– as University takes novel approach to education delivery in wake of widespread COVID-19 fears

By Alisa Lashley

THE University of Guyana’s Transitional Management Committee, after initiating a total lockdown at both the Turkeyen and Tain campuses because of COVID-19, have since rescinded that decision in favour of offering Online classes instead, so as not to disrupt students’ schedules but at the same time practise social distancing.
Due to this novel decision of the Committee’s, students have been advised to check on the University’s website for all formal communication with the lecturers of their respective courses.

In light of this development, a number of students have shared with the Guyana Chronicle how they feel about the arrangement, given their past experiences with Online lectures offered by the university.

One such person is Second Year International Relations student, Myron Phillips, who said: “Online classes, for me, have predominantly been used on the ‘Zoom’ platform. It’s been a bit harsh on us students, since some lecturers are having classes at an extremely stressful rate. Despite this, I am in much gratitude for the attention given to us students.”

He said that to date, he’s only had about ten sessions since the ‘Zoom’ platform has been in use by a few of his lecturers. And while some lecturers prefer to use ‘Moodle’ rather than ‘Zoom’, Phillips said he doesn’t mind at all, as he’s grateful for whatever measures they put in place, because it shows that they have their students’ best interest at heart.

“Despite my discomfort with these sessions, or should I refer to them as my disaccustomed views,” he said, “the platform has been useful, even though some lecturers have reacted to the commencement of the Online class platform a bit late, which will lead to backed up work sooner or later.”

Courtlee Rodriguez, who has a similar take on the matter as Myron, spoke of the many challenges students are faced with such as the lack of proper infrastructure, and basic resources at what is supposed to be the country’s highest institution of learning.
He said that in most cases, since this new arrangement has been put in place, classes are shorter than usual, and a major complaint among students is the sloth of Internet. He’s also found that Online classes tend to be much smaller, and that many students are missing classes, mainly because of the problem with the Internet or their inability to access a computer.

“I have had one class and two instances where information was disseminated to me through the Internet,” Courtlee said, adding: “For the most part, my lecturers are doing the very best they can, given the current pandemic and other factors facing our beautiful nation at this time.”

For Joshua Trotman, who is in his final year of Applied Science studies, although he fully understands the dangers associated with COVID-19 and commends the University for halting physical classes and putting the campuses on “total lockdown”, he is still anxious, because prior to that, he hadn’t the faintest idea how he would have completed his final semester.

He said that UG made it clear from the very outset that it is neither closed, nor on holiday, and that work should continue as far as possible, using whatever Online resources are available.

“So far, I’ve had Online classes for one of my three courses twice a week for approximately one hour and thirty minutes,” Joshua said, adding: “To be honest, classes have been relaxed and fun; maybe it’s being able to eat in the middle of a class that I like. Yes, it is true that some lecturers have not started Online classes, but in my case, it is understandable; they are older lecturers, who aren’t as ‘tech’ savvy as the lecturers that have been hosting Online classes, and have been in contact with students via Email to send presentations and assessments.”

He also made the point that everyone has been very understanding, given the circumstances.

“Both lecturers and students have been understanding during this period, as assessment due dates have been generous; class times flexible to suit as many students as possible; and students who are unable to attend are not penalized,” he said.

He concluded by saying that he finds the response of the institution’s administration and lecturers to COVID-19 very satisfactory as well as responsible, considering that they, too, are affected by the situation.