章節 8: Chapter 6: Frustration Build Up!
It's the first day of November and today is Tuesday, meaning to say that it is the debate time for the course teaching profession.
"Hi class good morning," paunang bati ng teacher nila.
"Good morning din po ma'am," the class said in unison.
"Alright, let's continue our debate that we have not yet finished last meeting," sabi ng teacher nila at halata namang sa likod ng camera ay kinakabahan ang mga studyanteng 'to.
Participants: Ethan- Biology Major, Kael- Social Studies Major, Sofia, Ryan, Maya, Claire, Lucas, Juan, Dorothy, Kaye, Sandra, Jimmy, Lyka, Jess, and Dr. Harris- Educational Technology Instructor.
Objective: Discussion on Educational Technology including:
Integration of technology in teaching and learning.
Using of instructional materials and media in improving learning.
Challenges and benefits of technology use in education.
Ethan adjusts his mic, scanning the familiar faces in the Google Meet. His eyes land on Kael, seated next to him already sharpening up for what's sure to be a back-and-forth. They'd had their fair share of disagreements beforehand, but not this particular discussion on Educational Technology. There was much to be said during what was sure to be an elongated session that Ethan would rather not be having.
Subtopic 1: Introduction of Technology in Teaching and Learning
Sofia (Biology Major):
"So, what do you think? Will technology be able to fully displace the traditional learning sa mga subjects like biology? Especially kapag kailangan ng hands-on experience, paano kaya 'yon?
In his willingness to jump in, he leans inward.
Kael:
"Sa social studies, I believe technology can do wonders, Sofia. But sa biology? Hands-on experience is irreplaceable. Di mo naman pwedeng palitan ang paghawak mismo ng mga bagay, especially sa mga lab experiments."
Ethan isn't going to let that slide.
Ethan:
"Pero Kael, hindi mo ba naiisip na with advancements like VR, we can replicate hands-on experiences virtually? I mean, kaya ng VR na i-simulate 'yung detailed processes like dissection. You can dissect a frog without the smell, without the mess, pero same learning pa rin."
Kael raises an eyebrow.
Kael:
"Dissecting a virtual frog, Ethan? Come on, iba pa rin kapag actual na tissues and organs ang hinahawakan. Technology can't replicate that."
Ethan counters back.
Ethan:
"True, pero hindi naman lahat ng schools afford mag-provide ng lab materials, di ba? VR can be a great alternative para sa mga schools na walang ganun ka-access sa resources."
Dr. Harris, Instructor, strides into the room, sensing a storm:
Dr. Harris:
"Ethan, are you saying that the virtual learning tools replace the actual lab experiments or supplement them?"
Ethan takes a breath.
Ethan:
"Supplement, sir. Hindi ko sinasabing dapat na substitute ng technology ang hands-on laboratories. Pero pwedeng gamitin para to fill gaps. Kung walang equipment for the laboratory, VR can be a good substitute."
Kael's smirk reappears.
Kael:
"But di ba that's the point? Hindi ba it's to prepare the students for real life? Kung ganon ka nilalako sa simulation, overwhelmed ka talaga naman kapag nasa real lab ka."
Ryan (Social Studies Major) speaks up before Ethan can answer:
Ryan:
"Kael, paano naman sa social studies? Di ba students might end up depending too much on technology, thus not engaging so much in mga historical sources? Mababa masyado sila umasa mga summaries online."
Kael's eyes light up.
Kael:
"Exactly, Ryan. Too much tech in social studies makes things too convenient. Nasa kamay mo na lahat ng impormasyon, pero nawawala 'yung need to think critically about those sources."
Ethan quips back.
Ethan:
"But isn't it up to the teacher, too, how they will lead the students? Technology should complement learning, not supplant critical thinking. In biology, the same as social studies, tech can help students master difficult concepts more quickly."
Topic 2: Learning Resource and Media Utilization for Instructional Immediacy
Maya (Biology Major) speaks next, shifting the conversation.
Maya:
"So, what about instructional materials? Mas effective ba talaga ang simulations and multimedia, or do they just distract students from the real lessons?"
Kael takes a deep breath, his thoughts sharp as always.
