College students from De La Salle Lipa (DLSL) have initiated a petition to suspend online classes, voicing out their grievances and difficulties with complying with academic requirements in the midst of the worsening COVID-19 crisis in the country, Mar. 17.
Citing that many students have difficulties with securing stable internet connection at home as one reason, the petition also called for the school to understand the need to prioritize health and safety due to the declaration of the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine.
“Mas safe [na ma-suspend ang] online classes dahil kailangan i-prioritize ang kalusugan at kaligtasan nating students lalo na’t declared na bawal lumabas kaso hindi mapipigilan ang iba since wala silang stable internet,” Aira Dequito, a first year BS Industrial Engineering student, said.
Ian Caraan, a first year BS Biology student, also stated that some students currently staying in other provinces experience sudden power interruptions that may cause them to miss online conferences with their professors and result in late submissions for requirements.
Moreover, students worry on how they can cope with the lessons administered online instead of the usual classroom set-up.
“Hindi lahat nakakacatch-up sa ganitong set up [online class] and iba pa rin pag sa classroom natututo ang isang estudyante,” Efren Manarang, a first year BS Psychology student, said.
Meanwhile, the circulating petition has already caught the attention of faculty members of the institution.
“We are aware that not all students can engage online [and] teachers are also struggling with the wifi connection […]. I have expressed the concerns of the faculty and students to the [vice chancellor for academics] VCA.” said Bernadette Dimaculangan, member of the National Service Training Program (NSTP) faculty, and the current president of the Tertiary School Faculty and Staff Association (TSFSA).
Teachers and professors were advised to work from home and hold their classes online through Canvas, the school’s online learning management system (LMS), since formal classes were suspended last March 13.
As of 9:45 p.m., there are already 1,557 online users who signed the said petition as compared to the 3,095 total college student population.
As a parent, I am just worried that because of a handful of requirements for submission everyday, online quizzes and conferences, my daughter ‘s immune system is now being compromised due to stress. Lack of sleep and decreased appetite as a result of these requirements contribute a lot to low immune system. Consequently, she is more likely to be prone to infection related to COVID 19. The purpose of the “community quarantine” is being defeated by these hectic online classes. My daughter and I are both pro-online classes because it is her right to be educated and she does not want to be deprived of that. However, as a parent, I would like to request teachers to chill and ask students if they can comply with the due dates required of them in consideration of other subjects’ submission dates. Medyo konting hinay hinay lang so as not to be toxic. Sending love and light to all in this crucial time. Thank you.