2 weeks Ago By SunStar Cebu
For veteran educator Wilma Fuentes, “Teachers are not only guides but also learners in this new digital age.” Fuentes, like other veteran educators in Cebu, said that teaching has evolved alongside the advancement of technology. The 59-year-old kindergarten teacher, who has taught for over 20 years at the Nazarene Christian Learning Center, shared that technology has transformed how lessons are prepared and delivered.
“Traditionally the teachers write everything they want to teach to the pupils or learners; they do it in a manual way, but in modern education, everything is on the internet,” she said. However, she also acknowledged the challenges that come with adapting to new methods. “It’s not just difficult for students but also teachers.
But we must adapt to new ways of learning approaches,” she said. Likewise, Edna Eyac, 52, a Grade 3 teacher with 26 years of experience at Banawa Elementary School, shared a similar perspective. “Seasoned teachers like me must continuously upgrade our skills to keep up with 21st-century learners,” Eyac remarked.
She highlighted how technology has made lesson preparation more efficient for them and the students. Eyac specifically mentioned tools like PowerPoint and Canva for creating visual aids and platforms like Kahoot and Google Forms for assessments. However, she also acknowledged the strain these changes bring.
“(The) challenges I encountered were slow internet connection, not to mention the money for the load, physical changes because of eye strain over time,” she said. “Sometimes I forget the processes because of old age,” Eyac added with a laugh. She also pointed out that not all students have access to technology, which can create a digital divide in learning.
For Melisa Retes Pelendingue, a 53-year-old Grade 6 teacher at Banawa Elementary School, incorporating modern tools is crucial in enhancing classroom participation. She said nteractive whiteboards and gamification make learning more engaging and simplify complex concepts. “Continuous learning is key to staying relevant and effective,” Pelendingue said, adding that adapting to change is essential for educators and students.
Speaking for all the teachers who have committed to embracing new teaching methods despite the hurdles they face, Fuentes echoed this sentiment saying, “We must grow alongside our learners to make education meaningful.” Fuentes, Eyac, and Pelendingue show how veteran educators balance experience and adaptability. As Pelendingue aptly summarized, “Teaching is a lifelong learning process, and it’s through growth that we truly educate.
” Armi Isola Juliana J. Ilumba, / Southwestern University.
