Written by Jasmine Santos

Looking back at the time when being on gadgets for too long was a guilty pleasure, assuming we have all experienced it, is an epic journey down memory lane. Sadly, that lane is temporarily closed. The coronavirus pandemic is an enormous “stop sign” blocking our way of travelling back to simpler times, or anywhere at all. Now we are forced to depend on our technological devices to survive and to function.

But hey, that is not actually too bad. We may be behind our doors, but we are not completely behind our life. Technologies are advancing and continuing to develop, providing a way for human activities to carry on. And by on, I mean online.

School Goes On

Our education goes on, whether we are ready or not, so we have to equip ourselves with adjusting to this new environment. We could do so by researching and self-training. There are many resources and materials available online that could assist in our remote learning.

Tech and Learning (2018) listed about 200 free online learning resources. This includes worksheets, e-books, virtual programs, talks, workshops, as well as tools for coding, animation, publishing, and art, and applications for math, spelling, and grammar. These online learning resources also include reading and communication platforms, journal articles, educational games, student safety platforms, teaching resources, learning management systems, video and meeting software, hands-on projects for STEM learners, and foreign language instruction.

Work goes on

Jobs as doctors (and other medical front liners), storekeepers, drivers, or factory workers require fieldwork where employees must abide by safety rules like wearing personal protective equipment and practicing social distancing. Others shift online and operate through work from home. Generally, individuals who work from home are provided with the necessary tools like personal computers for call center agents and online resources and materials for teachers and professors.

More job opportunities were provided with the prevalence of online shopping during the pandemic, jobs as specific such as online business owners and as drivers for a large number of delivery services available in our country.

Shopping Goes On

We are fortunate that we can still buy the things that we need and want without having to go outside and leaving the confines of our homes. While online shopping platforms like Lazada, Shopee, or Zalora are available prior the pandemic, they have now become the primary go-to places for purchasing products.

Obladi Oblada, Life Goes On

We may have put a lot of activities or dreams on hold, but it does not mean that we will never be able to move forward again. Consider this detour as an opportunity to learn extra life skills and lessons. In the meantime, we could take advantage of the free online learning resources for our education, opportunities to earn while staying at home, the capability to purchase products with ease and convenience, and everything else (including entertainment and social media) that the online world could offer us.

Reference:

TL Editors. (2018). Free Online Learning Resources For Schools. Tech & Learning.