WHICH BED DO YOU HAVE?

by Pearl June Abellanosa

As a lethal virus afflicted human lives, the Department of Education and the Commission
on Higher Education began to come up with a counter solution to this crisis that hinders the
education of children. And its distance learning. Well, distance learning is no longer new. It was
in the early 60’s when a number of public secondary schools had partaken in experimental
delivery systems using radio-TV broadcasts.

The distance learning thing was harangued by the people even before it was implemented
in schools. Many in society said that it would not be effective for students and instead demanded
an academic freeze. Future issues concerning distance learning were addressed by some
enthusiasts and entitled enthusiasts themselves, such as students' unbalanced privileges, the cost,
the significant changes to be made, a lack of learning materials and medium for learning within a
household, internet connection, and many others. Despite all these, DepEd and CHED still
pursued distance learning, and yes, it is now the new system of education that students and
teachers have no choice but to take it. Education is still important, after all. But the question is,
will this new system of education be very effective for learners? Is it really the best for all the
learners? Is it a thumbs-up to learners?

Yes, distance learning is implemented to continue the classes despite the pandemic to
ensure the education and health of students. The benefits of distance learning are that it improves
the skills of students in self-learning and time management and it serves flexibility and
convenience in learning.

As we have observed from what is happening right now, learners had many struggles and
are still struggling with coping with this new system of education. The learners are struggling not
only with the gadgets and internet connection, but also with the self-learning contrivances. And it
is usually due to an unfriendly, unfavorable, and stressful environment. Some students suffer
from such unfortunate situations that hinder them from focusing and concentrating on their
academics. Some students say that they are favorable towards distance learning because of the
conveniences and comfort that it has given them. Because of their easy access to learning, it
made it easier for them to study and get better grades in school.

The unbalanced privileges of students are really the main issue of distance learning.
Distance learning provides comfort to those who are privileged, but it is a disaster for those who
are not. Students coming from lower socioeconomic localities have higher mental distress due to
their limited financial capacities, as stated by Cleofas and Rocha. The demand for contrivances
for this distance learning has caused students to have mental issues such as anxiety and
depression.

So, is distance learning a thumbs-up for learners? Well, the answer does really depend on
the status and level of socioeconomic privileges of a learner. Distance learning is analogous to
providing learners with two different beds. Those who are privileged have a bed of roses, while
those who are less fortunate have a bed of thorns. Which bed do you have?