Kael:
"Depends on the subject, Maya. In social studies, documentaries and interactive maps are great. They breathe life into history. Pero danger din yan. Sometimes they simplify things so much that it ends up being black and white when it's really gray."
Ethan jumps in not wanting the momentum to waste.
Ethan:
"Sa biology, ugad though, the multimedia is important. Just think about having to explain cellular biology without pictures. With interactive media, students can literally zoom inside a cell and have processes explained in a whole new way."
Kael shrugs.
Kael:
"But isn't that in danger of losing the basics? Ang daming flashy materials, pero kung hindi maayos ang foundation ng student, mawawala rin 'yung understanding."
Ethan almost rolls his eyes. Kael always had a counter.
Ethan:
"Kael, the media you're calling 'flashy' is actually designed to reinforce those foundations. It's not about distraction. It's about engagement."
Dr. Harris raises his hand to a stop gesture.
Dr. Harris:
"Alright, think about balance. Ethan, you feel technology in biology supports the old ways, whilst Kael feels that it may distract. Okay then, what's the middle ground?"
Ethan doesn't wait.
Ethan:
"Of course, balance is the key. We do not want over-reliance on technology, but if we ignore it, we miss a lot of learning opportunities."
Kael, clearly not satisfied, shrugs as if to say, "We'll see."
Subtopic 3: Challenges and Benefits of Applying Technology in the Learning Process
Claire is a social studies major and has this next question:
Claire:
"Okay, last topic. What do you guys think are some of the major difficulties of using technology in education? Is it engagement, access, or something else?"
Ethen beats Kael to the punch.
Ethan:
"Sa biology, the biggest challenge is accessibility. Not all schools can afford the high-tech tools we're talking about. Kailangan ng budget for things like VR or advanced simulations, which is a big problem, especially for underfunded schools."
Kael interrupts, no, shaking his head.
Kael:
"True, pero for social studies, the issue is engagement. So many information are online, but students get lost. They cherry-pick sources na magfi-fit lang sa bias nila without really analyzing."
Dorothy (Biology Major) interjects.
Dorothy:
"Do you think teachers are equipped enough to handle this technology? Especially with all these new tools?"
"Yes," Kael says, nodding thoughtfully.
Kael:
"Honestly, I don't think so. Teachers are doing their best, pero the pace of tech is just too fast. Sa social studies, kailangan mo talagang turuan ang students how to distinguish between reliable sources and fake news, which is hard."
Ethan has been waiting for this.
Ethan:
"Trainer training is certainly an issue, but I feel it comes down to backing up the teachers themselves. Kahit na walang access sa tools, a good teacher can still utilize basic technology for enhancing learning."
Kael steps aside, clearly anticipating a repeat.
Kael:
"But that's the thing, Ethan. You're placing too much responsibility on teachers. We're not giving them the resources they need para ma-manage lahat ng tech na 'to."
Ethan knows that Kael has a point, but he's tired of dragging this out.
Ethan:
"Sige, Kael. You win this one. Ayoko nang pahabain pa. You made your point."
Kael smirks to himself, realizing Ethan had let him win that round.
Dr. Harris smiles finally releasing the tension.
Dr. Harris:
"Looks like Ethan's ready to call it a day! That was an excellent discussion, everyone. Ethan, Kael, I really appreciate how you both engaged so deeply and respectfully, even though you clearly did not see things alike. That is what good debate is all about."
The Debate Continues Others in the class continue this discussion after Ethan has yielded. Lucas picks technology in the rural school as the topic to be discussed; Jess speaks on media literacy; while Sandra gives her thought regarding how print and digital resources complement each other. Done with that aspect of the debate, Ethan leans back, relieved. He catches Kael's eye, knowing he's already going to have this thrown in his face for some time, but, at least for now, that session has ended and everyone walks away with a little better understanding of how technology shapes education. He concludes the series by congratulating the students on their work of comprehensive analysis and how they blended ideas from both biology and social studies into a harmony.
Ethan's POV
I log off from the Google Meet, my mind still racing from the debate. Kael had totally outmaneuvered me today. "Sige, panalo ka na," I mutter to myself, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. I didn't want to prolong the conversation, but part of me feels defeated.
