Teachers share concerns as school re-opening nears

The Department of Education (DepEd) has announced the re-opening schools on October 5 after numerous safety concerns amid the COVID-19 outbreak. The government, as well as the teachers, parents, and students, previously worried about how schools can resume without further spreading the virus.

Now that the former safety issue has been addressed, it seems the schools and the teachers in particular are still plagued with one problem after another.

Here are some concerns that teachers need help with, as class re-opening looms near:

Internet connectivity

The pandemic, as well as the sudden shift to remote work and learning, has been an abrupt move for almost everyone. That said, it is not surprising that both the provider and the consumer are unprepared, to say the least. Not only are providers unable to supply the connectivity requirements in most places, but even those teachers and students with existing Internet lines have been complaining about wireless internet connection is dropping in and out during classes.

Hardware

As schools transition to using technology for their classes, some issues that teachers face relate to the technology itself. Somewhere near you, a teacher or a student is struggling with a laptop with flat battery or electronic whiteboard playing up. Some are even struggling because there is no phone or laptop available for them to use.

As schools prepare the modular lessons for the opening of classes, it seems that another problem has cropped up: the insufficient number of printers and copiers has proven to be a real concern.

Supplies

Along with the problems of insufficient printers in public schools from all levels, there’s also insufficient supply of paper and ink for printing the modular lessons that will be used in the online classes. Because of the deficit, public schools have turned to asking for donations from alumni and friends to sustain the need before classes start.

Modern-day teachers and students might be “digital natives,” but if these concerns are not addressed soon, there is a very real risk of this new generation of students getting less than the quality of education they deserve.