may struggle to
stay focused if teachers and peers are not physically present. This can have an impact on learning results
and create feelings of isolation.

(https://serc.carleton.edu/NAGTWorkshops/online/motivation.html)

3. Dishonesty and Cheating:

It might be hard to ensure academic integrity in online tests. When students are not supervised
in person, the temptation to cheat is increased. Educators have been dealing with how to measure
student learning efficiently while limiting the possibility of cheating.

(https://www.brandeis.edu/writing-program/write-now/2020-2021/arie-rotem/index.html)

4. Wellness and Mental Health:

Students' mental health may suffer as a result of long online learning sessions. Stress and anxiety
are increased by a lack of social connection and changes between home and school. Academic Pressure:
The sudden transition to online learning, coupled with concerns about the quality of education and the
fairness of assessments, has added to the academic pressure on students. The shift to remote learning
required students to adapt to new technologies and self-manage their time.

(https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanchi/article/PIIS2352-4642(20)30109-7/fulltext)

The COVID-19 pandemic catalyzed transformative changes in education, accelerating the integration of
technology, redefining learning modalities, and emphasizing adaptability. But that doesn't stop learners
and educators from continuing their burning passions and dreams.