A new modality for back to school

Because students have missed roaming the halls of Malate Catholic School, we’re finally back on campus! But despite the school conducting face-to-face classes already, plenty of students remain in the online setup for various reasons. 

Written by:Aira Lao

Layout by: Danielle Marie Luyun 

December 8, 2022 | 11:45 A.M.

For two years, schools went through a learning change as students had to study online. Covid-19 restrictions are continuously easing up after two years of the current pandemic. This is a huge step that took months of preparation as the halls of MCS were silent for almost 3 years.

Although limited face-to-face classes are ongoing, the pure online modality has been made available as an option for students. It is highly encouraged amongst them to opt for limited face-to-face classes as MCS does plan on going full blast face-to-face for school year 2023-2024. 

The online distance learning (ODL) modality had mixed reactions when it was first implemented, especially since not all families had the available gadgets and equipment needed for it. Mrs. Michelle A. Santiago, our school’s registered guidance counselor, says that the pure online modality had a great impact on the well-being of the students, as well as of the parents and teachers. It becomes a blessing in disguise for the following reasons: the strengthening of family relationships and the deepening of faith in God. It also helps the parents save financial resources as spending for things such as transportation costs, food allowance, and school fees and supplies has been cut. 

As many pros there are when it comes to the pure online modality, it also brought a number of cons to the students. Some students stated that they suffered from social isolation and a lack of interaction since they can only connect through the virtual means in the virtual world. Because of this, Mrs. Santiago also believes that the students should revert to in-person classes and blend into the Covid issues by being equipped with ways to handle any related health problems brought about by Covid-19. “In-person classes will also help the students develop the 21st-century skills necessary to deal with life's challenges,“ Mrs. Santiago says.

While it is true that there have been many advancements in technology over the years, it isn’t certain that all families have this technology available, especially those who are suffering from financial losses due to the pandemic. A student I’ve interviewed who chose the pure ODL modality states that “in my opinion, pure ODL, amid Covid, was the only option (not the best, though) to be implemented to the public to keep students and teachers safe. As time flew by, of course, students realized that they can do unnecessary and unrelated things to avoid listening to class. I do not believe that pure ODL modality can help with student development, because it demotivates one’s learning curiosity. Several students have gained social anxiety, depression, and other mental illnesses from this modality, so I do not stand by it to go on as a permanent learning modality.” It is true that although the pure ODL modality was implemented for the student’s physical well-being, its implementation, however, didn't entirely protect and/or improve the emotional, mental, and psychological well-being of some students.

Over the years, some students have become more anxious than ever about their actions. The majority state that it’s because they can’t physically see the reaction of those they interact with online. Communication has also been difficult despite the use of the GSuite system in class. It takes a while to receive feedback, ask for help, and so on. With there being a virtual wall between the students online, communication and socialization decreases, especially for those who were involved in many social groups during previous face-to-face classes. On the other hand, despite social circles weakening for some, they were also strengthened for others. Many students had to get out of their comfort zones simply because they couldn’t rely on external factors like classmates or teachers if they didn’t make the first move. 

So far it seems like the pure ODL modality is full of setbacks besides its health advantages for the students early in the pandemic. This isn’t necessarily the case as familial relationships and financial statuses of families have improved. Without the need to spend money on transportation fees, food allowances, and large amounts of school supplies, the online modality helped resolve some financial issues, and was therefore seen as the best option for financially struggling families.

With the restrictions easing up and the school being prepared for the changing normal, there are still several students who stayed in the pure ODL modality. For most, it is due to the distance they are from the school. Some students are in far cities or provinces. School services are available but not all parents are comfortable with letting their kids be brought to and from school because Covid-19 is still present. Others mentioned that it is because their children have become more comfortable with online classes. Some mention that it’s because they can’t afford any additional expenses such as school supplies, uniforms, and the list goes on. The biggest reason why others didn’t choose face-to-face classes is because of fear, as Covid-19 is still in our society. Rest assured, the school has dedicated months of preparation to ensure that face-to-face classes would be safe and educational for students. 

Face-to-face classes so far have had a high approval rating among students especially since they are finally able to socialize once again with their peers. Students are also able to exercise their independence, as compared to inside the home, where families and other assistance could be present. At school, they are to tackle problems and find solutions on their own. Besides that, I highly encourage people to go face-to-face, as being in school with classmates helps motivate and cultivate one’s learning journey better. Malate Catholic School has dedicated months to prepare its walls to open for the students once again. The students’ health matters just as much as their education, hence there have been protocols implemented for the safety of the students. Limited face-to-face classes are the first few steps the school chose to take as it progresses to potentially become a full-blast face-to-face system next school year.