Slow internet a challenge to teachers, students as classes start

As the government claimed victory over the coronavirus pandemic during the start of the school year on Monday, teachers and students found themselves beset by connectivity issues that hampered their participation in online classes.

According to Tina Panganiban Perez’ report on “24 Oras,” slow internet speeds prevented some teachers from attending school activities.

Teacher Eden Enoch was unable to join the orientation for advisers as the internet connection in their house was split among her, her children who are also attending online classes, and her nephew who also teaches students through virtual platforms.

“Mahina ‘yung internet dito, mahina talaga ‘yung koneksyon. Mahirap talaga makapasok. May problema… lalo na kung magkakasabay-sabay online,” she said.

Teacher Emerita Cabute also lamented that her P3,500 chalk allowance for one school year is not enough to cover the cost of a good internet service provider.

“Ang mahal mahal ng internet, P2,000 sa isang buwan. Paano magkakasya?” she said.

Ma. Teresa Custodio, principal of a school in  Sta. Ana, Manila, observed that many students were unable to attend the first day of online classes due to poor connection.

She said that students who struggled with their wifi will not be marked absent.

“Gagawa ang teacher ng means para makapag-communicate dito sa bata. Saka may mga modules naman na,” she said.

Ma. Bernardita Llana, a parent, has successfully enrolled all her children to school but now faces the issue of internet connectivity.

“Mahirap po talaga lalo na sa connection kasi marami pong sabay sabay po,” she said.

Education Secretary Leonoro Briones earlier said issues hounding online classes must not prevent learners from getting an education even amid a pandemic. —Julia Mari Ornedo/LDF, GMA News