On August 24, 2020, Malate Catholic School officially started their online classes. Prior to this, the school held several orientations in order to prepare teachers, students, and parents for the transition to the new normal education. With the theme, “CARE FOR THE MIND, BODY AND SPIRIT: Mental, Physical, and Spiritual Exercises at Home in the Time of Pandemic,” the orientations became a medium to possess the true spirit of a Malatean. As Malateans continue to be true to their faith, both mental and physical health are still prioritized by the school to completely carry out their mission in service of the Lord.
The first week of online classes began with homeroom orientations in each class. Although the school readied different orientations for the school year, students and teachers were faced with technical difficulties, an unconducive environment, and even mental stress.
One concern from students and teachers is that the lack of technical skills and/or unstable network connectivity caused disruptions in presentations and meetings. There are times that speakers find it complicated to show their presentations while having to deal with faulty microphones. Since students and teachers are not in the traditional set-up, it has been difficult to assist speakers in this kind of matter. Oftentimes, students also tend to exit from meetings due to slow internet connection.
Due to the technical difficulties during online classes, teachers often remind students to remain patient and understanding of everyone’s current situation brought upon by this pandemic. Despite these obstacles, students were eager to cooperate with the teachers in resolving the issues at hand.
Additionally, a problem students and teachers also face is having an unconducive environment. Because of this, they were met with distractions during the online sessions. Some students were more likely to turn off their microphones because of the background noise.
Online classes are said to be more mentally draining than the traditional classes. Students and teachers find the new normal education to be overwhelming. Some teachers even experience anxiety and fatigue as a result of the new educational system. As for the students, some also felt anxious of what could occur during the online classes. It may be about making some new friends, inability to keep up with the lessons, or the possibility of being disconnected from the class in the middle of activities.
On the other hand, teachers are grateful for the support that the school community has given during these trying times. In spite of the new normal being a challenge, Malate Catholic School continues to nurture students and teachers. With the help of the whole school community, they feel that they are able to overcome whatever challenges.
All in all, the first week of online classes in Malate Catholic School has advantages and disadvantages. However things may turn out to be, the school is prepared and willing to assist students and teachers in this new normal education. Together with all of our faith, excellence, and service, we will be able to manage this new normal education properly.
