Gearing up with the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) launched a new learning strategy in the form of FlexiTEL or the Flexible Technology Enhanced Learning mode.

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The FlexiTEL mode presented two ways of learning: Online Learning and Correspondence Learning. 

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Students who have gadgets and steady internet connections are placed under online learning. While those without stable access to the internet and in need of gadgets, correspondence learning is provided.

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In online learning, the approach is divided into two methods: Synchronous and Asynchronous method.

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Under the Synchronous method, classes are conducted in live online conferences with their professors.

 

Whereas in the asynchronous method, learning materials are uploaded online for  students to study at their own pace. Attendance in live online conferences is encouraged but not necessary.

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However, in correspondence learning, students receive printed modules authored by professors in which to be delivered through courier service provided by the university. These printed modules include all the lessons for the course subjects, as well as the activities and exams to be answered by the students.

The grading system is different from those who are in online learning than to those who are in correspondence learning. 

 

Learning in the new normal

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The FlexiTEL Learning has stirred different reactions from the students of the University. Julius Renz Arangoso, a first-year BSEDFL student shared some of the pros and cons of online classes. 

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“Napakaconsiderable ng mga professors pagdating sa class activities, tulad sa mga pasahan ng requirements at sa pagsusulit upang maisaulo ang lahat ng detalye,” he said.

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Arangoso also noted that his first year at college got easier because his professors uploaded their weekly discussions like the audio and video recorded lessons, which helped him understand more of the topics that were given to them. For the problems encountered under the Online Learning, he pointed out that internet connection’s speed is the major challenge for them.

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Despite these positive and negative outcomes brought by the new learning of PUP, Arangoso preferred to have face-to-face learning. 

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“Face-to-face kasi ‘yung nakagisnan ko na eh, nandoon ‘yung human interaction kaya mas makikilala mo ‘yung prof at classmates mo,” he stressed. 

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Artagnan Liszt Biason, a graduating Journalism student enrolled under correspondence learning, professed that the only advantage of being under the offline learning is that someone can help you answer the modules. But he worries that he may not be able to send back the modules on time because the modules were delivered too late.

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Few months after the opening of classes, students who are under correspondence learning have just received their printed modules - way too late for the school year schedule.

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“Expected ko darating agad ‘yung modules, pero hanggang ngayon wala pa ring dumarating. Napakalaking disadvantage nito sa’min,” he said. 

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That is why he is forced to participate in online meetings as a sit-in student in the meantime to catch up with the lessons.

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Biason prefers having  face-to-face mode of learning rather than the FlexiTEL.

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“Iba pa rin talaga yung may kasama kang mga kaklase mo na nag-aaral at professor na nagsasalita sa harapan n’yo,” he said. 

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Despite having the threats and setbacks of COVID-19 as well as the calling of students for academic break, PUP opened these new modes of learning to adjust with the new normal, following the instructions of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) in upholding quality education in the midst of the pandemic.

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