Views on my channel increased by 127 percent in the last few days – especially the science experiment videos. I usually get 10 to 15 subscribers daily but since the MCO, I’m seeing 50 to 100 sign ups every day.
– Norhailmi Abdul Mutalib, science teacher and blogger
The Covid-19-induced MCO has caused major disruption to our education and learning processes at all levels.
It is likely that our educational establishments will not open any time soon. Let us pray there is no haste and undue pressure to open up the schools to early, as has happened in the case of businesses in some Malayan states yesterday.
In the meantime, many teachers have started home-based online classes using various technologies with their students from their own homes.
The question is, are we using the available technologies efficiently and effectively to carry on educating students and how many teachers have the necessary tools, experience, platforms, exposure, skills and ability to conduct online classes?
The answer to both questions is that most likely many teachers do not have access to the appropriate technology, platform or necessary skills to conduct online classes effectively.
Although the traditional form of teaching has a role in online teaching, many more skill sets have to be acquired to be effective.
I would say that the teachers cannot be faulted, especially those at the primary and secondary level because no training was provided for the current crisis.
I would add that, to their credit, we must applaud these teachers and thank them for conducting the classes. They are doing their best to use whatever means available at their disposal to connect with their students.
Parents and students must understand that there are many constraints faced by the teachers during this MCO period and for some time to come after that.
The slow internet speeds at either at the teachers’ home or students’ home also hinders the conduct of the online classes.
A computer with slow processing power can affect the online class. For those who have access to internet connections and computers (even slow ones), they are at least privileged to continue their classes.
The students who are at a disadvantage are those who do not have connectivity or access to computers, especially in rural areas. This unequal situation must be resolved soon.
Colleges and universities, especially some universities, have been using “Learning Management Systems” (LMS) and technologies to conduct online and distance learning education.
The lecturers in some of these universities being exposed to online teaching and are better placed to conduct online classes.
However, the majority of colleges do not have any online teaching platforms and like schools have to make do with ad-hoc solutions.
Common teaching and lecturing platforms currently being used are Zoom (despite security fears), Google Meet, Skype and Google Classroom. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. I can assure you it is not easy to live stream a classroom session with limited support and exposure.
Another challenge to address is trying to ensure that a student is pays attention during an online class.
One possible solution would be for parents to play a more proactive role in their children learning. They must inculcate into their children to be disciplined, self-directed and adapt to the new way of learning.
Some research shows that preferably primary school students should not have more than a 20-minute session and not more than 40 minutes for secondary school students.
Others approaches include utilising engaging materials, gamification and techniques to keep the attention of students. This is easier said than done.
Vocational learning and subjects that require practical work is another issue that needs to be resolved. Watching science experiments and videos on how to repair cars on YouTube is not exactly a hands-on learning experience.
Overall, it is reasonable to say that based on available technology, there should be no problem to conduct online and e-learning classes.
It is not an impossible task, just a difficult one now. One that can be solved by strong political commitment and investment in the learning technologies, not forgetting the up-skilling of teachers.
This approach would also ensure continuity of education with minimum disruption in the event of other upcoming disasters, whether at the global or localised level.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg has to his credit previously committed to investing large sums of funding in schools and information technology infrastructure works. Now would be the time to double up the implementation speed in these areas.
We must turn this unwanted adversity we are facing into an advantage for Sarawakians by introducing and educating our existing generation of students via online, e-learning and new methodologies to adopt and adapt to the new norms of learning that will place Sarawak on a strong footing.
The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the New Sarawak Tribune.
