THE PULSE OF COC:
STUDENTS’ VIEW ON THE PUP IMPLEMENTATION OF FLEXITEL

Words: Nicole Shaneen Tiburcio

The Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) launched FlexiTel (Flexible Technology-Enhanced Learning), a method where students are given the freedom to select their mode of learning based on their resources. Students can choose among two different modes; online or offline (modular) mode. 

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Many students have encountered challenges with the current distance learning such as the struggle to adapt, technical issues, time management, and the lack of self-motivation that prevents them from being productive on their academic works.

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College of Communication students shared their struggles and sentiments about the University’s implementation glitches of FlexiTEL:

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LEMUEL CONOR BARUELA (BABRC 4-1)

“For me, as an online student, I literally feel a little disappointed in how they categorized some students on which learning tools they're going to take, some of my classmates have a gadget and things that are suitable for taking Online Class but still, they were classified as a modular student. Thanks to the professors that still cooperate with the students who are allowed to join or attend an online session even though they are in modular. But overall I'm satisfied that there is no academic freeze happening but I hope the university provides the materials that should've been used during lessons, ‘cause some of my colleagues don't have a module yet and they are struggling to cope up with online.”

PRECIOUS DIANE PARONABLE (BAJ-3-1N)

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“The 2020-2021 school year is a monumental landmark in the educational history of the Philippines. In line with the new normal brought upon by the global health crisis mass adherence to distance learning is made prominent in the academic landscape.

PUP's effort to conform to these adjustments is seen through the implementation of FLEXITEL. The guidelines and technicalities that surround the new system of learning seem simple and considerate when examined on the surface. However, when actual manifestations and functions of the new system are carefully evaluated numerous short-comings can be observed in the university's part. One particular issue is the prolonged delay in the arrival of modular materials for Class B students. More than a month since the commencement of the academic year and still very limited students from the Class B mode have received their modules.

Another problem is the lack of strict adherence to the guidelines designed to ensure consideration towards the different situational positions of students. This includes the limitation of 6 synchronous meetings per course program and considerations to unforeseen technical difficulties in terms of complying with deadlines.

An educational system design that is only considerate and inclusive in paper but not in reality and implementation is still a restriction to academic rights and freedom.”

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Arnold John Padilla (BAPR 3-1D)

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“This semester brought me to something I didn't expect, I'm one of the students of the PUP community who’s misplaced as a correspondence in the new normal mode of learning amidst the pandemic. According to them, correspondence students would have to wait for their modules, yet it's [already] November and it has been over two months since the semester started and still there are no updates from the PUP Administration. While I try to understand the adversities, I just can't understand why their quick urgency seems absent. Personally, modular mode of learning made me feel left out, all subjects and professors have different commentaries and requirements for modular students making us feel confused as to why their general guidelines seem to be confusing. As of the moment, I didn't do any school work, not because I'm lazy but because there is nothing to do. I feel anxious everything would pile up or when modules arrive when it's near the end of semester.”

Jimmy III S. Santiago (BACR 3-2)

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“Mula noong inilunsad ang FlexiTel, karamihan na ng aking mga propesor ay nagkaroon na ng “internal arrangement” sa aking klase at balita ko ay ganoon din sa ibang mga seksyon.

Nakatutuwa ito dahil ipinapakita nito na buo ang konsiderasyon ng mga propesor ng Sintang Paaralan sa mga mag-aaral nito. Ngunit dito mo rin makikita ang problema at tanong na bakit nga ba kailangang humantong ng mga propesor at estudyante sa ganitong sitwasyon. 

Pinakita nito na mismong mga estudyante at propesor ay naguluhan sa binigay na utos ng ehekutibo ng ating pamantasan. Hindi ito naging akma dahil tila hindi napakinggan ang boses ng mga estudyante dahil sila mismo ang pumili kung sino ang magiging online at correspondence learner.

Naiintindihan ko na hanggang ngayon ay nangangapa pa rin ang mga estudyante at propesor sa ‘new normal.’ Pero hindi naman siguro kinakailangan nang malalimang pag-iisip ang pagkakaroon ng malasakit sa propesor at iskolar ng bayan.”

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This was made possible through the combined efforts of the faculty, staff, and students of both departments, spearheaded by the COC Dean Dr. Edna T. Pasumbal, DOJ Chairperson Dr. Hemmady Mora, and DBC Chairperson Dr. Ma. Lourdes Garcia. 

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Dr. Mora said that she is very proud that the Department of Journalism made history. She also felt thankful to God, faculty, and students who helped the department achieve this historic feat. 

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As early as 2017, Dr. Mora said that she already prepared herself for the challenges of achieving Level IV status. She already worked on some requirements such as getting visiting professors from other universities and also went to other countries to attend leadership training. 

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“Meron palang magagandang bagay na nakaabang sa’yo kasi ginawa mo kung ano ‘yung tama,” she added.

DOJ and DBC are now in the roster of programs in the university that are Level IV Phase 2 accredited with other programs like Bachelor of Arts in English (ABE) and Batsilyer ng Artes sa Filipinolohiya (ABF).

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