In the past few years, I have witnessed and experienced significant changes in the nature of education, both as a student and as a teacher. One of the most notable shifts was during the pandemic, year 2020, when the Philippine educational system shifted from traditional face-to-face learning to blended and online learning. I was a first year college back then, these mode of learning has required me to adjust not only academically but also emotionally and mentally since learning through a screen felt less engaging compared to being inside the classroom. Classes were held on google meets, Zoom, google classroom and other educational platforms, but as a student coming from a poor family, this setup was not easy for me. I didn’t have my own laptop, so I often relied on my cellphone, aside from that I also struggled with unstable internet connections which made it hard for me to follow the lessons clearly. Despite these challenges, it taught me independence, resourcefulness, and the ability to manage my own time effectively.

Now that I just recently stepped into the role of a teacher, I experienced the changes from another perspective. I noticed that blended learning has been the most used approach nowadays since frequent calamities continue to disrupt normal classes, such as floods, typhoons, and even having high heat index. These natural events often force schools to suspend face-to-face classes for the safety of both students and teachers. It helped ensure that learning does not stop completely despite the challenges brought by unpredictable weather and environmental conditions. These new learning methods pushed me to become more innovative in finding ways to keep students engaged despite the limitations of distance. I need to use digital tools, interactive slides, and online platforms just to make lessons more dynamic and ensure that they are learning. I realized that teaching today is no longer just about delivering knowledge but about connecting with learners in deeper level in a different ways. I can say it was challenging, but it also opened opportunities to develop my creativity and adaptability as an educator.

These sudden shifts and adjustments in education has forced me to become flexible and resilient, to keep moving forward despite difficulties, and to find solutions even when the circumstances were far from ideal. I came to understand that learning never stops and education is not confined to the four walls of a classroom, it evolves with the times and continues to prepare us for real-life challenges.