In celebration of the International Education Day last 24 January 2022, Dr. Melinda dela Peña Bandalaria, Chancellor of University of the Philippines Open University (UPOU), participated in the #ChatUP: Real Talk, Real Impact, Episode 6 via Facebook Live.
Dr. Bandalaria talked about the strategies to address learning loss, digital technologies, continuity of learning, and virtual higher education collaborations. She discussed the impact of learning loss and how it was evident during the onset of the pandemic, especially in the Philippines. According to her, both teachers and learners were not prepared for teaching and learning via remote mode. “Some of the things that are needed to be learned by the students could not be taught effectively in this [online] mode of instruction, definitely in the context alone of our course materials and course packages,” shared Dr. Bandalaria as one of the challenges of shifting to online classes.
She emphasized that the coursework needs to be modified to suit the online mode of instruction. “The time to do the said revision is already accounted as learning loss.” She also mentioned that the Philippine educational system, the digital divide, inclusivity, and a conducive learning environment are also part of the challenges.
Dr. Bandalaria further shared that there are unique challenges in the Philippines in terms of ensuring that students continue learning. Remote instruction has been a major problem due to the uneven development of infrastructure, such as connectivity, as there are many areas in the country where internet access is not available.
“We have to find the right combination of technology–the new or the modern ICTs, but also thinking of traditional ones–the radio, the print–these are still technologies and as long as they will ensure that learning will continue for most, if not all, of all our students, then we have to think of those different combinations,” pointed by Dr. Bandalaria.
In terms of the use of technology to facilitate the interaction and the social aspect of learning, Dr. Bandalaria stated that the younger generation is very familiar with the social use of media in the Philippines. She shared that in terms of interaction outside the lesson, there is no need for prodding for students to interact.
Dr. Bandalaria also provided tips to ensure the continuity of learning through online mode for the teachers who are considered as the engineers and architects of learning. She shared that it is essential to make sure of the quality and design of the learning materials and that assessments should be rethought. “When we think of authentic learning, then we also have to think of authentic assessment,” she emphasized.
According to Dr. Bandalaria, changes in the environment post-pandemic are becoming apparent. Thus, strategies to implement inclusion in learning involves openness–a “learning opportunity for everyone who is interested to learn.” She expounded that making programs accessible to all, including to those who have disabilities, and removing the major barriers to learning, such as cost and accessibility, should make these learning opportunities available. Reframing of minds is essential especially when it comes to remote online teaching. Dr. Bandalaria concluded that aside from connecting and collaborating, reflecting and sharing should be done to further provide quality teaching.
Other speakers of #ChatUP Episode 6 are Dr. Lisa Xue, Director of the Global Education Institute Cal Poly Noma; and Dr. Heather Farmakis, Senior Director of Intensive English & Global Learning, Texas International Education Consortium. Quarantalk Media #ChatUP is a live virtual event aiming to discuss informative topics with experts in the field to inspire, serve, and empower people. Watch the episode on Quarantalk Media’s Facebook Page.
Written by Alessa Shainne Hostalero
Edited by Myra C. Almodiel and Anna Canas-Llamas
Image from https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?ref=watch_permalink&v=298442332257324
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