By Dorelene Dimaunahan, MScM, CFE, CMA, CHRAP June 9, 2020 We have been in the digital world for quite a while already. In terms of learning...
MScM, CFE, CMA, CHRAP
June 9, 2020
We have been in the digital world for quite a while already. In terms of learning, platforms such as Khan Academy, Coursera, Udemy and others have already been in existence. The evolution of open-systems learning, slideshares, videos, podcasts, gamified learning apps and chatbots to assist learning have also been rising significantly.
Recently, a surge in the number of webinars discussing views and sharing thoughts of what may happen in terms of learning amidst the COVID19 pandemic, it has been very much prevalent. This is because we are talking about our future generations and future leaders of business and government as well.
The academe has been faced with an abrupt or premature end of school year 2019-2020. Recommendations by the Commission on Higher Education suggest that September would be a better timing for face-to-face sessions, but August should be conducted using flexible learning.
This is still uncertain and remains a big challenge for schools. First is the issue on health precautions such as wearing of masks, temperature checks, sanitizing and social distancing. Second, not all schools have the budget, equipment nor ample space to facilitate these needs.
Therefore, students are put at high-risk, not just physically, but mentally and even emotionally as well. This is especially the case for those who are using public transport facilities and who do not have access to internet or gadgets. There is a looming question as to whether students and teachers are open to what is now called “flexible learning.”
Flexible learning is a term for learning methods using digital platforms, coupled with asynchronous or synchronous discussions. We all know that our country does not have the best internet system, therefore, that adds to the challenge.
Both the government and the private sector are called onto, in order to work heads-on with this issue. Are schools ready? Are teachers knowledgeable about digital platforms? Is there enough budget for key assets to include human capital?
We are definitely at the beginning of another new era of e-learning. It is once again, the beginning of the learning curve for us. From using a pen and paper, to the use of smartphones for note-taking, sharing of audio and video files through the cloud – these simply showcase the timeline of how interactive systems have progressed.
Learning is always continuous in the same way as technology evolves, but at a much faster rate. The first thing to do is to be willing to adapt to the developments around us. Being innovative in customizing content and navigating through various modes of instruction automatically follow.
In today’s, knowledge economy, skill-building is an essential route for both teachers and learners out there. However, effective and efficient knowledge dissemination and the creation of an engaging and immersive learning experience is key to social collaboration in this new-age of e-learning.
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