With the continuously rising number of COVID-19 cases in the Philippines, the Department of Education recently announced that the opening of classes for grade school and high school is moved from August 24 to October 5, 2020.
Knowing that it is impossible for students to have face-to-face classes, some leading universities have adapted to the new normal—virtual classes.
Some have already started their online classes, while other universities are soon to open the first semester in the coming months.
To help our college students cope in the new normal, Manila Standard Tech gathered some basic tips to help them in their online class setup.
1. A good laptop equals convenient studying
Having a good laptop or desktop with top specifications and features will help a student feel at ease studying, especially if the course requires a bigger size of RAM and storage for software for his/her assignments and projects. This could be the biggest problem of students, since good laptops and desktops require a lot of money.
The good news is more laptop and computer brands with good specs like Lenovo and ASUS offer student-friendly prices.
Lenovo also identifies the perfect laptop for you and your course—from architecture to liberal arts. Check them here https://www.lenovo.com/ph/en/faqs/laptop-faqs/student-laptop-college/
2. Smartphones as an alternative
Since most laptops are expensive, some students can choose to buy a new phone, instead.
Like laptops and computers, smartphones are now more developed and have high specs that can store lots of apps and data.
Smartphones like vivo, Samsung, Nokia and realme have recently released phones with large memory and storage, also at affordable prices. Such phones can run online communication apps like Zoom and Microsoft Teams for online classes. Microsoft Office Tools are also available on App Store and Play Store that you can use for your school works.
3. A stable Internet connection means a good connection to your class
Of course, virtual classes require an internet connection and it must be a stable and good one. You don't want lags and choppy discussions, right?
Since most of the lessons and exams this school year will done online, a student must have fast internet connection.
Don't worry, because telecommunications companies Smart and Globe have lots of various promos that will fit your budget. Check their services here globe.com.ph and smart.com.ph.
4. Buying school supplies and other equipment right at your fingertips
You're doing those online classes because you need to protect your health and safety, so you're not going to your favorite bookstore to buy your school supplies.
E-commerce platform Shopee got your back! What you need to do is download its app and start adding your school supplies to your cart and pay them electronically via credit card or via other payment platforms like Paymaya or GCash, or commit to pay them upon check out if the chosen payment method is Cash on Delivery.
You can also look for the official store of your trusted brand on the platform. They also offer cashless payment by registering your card or by cashing in from your online wallet. You can also track your orders in the app.
5. Licensed software and you're good to go
We know you're already familiar with the Microsoft Office, Zoom, Photoshop, and the like. These are some software you need in accomplishing some of your school works.
Some software offers free versions which you can download on their official website.
We suggest, though, that if possible, please download legal and licensed software to avoid viruses and cyberthreats.
But still, don't forget to download anti-virus or cybersecurity software like Kasperksy and Fortinet to secure not just your files, but also you and your personal information.
So there you go. These are some of the basic needs when you set up your online schooling.
It will be tough and hard for everyone. But we need to somehow accept this option rather than risk our health by being exposed to the virus.
What we need to do is to remain hoping and look forward to that day when everything will back to the way it was.
