The New Normal of Online Classes

Is our education system in peril? This is the question that everyone had to ask at the onset of the global pandemic. Educational institutions around the world scrambled for new online systems. Educators, administrators, teachers, IT experts, parents and students had to contend with a “new normal” that was distant, strange, daunting and confusing.

More than a year into the pandemic and entering into the second year of having online classes, the Davao Catholic Herald looks into the current situation of our students and teachers. How are they adjusting to this new normal of online classes?

(Interviews by Daniella Sofia Escario, Annie Libres, Allyza Hope Tabigue, Blanche Sofia Barimbao, and Glenn Remolador)

Preparing for an online class entails creating a daily schedule of activities. Having a daily schedule will guide us on the things we have to accomplish or classes we have to attend to. I see it as an effective tool during these days since there is a thin boundary between education and temptations. As we are in the comfort of our homes, temptations include oversleeping, playing e-games, watching TV series or movies, and browsing in the social websites instead of listening to the discussions and studying academic lessons. We tend to forget our tasks and other important matters as we are preoccupied by these temptations. But with a daily schedule, we are able to keep on track with our responsibilities and priorities. Also, I always bear in mind that I can watch another season of my favorite Netflix series on my free time, and that I can’t afford to attend another season in my 4th year of college.

Adrian Saturinas
4th Year College, Bachelor of Science in Management Accounting
University of Mindanao

Since we could not run away from the challenge of doing virtual classes, each of us took the training from making a Google classroom, uploading files, viewing and checking responses, using the stream, returning checked worksheets, and using the features of the Google classroom.

For a couple of months we worked hard to make a substantial, organized and well-planned virtual classroom. Prepared materials were uploaded in the drives for checking by the respective Subject Area Heads before it being posted in the classwork. It is in the classwork where learners will see the materials such as ppt, videos, assessment forms, documents and Google sheets.

To ensure quality and confidence in facing the students, each teacher had a class demonstration in the presence of our colleagues in the department. Constructive evaluation was given to each demonstrator to fine tune the craft.

We spent sleepless nights thinking about our classroom, reviewing the subject matter and practicing how to make the presentation in the real class. We were anxious since it would not only be the students who would see and hear us, but everyone else in our students’ homes.

Yes, there were countless struggles in the beginning. We invested much time and effort to set rules, guidelines and discipline to our students as well as inculcating our core values. But with God’s loving grace, through the collaborative effort of all stakeholders and with the excellent support of the administrators, we have delivered our craft with flying colors and have been brave enough to discover and navigate more apps to give our best in forming our learners using our current platform.

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam!

Flordeliza Arellano – Deloria
Grade School Faculty
Ateneo de Davao University

I’m going to prepare for my online classes based on what is needed for the upcoming school year. I’m going to check every piece of my equipment to be ready for online classes. Self-discipline is also needed.

Migyel C. Magandi
Grade 10, Special Program in Journalism
Davao City National High School

Considering that this is the second school year that the ADDU-JHS is accompanying the students in a full-online set-up, choosing the right platform is important. To be more effective, I have to be open to learning the new system and be resourceful enough to integrate apps that could help deepen the students’ understanding. Above all, however, regardless of the platforms, I always bear in mind 3 essential reasons that govern my motivation to continue to teach: 1. To establish connection; 2. To make meaning; and 3. To affect change. With these as my guide, I just make myself ready each day to listen to my students, and remind them that despite the many constraints, they could still grow as better versions of themselves; foster friendship beyond virtual borders and grow in faith, in wisdom and in grace.

AMDG.

Jason Remolador Sarmiento
Ateneo de Davao – High School

Perhaps one of the most notable advantages of online learning is that I get to practice self-discipline and time management. Another advantage is that I get to spend more time with my family and value the importance of staying connected with my friends despite the distance.

However, I also miss the face-to-face classes. The immersive nature of being in a classroom is really different from that in a virtual conference. I also miss my classmates and friends, especially when we get to hang out after a long tiring school day.

My advice to my co-students is that balance is important. Try your best to balance your social life, family life, spiritual activities, academics, extra-curricular activities and, most importantly, your mental and physical health. It is okay to try new and difficult things, but it is also important to know when to say no. We are just human beings who also have our limits, so if you believe you already have too much on your plate, it is okay to say no to opportunities and rest. Health and wellness should be your priority.

Ivy Camille T. Braga
4th year College, BS Human Resource Development and Management
Ateneo de Davao University

I need to be equipped with knowledge and skills in teaching the students. Thus, studying the content is very important. The second is planning the lesson well on how to deliver and make meaningful output that would be beneficial to my class. I find ways to make the lessons exciting and interesting in order for them to be attentive and engaged. Therefore, I learn and use different applications that could make the pupils excited and participate in the discussions. I do my best to connect my students to myself and to each other. I make sure that I am available to them even if we are physically apart. I give constant feedback on their work to encourage and keep them on track. I give them opportunities to share and speak with their classmates by giving them activities that they can do together.

Nerissa Quitain
Ateneo de Davao University – Grade School

Back when our classes were face-to-face, I used to pass by our school’s chapel every morning on my way to my classroom. I would dip my hand in the holy water, make the sign of the cross, and pray for strength to get through the day. I would offer all my troubles and doubts I carried from the day before. Now, in the online setup, my daily routine looks a bit different. Instead of taking an hour to get ready, I would take a quick shower, throw on pambahay clothes and sit in front of my computer waiting for classes to start. In the few minutes I have waiting for my teacher to enter the video meet link, I find myself going back to my old habits – having a conversation with God, thanking Him for all that has passed and asking for strength for all that will come to pass.

Simone Claudia C. Sandique
Grade 11 – Ateneo de Manila University

It is good that you know the context of the students such as their interests, learning capacity, home circumstances and the like. So, you may able to choose the appropriate materials and the strategies that will bring about a meaningful and engaging online learning activities.

Ferdinand S. Bernales
Grade 10 Level Coordinator – Ateneo High School

I will conduct some early researches regarding the topics for Grade 10 and recall former lessons of the past grade levels. I will also make sure to have the right equipment and to have a suitable place that is safer and peaceful for classes.

Laurence Anthony Lanzar
10 Special Program in Journalism
Davao City National High School