By: Aliahcorr Balanon
Edited by: Maverick Rhoy De Vera /The LANCE
Last Jul. 21, the Colegio shared an article from Manila Bulletin announcing the Hybrid Learning that will be implemented starting on Sept. 1, aiming for inclusive and flexible learning modality for students, faculty, and administrators.
While the administration frames the shift to provide a flexible learning, Letranites are questioning its timing and execution, noting the lack of prior consultation before enrollment began.
According to the Manila Bulletin article, the college department will start its fully face-to-face classes on Aug. 11 to 30, and the new set up will be implemented starting Sep. 1.
The new set up designates Monday and Tuesday for online classes, while face-to-face classes will take place on Wednesday and Thursday, and Friday and Saturday are reserved for laboratories and consultations. This modality will follow until Dec. 6, before the final examination begins.
“This modality reinforces the Colegio’s commitment to flexible, learner-centered education through hybrid teaching-learning suited to each academic level,” said Prof. Danilo K. Villena, Ph.D., Vice President for Academic Affairs on the Manila Bulletin article.
In an exclusive interview with The LANCE, Director of Department of Student Affairs (DSA) Asst. Prof. Leo N. Bernarda explained the student guidelines and support under the blended modality.
“...For the course design, all academic courses must be designed using the blended learning principles with clearly defined online and onsite components. The course syllabi must indicate its assessments and learning outcomes specific to each mode of delivery. magkakaiba po ‘yung assessments for online and onsite,” he said.
Bernadas also explained that the institution’s hybrid learning policy stems from the goal of offering flexible, inclusive, and resilient learning opportunities by integrating both digital and physical learning.
He also assured that student welfare and safety remain priorities, both online and on-campus. Emergency plans for events and data privacy standards for online platforms will be implemented, along with orientations and pre-activity education for students during the August transition period.
However, student-led activities may be limited to avoid disrupting academic schedules. All events must be aligned with the academic calendar requiring an advance approval of the office for the facility use.
“Hindi po dapat mag-interfere with class schedules, ‘yun po ‘yung priority natin. As to strategies, we can talk about that during operational planning. Those activities can be done through online and onsite means. Pwede po nating i-consider both modalities,” he shared.
While Friday and Saturday are reserved for laboratories and consultation, CPAGs and RSOs can still schedule an activity through a blended approach.
When asked whether students may attend their online classes inside the school premises, Bernadas clarified that it is allowed, as long as the faculty is informed, as they coordinate with Auxiliary Services for security and logistics.
“I’ll make sure that the online platform for hearing feedback from students will be in place on this modality,” he said.
Students’ sentiments
While the benefits of flexibility are being emphasized, students did acknowledge some inconveniences citing that there was no prior consultation regarding this implementation.
A 2nd year student from College of Business Administration and Accountancy (CBAA) expressed disappointment over the decision.
“I am incredibly disappointed because it was implemented without proper consultation to the students and parents. I am also nervous because it reminds me of the learning situation during the pandemic, in which I deem personally as ineffective, slow, and notoriously inconvenient.”
Meanwhile, Earl Cruz, a 4th year student from College of Education, Liberal Arts and Sciences (CELAS) shared his frustrations given that there was a Tuition and Other Fees Increase (TOFI) this academic year.
“Nagulat ako na this is in the works, considering na nagkaroon ng Tuition and Other Fees Increase (TOFI) ngayong academic year. Sa totoo lang, parang hindi justified ang increase if hybrid learning rin pala ang magiging setup. Kung titignan natin ang breakdown ng miscellaneous, supplementary, at laboratory fees (which is nagtaas), paano namin mama-maximize 'yon kung hindi rin kami full face-to-face na papasok? Parang mas may sense kung nabawasan ang ibang fees. Medyo sketchy na may increase pa, to be honest,” he shared.
Cruz also emphasized the specific needs of their program, “Bilang mga Communication students na may production classes and courses, I believe that it would be more efficient if hindi hybrid ang set-up. Marami sa mga klase namin ay production-heavy, and we know first-hand that those are hard to deliver effectively online,” he added.
He also expressed that hybrid learning may benefit only those who have a stable internet and high performing devices that not everyone can afford.
A 4th year student from the College of Engineering and Information Technology (CEIT) also shared that even if online classes give him more time for their ongoing thesis, it still hinders his overall learning.
“Well ako personally hindi naman na ako ganun ka affected actually pabor pa nga sakin kasi ongoing ‘yung thesis mas madami time para gumawa ng thesis pero it affects me in a way na wala ako matututunan sa online class kasi nagiging petiks ako compare kapag f2f,” he shared.
Students are now calling for a dialogue with the administration, urging their voices should be considered in shaping the system that they are part of.
Meanwhile, The LANCE has reached out to the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA) for a response regarding the concerns raised by the students. However, due to weather-related disruptions, the scheduled interview was delayed. As of this writing, the office has yet to respond to follow-up requests for comment.