According to X’s post, the teachers’ biggest grievance is the requirement to digitally record attendance, including location, 15 minutes before the regular class starts. The online teachers argued that the rules require them to reach school by 7:30 a.m. and record attendance between 7:45 a.m. and 8:00 a.m. before classes start.
Challenges in remote areas
Teachers claim that poor internet connectivity in remote villages makes it difficult to record attendance online. Many schools get flooded during the rainy season, making it even harder for students to attend on time. Teachers fear that if they are late due to these issues, they will be counted as absent and their vacation points will be deducted.
Ministry of Education response and teacher reaction
In response to the backlash, the Department of Basic Education tried to calm teachers on social media, assuring them that they could record attendance up to 30 minutes late and would only need to provide a reason for being late, but this did not completely allay teachers’ concerns.
Seek understanding and flexibility
Teachers expressed frustration with the new system and stressed the need for understanding rather than strict enforcement. One teacher’s post emphasized the importance of addressing issues rather than suppressing dissent.
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