I pull out my phone, almost absentmindedly scrolling through the group chat for our class. As I scan the messages, my heart sinks. The thread is buzzing with activity, and my name keeps popping up. I can't help but read the comments, and it hits me like a punch to the gut.
Juan:
"Si Kael talaga 'yung tama kanina eh. Ethan's argument was medyo off."
Maya:
"Oo nga! VR dissection? Iba talaga 'pag actual na hands-on experience."
Kaye:
"Natawa nga ako, nagbigay pa si Ethan ng point pero halata namang walang laban. Kael made a much stronger argument."
What the heck? Are they really saying this? My pulse quickens, and I feel a mix of anger and disbelief wash over me. How can they think this way? I mean, sure, Kael had some good points, but did I really come off that poorly?
Sandra:
"Tbh, Kael was right the whole time. Ethan just doesn't get that technology can't replace everything."
Is this what they really think?
I keep scrolling, my frustration building.
Dorothy:
"I know, di ba? Grabe 'yung energy ni Ethan kanina, pero parang wala naman siyang solid na point. Kael owned that debate."
I can't take it anymore. My heart sinks, feeling like a rotten tomato in a basket full of fresh ones. How did it come to this? I want to argue back, to defend myself. I want to shout, "I had valid points too!" But then again, maybe I didn't present them as clearly as I could have.
Ryan:
"Seriously, I get that Ethan tried, pero Kael just had better examples. Baka next time, mag-research pa siya."
I roll my eyes, feeling the heat rising in my cheeks. Next time? What do they think I've been doing? It's frustrating to see how quickly they've turned against me, how easily they've picked sides.
"I just wanted to present another perspective!" I say aloud to myself, pacing back and forth. But did I really do that? Did I actually show them a different side, or did I just muddy the waters?
I shake my head, trying to clear the thoughts swirling in my mind. The messages keep flashing on my screen, almost like they're mocking me. I take a deep breath, attempting to find some calm.
"Ethan, don't let this get to you. It's just a debate," I tell myself. But it's more than that. It feels personal, like they're dismissing my thoughts completely.
I picture Kael sitting there, smug, probably feeling like he's done something monumental. "Good for you, Kael," I think bitterly. "You've convinced everyone you're right." But then I can't help but wonder—am I just bitter because he's getting all the credit? Or is it because I genuinely believe I had something valuable to contribute?
I pause, wrestling with my emotions. What if they're right? What if I really was just an outlier in their neatly packaged understanding of educational technology? I had tried to argue about VR and how it could be beneficial, but did I miss the mark?
I remember Dr. Harris's voice, asking for balance. "Where's the middle ground?" I take a deep breath, realizing that maybe that's what I need to find within myself. The middle ground isn't just about tech versus traditional methods. It's about how I present my ideas and how open I am to the perspectives of others.
I scroll back up through the chat, eyes narrowing. I could jump in and argue my points, but is it worth it? What if they're too set in their ways? What if I end up like the rotten tomato after all, spoiling the conversation instead of enriching it?
I sit back in my chair, head in my hands, battling my thoughts. "Should I defend myself? Should I just let this slide?" I don't want to be the rotten tomato, but I also don't want to roll over and accept their opinions without question.
"Ethan, think about it," I say aloud. "They're just expressing their views. Maybe they think I'm wrong, but that doesn't mean I have to feel bad about my perspective." I want to believe that, but the voices in the chat echo back to me, making it hard to hold onto that thought.
As I stare at my screen, it becomes clear. If I jump into the chat now, it'll just turn into a back-and-forth battle, and I don't want that. It's not worth losing the camaraderie we have, not just over a debate.
"Fine, let it go," I tell myself, feeling a strange mix of defeat and acceptance wash over me. Maybe I'll just step back this time. "Next time, I'll do better. I'll research more, prepare more."
I remind myself that it's okay to concede. Sometimes, stepping back is the wiser choice. I don't want to be the rotten tomato in this basket; I want to be part of the fresh ones, the ones who can grow and learn together, even if it means accepting defeat today.
"Next time, I'll bring my A-game," I whisper, determined to learn from this experience, even if it stings right now. I put my phone down, ready to step away from the negativity and focus on what's ahead, knowing I'll find my place among the fresh tomatoes again soon enough.
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