The Lighthouse Diary # 37: Back to Beacon on Hybrid Learning

Last Monday, we started hybrid classes on campus. 

It means several things. One, students who chose to go on campus for face to face learning have a space in the classroom and in school, in general. Two, students who chose to stay at home for online distance learning have access to learning experiences and resources. Three, the Academy has put in place a thorough adherence to health protocols following DepEd guidelines and WHO research based protocols. Previous to this, the school leadership had FGDs with all the members of the community; consultations with stakeholders, lawyers, doctors and medical practitioners; and countless meetings with the team assigned for this transition of ODL to Hybrid Learning. Needless to say, the school leadership made sure that they can be trusted and that this movement to Hybrid Learning is a shared responsibility.

How does the library figure into Hybrid Learning?

For starters, I went with the flow. This is another change that superseded a change that many of us have not adjusted fully. Or, to some, work from home has been a zone of comfort that going back on campus requires agility and flexibility. It is tiring. It is anxiety inducing. We soldier on. This is the story of our pandemic lives, so far.

Second, we observed. The protocols, following the DepEd guidelines and ruling, were enforced and soon enough, we had dry runs among faculty and staff. Then, we huddled for plans to welcome our students for this new learning experience. A week before we finally welcomed our students back on campus, my staff and I decided to have the library on limited use. We have just migrated to a new library management system in December last year. Our inventory was put on hold since March 2020. There is a backlog of books and resources for cataloging. We need to clean up and clear up the systems and structures before we can fully operate full on hybrid.

Here is our existing guidelines for students and faculty, staff and members of the learning community.

* The library is implementing a close shelf protocol until further notice. This means, books and library materials are available upon request. EBSCO eBooks and digital resources on KOHA are accessible for borrowing through virtual channels. Access to EBSCO eBooks have been provided to students during the 1st semester. The library will send a video tutorial for access to digital resources on KOHA on April 1, 2022 (not kidding!)

* A book drop and pick up station is set up outside the library to facilitate circulation of borrowed books and resources.

* The library is open for study hall and recess every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.

* The library can accommodate 7 people, including the library staff, at a time.

In a month's time, these guidelines will change again, depending on the circumstances. I have learned to live with the uncertainty though anxiety inducing it may be. We hope for better days ahead.