Comfortably listening to the online discussion while jotting down notes, clearly hearing the prof as there are without buffers or robotic sounds due to stable internet connection, and a snack on the side. This is how academic institutions picture each student when they push to implement online learning management systems, perhaps in a much better world it stands true but in reality it is nothing but an illusion. As there are a wider scope of students who are incapable to afford and have access to online instructions. Families are faced with greater trials, where to get funds, food, and for the much less fortunate a shelter to keep safe.
We have terrible internet connection, slow and at often times nerve-wracking. Despite this, I am one of the not-so-many students who have access to internet at home along with devices yet behind this, there is a larger population who cannot bear this privilege. Academic institutions remain out of touch with the reality we all, not just students, but as a nation accost. It is easier for these institutions to conclude that households have the means to internet and resources rather than actually address how to provide these. This is not only an issue of accessibility but also quality of education, with the country’s poor internet and signal the effectiveness of this “solution” is questionable. Everything must be brought to light; the academic and mental strain burdened by economic decline and the government’s failure to take action and accountability. In the midst if this worsening pandemic, with blurry signs of hope, online instructions and treat it as the new normal is everything but compassionate.
The Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) has put the economy to a halt but academic institutions treat this as ‘business as usual’ with anti-poor policies not only in online classes but also in enrollment, back account payments and impending Tuition and Other Fees Increase (TOFI). Offering band-aid solutions of loan with interests rather than discounts and subsidies for students. Recently, Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chairman Prospero “Popoy” de Vera’ stated “Universities may need a bigger tuition increase… to compensate for lost income. Since February, students from Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) have clamored for a halt in the continuous increase in tuition and other fees but are left with no response. This goes to show that education remains as a privilege even in such abnormal and fearsome times.
In these trying times, ‘social distancing’ has taken a new form. Other than physical spacing between individuals, it is the widening distance of the indigent and the wealthy. Undeniably, the gap between academic institutions and the students widen with each passing day as they turn a blind eye to our struggles and romanticize the tantamount effect of this pandemic. As greed transcends rationale, we are left with nothing but the rage to continue in demanding for our rights not only for accessible and quality education but also inclusivity in all class.
