For almost a decade of forming a concrete system of modern learning, it has finally been put to test. Nowadays, we have no other choice but to utilize the resources we’ve been building after all these years since the pandemic forced us to depart from the traditional way of learning. May it be temporary or for long, we do not know. But what’s clear is that we might be able to expand our reach as educators.

The education system of this country is still in the process of constant change. It still has a wide range to reach and problems to solve. One of those is the limited access to education which leads to a high number of out-of-school children and youth (OSCY). Based on the Annual Poverty Indicators Survey last 2017, there were almost 3.6 million Filipinos aged 6 to 24 years old who didn’t get to attend a formal school. With the use of the new learning system where technology and internet are involved, there is a high possibility that the hands of literacy will be able to reach a large percentage of OSCY.

Moreover, this new method could be more efficient and effective for the 21st century learners. Especially since they are more engaged to gadgets and technology, digital literacy and collaboration won’t be a problem. Studies even show that the use of video and graphical materials could stimulate their thinking more than chalks and charts.

Accessibility might seem to be a primary issue since internet is the core of this system, it will be easily solved as time goes by since Learning Hubs will be utilized by the time the lockdown is lifted. This way, even after the crisis, accessibility is ensured especially to those learners who have limited sources.

That is why even without a crisis where physical classes are prohibited, we must be able to incorporate this system with the one we use. Besides, educators can’t settle for temporary solutions if they want to provide the quality of learning which is even more efficient than before. We must get used to the new normal even after the crisis because after all, the world progresses and we can’t afford that our learners will be left behind.

However, this needs a more intense preparation. Teachers must be familiarized with new platforms and parents must step in to ensure that the students are still involving themselves. Everyone must exert extra efforts to reach the learners unlike before where everything is inside the classroom.

Despite the accessibility issues, the modern system for learning is deemed more efficient than not pushing literacy until everything is back to normal. It’s about time to put the improvements we gained into practice. May it be temporary or for long, what’s important is that the hands of literacy reach every aspiring learner wherever they are and whatever circumstances occur.

New normal will not start soon because it has already started the moment we looked for ways to improve learning.