MEDELLIN, Cebu—Netizens were divided when it came to the government’s plan to consider virtual schooling when classes in the country open on August 24, 2020.
Online classes are being considered by education officials as the country continues to combat the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
Education Secretary Leonor Briones on Tuesday, May 5, 2020, explained that classes do not have to be done physically, saying it may be done “virtually in some areas.”
READ: It’s back to school, physically or virtually, on August 24 – DepEd
READ: DepEd cancels crowd-drawing events in upcoming school year
CDN Digital created a poll, asking netizens on their sentiments about this development.
As of this posting, the post gained 80 reactions and 36 comments—most of which expressed doubts on having the classes online.
Chem Capilitan wrote, “Online impossible for majority of students from public schools, especially those from far flung areas. Maybe, it’s best for these students to go modular studies, where their parents will get the modules in schools. Ari makita ang parent support sa pagtungha sa ilang mga anak.” (This is where we will see the support of the parents.)
Andrew Najarro said, “The problem there is those students who have no access to the internet, those students who have no laptops and desktops.”
Darrah Therese also said, “Not everyone can afford online schooling. Imagine the resources that the students are gonna use, its expensive. Not all families are rich. Online schooling is only applicable to well-off families. How about those poor students who are struggling yet they really want to study? Our educational system here in the Philippines is also poor. So no, we will not be able to do it even though it might be helpful. Just think of those less fortunate students.”
A few agreed, but suggested that the government should take into consideration students who do not have access to technology. Some brought up the problem with unstable internet connection.
“Many of our students still don’t have the luxury of having a gadget and internet connection. Also, we have poor internet connection. We are still too far from its realization,” J.V. Evangelio said.
“Pwede kaayo na ma facilitate man (That is very possible to facilitate) if only they will provide the internet connection and gadgets to those less fortunate…,” Archille Yu said.
Artchelieto Calo Condor said, “kung tanang estudyante adunay computer ug internet sa balay. pwede man. pero ang pangutana ug naa ba tanang estudyante sa maong kahimanan.” (If all students have computers and access to the internet, then that is possible. But the question lies on whether the students have access to these.)
Cathy Monzon Jimenez commented, “For the schools and students who can do it, best to have online classes instead. For those who can’t, maybe they can homeschool for the year. Materials from the school but the student can either study on their own or have the parents facilitate.”
Roland Ciaz also commented, “For the safety of all students, yes i agree.”
In previous reports from INQUIRER.net, the Department of Education (DepEd) has also cancelled its annual sporting events, fairs, and other academic competitions that draw large crowds for the upcoming school year. /bmjo