One Step Forward towards Online Learning Adaptability
By Diamond Maullon
We can all relate to the fact that everyone experienced (and is still experiencing) the effects of COVID-19 on our daily lives. Each of us had to completely adapt to this quarantine period, including how we, students, receive our education. The transition from face to face learning is a must for our very own safety. To help alleviate the stress and confusion from online learning, Live ED is a masterclass series which serves as a platform for discussion between professors, students, and parents of what could be done in light of quarantine online distance learning. In the series’ 4th installment, entitled: Episode 4: House School? A Conversation on the ‘Disruption of Schooling’ and Transforming the Learning Experience at Home, students will share their experiences during online learning and parents will speak of their homeschool learning principles and values. Hence, in anticipation for this upcoming event, how has Benilde delivered the online term?
Despite the difficulty of adjusting to the new normal, Benilde was able to provide us with a smooth transition into the online learning platform. The Benilde Online Learning Term or BOLT best served as a method of learning which enabled both students and professors alike to become accustomed to an online classroom environment. At the close of BOLT, with the professors fully equipped and students are more prepared, Virtual Benilde or ViBe began. Bigsky Benilde, the college’s online classroom, is where professors and students “meet” for asynchronous meetings through discussion boards as well as uploaded modules and lessons that are available in both written and recorded formats to better cater to the different learning styles of students. Most deadlines are set a week after posting which provides us a leeway for learning at our own pace.
On the other hand, Benilde also made synchronous meetings far easier for professors and students by conducting only seven Zoom or Google Meetings per term. Despite this, there are no worries for the quality and delivery of learnings due to the fact that professors are more than willing to communicate with us through other online platforms such as emails and social media. Moreover, synchronous meetings are recorded and posted to accommodate students who get disconnected or are unable to join the meeting. Regardless of how online classrooms seem to require a laptop or tablet in order for students to properly learn, Bigsky is also accessible for cellphone users through online classroom applications such as Brightspace Pulse.
In instances wherein we experience difficulties such as connectivity issues and power outages especially during this typhoon period, there is a common understanding that these instances are inevitable and normal. Hence, if necessary, professors are willing to adjust deadlines for students that experience technical difficulties. Some consideration is also given during synchronous meetings when students don’t have access to a reliable internet connection, earphones, or microphones which affects their participation in class. With these, we are able to continue learning despite the pandemic and other technical factors which could hinder the experience.
From a personal experience, attending virtual classes has proven to be difficult especially since I am used to the more traditional classroom setting. However, on the brighter side, having to stay at home, online classes allows for more time to spend with family at home and with friends through social media. Likewise, finding more time for oneself to do hobbies or learn new skills. But for those who find themselves overwhelmed with news of the pandemic or are still not used to the intricacies of the virtual world, it’s also best to use the extra time to just wind down and relax. ViBe’s pacing is set in such a way that would still allow us to do what we need and want without having to worry too much about deadlines or requirements. For a better learning experience, I would call for starting by stepping up one’s study space by attending online classes as you would if it were face to face. In other words, dressing up, drinking coffee if necessary to be wide awake, and preparing to take notes as well as ask questions. If possible, reorient the room’s ambiance for a more focused environment, such as ensuring the area is well lit, has a desk and chair for maximum comfort and focus, quiet or at least with only minimal noise, and one won’t have any nearby possible sources of distraction. Therefore, looking forward to Live ED’s next session because during these trying times, it is important for us to realize that we are not alone in our continuing pursuits of learning.
