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It’s been more than a month since the last time Thomasians were on the campus. Many were surprised over the week-long suspension of classes and office work. In its first glance, it could be seen as a week for relaxation instead of an impending drastic change in our daily lives. With the enhanced community quarantine, many are stuck in their homes as they wait for time to pass by.
Some universities in Metro Manila such as the Ateneo de Manila University have shortened their semesters to conclude the academic year in light of the pandemic.
While some universities have decided to shorten the academic year, the University’s administration has decided to push forward with the second term through online learning as mentioned in its Institutional Continuity Plan. This decision received backlash from the Thomasian community because of the varied reasons from limited internet access, ineffective learning, to the lack of resources to finish academic requirements.
Yesterday, we asked Thomasian netizens in the recent #TalkOnTW on their learning experiences and areas that need improvement in online classes. Twitter users @strezztab_, @_leeseril, @_euniem, @wweeiiin, and @wyaaaan14 share their thoughts on how online classes are only conducted for the ‘sake of compliance’.
“not effective at all. students are sent lots of “learning materials” but are not actually learning. we’re merely complying to the requirements just to pass and that’s the sad truth.”
“It’s just a matter of compliance now more than anything else.
I rest my case.”
“feels like we r just complying with reqs for the sake of grades. i hope learning materials will be given soon and summative tasks will be discussed din and sana feasible + more coordination with profs and yun us2 q lang naman matuto :(((“
“we aren’t learning anything. it’s now only a matter of complying and meeting deadlines if you can.
the fact that nearly all the retweets are like this should tell you that something isn’t right.”
“Wala akong natututunan. Fortunate akong kahit paano nakikisama internet namin at mga devices na ginagamit ko. Nagpapasa ako ng output kasi required, di dahil natututo ako.
Di rin pala fit yung environment para makapag-aral ako nang payapa at maayos.”
Students are not the only ones who are struggling but their professors as well. Twitter user @great_fayerhaps mentioned that some of her professors ‘aren’t equipped for online classes’. Twitter user @gjcco shares the same sentiment on the delay of their classes because the learning materials provided by their professor were not presently available.
“some professors aren’t equipped for online classes too, so i guess #MassPromotionNow”
“prof couldnt retrieve his teaching items from his condo due to lockdown so lessons were heavily impeded and rlly wasnt conducive”
Additionally, Twitter user @muybiennn worries about the pace of one of his classes because he is unsure if the UST Cloud Campus would be properly utilized by their professor.
“hindi ata marunong gumamit ng blackboard theory prof namin huhu pls we’re so left behind :(( #MassPromotionNow”
Professors are not the only ones who find difficulty in using Blackboard. This also includes students who encounter problems not only on the website but also on its mobile app. It is often visited in class hours which could contribute to the delay given the heavy traffic it receives. Twitter users @Ernest0249, @aichiiimae, and @carlrreon share their experiences.
“more than 10 mins po para lang buksan isang ppt jusq idk pero may problem ata tlaga cloud campus ksi oks naman device at connection ko….ilang beses ba nmin kailangan sabihin na di effective online classes?naglolokohan lang eh bigay reqs tapos exams na asan quality educ dun?”
“EdTech should try to improve the Blackboard app for students using their mobile phones. The app only shows one material (ppt) at a time so the chats from the instructor does not stay. Quite inconvenient for students who has professors who are chatting their lessons.”
“Bboard has been really slow. I can’t stream or download a video lecture without it timing out halfway through for a big. With a small file that takes seconds normally, takes 10 minutes max.
It’s not on my net, been stable all day long with Coursera and YouTube
#TalkOnTW”
Some students like Twitter user @Ansayxx missed the chance to attend her online classes because of the delay.
“Super bagal ng internet to the point na ayaw mag load ng bboard ko and hindi ako naka attend ng class”
While some were concerned about Blackboard, Twitter users @CityofYvette and @_RndmGuy_ shared their thoughts on the stack of deadlines they have on their plate.
“walang “class” na naganap, tumaas lang anxiety ko dahil puro deadline ang nakita ko buong araw”
“Ito ppt, ito requirements ninyo, ito deadline ninyo good luck”
While technology paves a way to make the possible impossible, we must keep in mind that not everybody is able to catch up immediately considering the struggles that each of us faces. Thomasians have spoken about their concerns especially on limited internet access, mental health issues, and the inconducive learning environment in their homes. This should already be an indicator that online classes won’t be able to serve students rightfully for many will be left behind. We must keep in mind to preserve the spirit and importance quality education. However, is it preserved well? That’s something the University should answer.
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