With the implementation of virtual classes, many students have experienced difficulties in learning due to a variety of challenges from incomprehensible modules to unstable internet connectivity. However, students who are involved in the pursuit of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) are experiencing a different kind of loss as laboratories remain closed due to the pandemic.

 

Christian Leimar C. Espinola, a 17-year-old STEM student from Bulacan State University (BSU), explained why laboratories, also known as labs, are necessary even in this new mode of learning.

 

According to Espinola, labs are very important, especially to the people like him who want to take up Medical Technology as their course in college. It helps them to learn and observe things that only the lab can produce.

 

“It benefits us STEM students, lalo na ako na magta-take ng MedTech. Nagpo-provide ito ng experience in observing materials of science,” he said.

 

According to the Education University of Hong Kong, the purpose of the laboratories in the world of science education is for students to be able to apply conceptual and theoretical knowledge to cope with scientific concepts through scientific methods and understand its nature.

 

Laboratories are vital for STEM students since most of their education and lessons are laboratory-inclined.

 

Luckily for Espinola, his class has not yet encountered any lessons with laboratory skills and needs. However, everything is unpredictable given the pandemic and their lack of sources may come as a barrier of learning.

 

“So far wala pa naman, since sa lessons namin ngayon ay hindi pa naman kinakailangan ng use of lab etc. Pero, I think mas mahihirapan kami in the future kasi nga lack of resources,” Espinola said.

 

The Grade 11 student also thinks that in spite of the pandemic, labs are very important as their skills are expected to grow and sharpen. He stated that learning science in labs is more effective as the experience is different from an online setting.

 

There are still little to no plans from the government on how to implement laboratory usage from a home environment. As for Espinola, he is counting down the days to when he will face his own laboratory challenges.