By Rusieljs G. Lunasco

Online class of College of arts and Sciences Instructor, Prof. Claire David Jardenil

Central Philippine University began online classes of more than 3,000 students for the summer term on July 6, 2020.

Teachers and students shared some of their experiences during the first day of online class.

“At first I find it hard because I’m not used to attending class virtually. But I’m still in the process of learning and adapting,” said 1st year Pharmacy student Joylyn Hope Berina. She added that

“she still prays for normal classes to return as there are some things that are more meaningful to learn if there is a personal encounter between the teacher and the student.”

Kamille Chistelle Denila, an upcoming 2nd year Financial Management student shared that she had mixed feelings about having her classes online. “I was also a bit stressed because we were the last batch to be informed about the join code to be used in our Canvas app.” She says she is thankful for her teachers for managing the online class well. “The online class taught me to be more patient because there were many challenges that we’ve encountered,” she added.

“I was very excited on our first day. Although we experienced a few problems with interconnectivity, everything went on smoothly. Online learning is now a reality for all of us and we have to make do of what we have,” shared Department of Civil Engineering Chairperson, Engr. Mary Earl Daryl Grio.

College of Nursing instructor professor Herme Agriam-Borlado shared that the “transition from onsite to online delivery of a nursing course is a great challenge.”

“At the start of my online class, I reminded myself that challenges are inevitable, but they will be temporary. When you open yourself to innovation, new learning, and experiences, what follows will be less stressful and more meaningful,” she said.

On May 26, the university announced that it will implement full online classes as advised by the Commission on Higher Education.

Online training for college and pre-collegiate faculty started on June 1 and ended on June 16. The elementary school and the kindergarten department are currently undergoing a series of seminars and demos for Schoology Learning Management System.

Despite the pandemic, the enrolment for the collegiate level has increased by 4.18 percent.

The university is the first to offer full online classes for the summer term in Iloilo City.