With the significant drop in COVID-19 report cases, health restriction measures are expected to be in their most relaxed state. According to OCTA Research, a monitoring group for COVID-19 cases, the Philippines remains at "low risk" for another surge. Currently, it is a persisting puzzle in the minds of students whether the opening of face-to-face classes on campus is to be anticipated soon. The perplexity of the situation depends upon the reliability of data in relation to the factors surrounding the issue, and until we can say that the threat of another surge is not possible, the puzzle of face-to-face classes may remain unsolved.
Recently, the Philippines has been in its best state ever since the first declaration of quarantine in response to the rocketing COVID-19 cases within the country. It is no wonder that the possible opening of face-to-face classes is the talk of students nationwide, especially in areas expected to undergo relaxed restrictions. Many students have been waiting for the announcement of going back to the traditional classroom setup, as it is the preference of the majority. The unexpected shift in learning mode during quarantine forced many to adapt to distance learning, and it gained an infamous reaction from students as they questioned the quality of the latter.
Despite the lack of a definite decision from the Metro Manila council concerning the possible implementation of "Alert Level 0", the most relaxed health restriction level among cities within Metro Manila, its mayors are claiming that they are "ready and willing" to implement the restriction level the second that they receive the green light signal from the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-MEID). Such claims by Metro Manila mayors suggest that those cities are prepared to cater to the needs of their people despite their extreme exposure to large crowds.
About a month ago, the Polytechnic University of the Philippines held a university-wide survey regarding face-to-face classes and the students’ preferred modes of learning. It could imply that our university's traditional setup is now an option for delivering education. While it is still a wish away from an official decision, the news has given students hope.
Students yearn for the advantages that the current system lacks. One of the few things that make the list is the social interaction with their respective professors and classmates, wherein they can easily access the former for consultations and further clarifications, and the latter for help on certain lessons or a support system to rely on. While reaching out is still possible through online learning, it is undeniable that the task is more challenging compared to the traditional setup. The stimulation from the school atmosphere is also craved by most since it is harder to find motivation when we’re isolated, especially when we are frequently under tremendous amounts of stress.
Before the surge of COVID-19 cases after the holidays, people were trying to piece the puzzle together. Since the cases were not in a critical number at the time, the question is whether our university will push through with opening the aforementioned setup. However, the increase in cases reported at the beginning of 2022 forced the issue to take a break from the limelight.
Health Secretary Francisco Duque III backed the lifting of restrictions to a more relaxed one in some areas of the country, but he later revoked his call when the news of a recent surge in nearby countries, namely Hong Kong, China, and South Korea, broke. This brings us to the original question of whether we should push through with the opening of face-to-face classes.
On April 4th of the current year, PUP President Manuel Muhi, in fact, addressed the issue during the virtual flag ceremony on the Facebook page of Polytechnic University of the Philippines (Official). According to him, the university will conduct a hybrid classroom setup that combines traditional face-to-face classes with online learning, starting in October this year.
Even though the gradual transition from online learning to a hybrid classroom setup seems like a good start, only time and gathered data will tell whether the face-to-face classroom setup, the way we knew it, will be implemented. While the university is preparing for the transition, it would benefit the students if the current setup is enhanced to aid their learning.
In spite of our longing for the class setup we had before the pandemic, we cannot risk bearing the burden of another surge, especially after our country just recently reopened its economy and lifted the requirements for fully vaccinated international travelers and tourists. As external factors participate in changing the course of the game, the puzzle becomes more challenging. However, it is not to say that there cannot be an effective alternative. Online learning may have initially received criticism, but there is always room for improvement.
A few of the common problems encountered by most students that must be addressed are: the lack of feedback from some professors, which prevents them from knowing what to improve; consideration for those having an unstable connection during quizzes or exams; more learning materials that students can cite sources from or use for practice; and a comprehensive outline for scheduled activities or events. The current setup may not be what most students will opt for in terms of learning quality, but it still has its own advantages for students and, most importantly, it is the safest option for now. It comes down to the saying, "it is better to be safe than sorry."
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