— says UWI deputy principal

ONLINE classes require novel approaches to both teaching and learning, according to the Deputy Principal of the University of the West Indies (UWI)’s Open Campus, Professor Julie Meeks.

The UWI’s Open Campus has been a forerunner of online, distance learning in the Caribbean for more than a decade after it was formed from the amalgamation of several existing UWI units. As such, this campus had a better chance to adapt to the ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic which forced the closure of schools and prompted online learning.

And, with the experience in this specific modality, Professor Meeks emphasised, “Online learning and online teaching is an entire discipline; it is not just moving your classroom to zoom.”

The professor was answering questions at a recent COVID-19 forum organised by the UWI’s COVID-19 Task Force. Here, she also highlighted that it is highly unlikely that students would just sit and take notes as the classes are being administered via Zoom. Importantly, she posited that teachers must find interactive ways of engaging students to keep their attention focused on the subject being taught. She also said that teachers must provide avenues for students to ask questions.

“I had a class on Monday from 5 o’clock to about 8 o’clock and the lecturer mostly read the slides,” one university student told the Guyana Chronicle.

“She made it very clear that she wasn’t au fait with the online mode of delivery, and though she tried her best to engage my colleagues and I from time to time with questions, or through discussions, the lectures always felt so dreary.”

The student also related that she would often do chores at home while she was attending this class, and more often than not was distracted while the class was ongoing.

Professor Meeks noted that experiences like these are not unusual. Online teaching, according to her, requires teachers to be more “flexible” with students, considering that pupils and students alike may not be in conducive learning environments. She also emphasised the very real issues of technology (including Internet) disparities.

ASSESSMENT

The shift to online teaching has also resulted in a shift towards online assessment for many. And this too has been fraught with challenges. From a university’s perspective, Professor Meeks contended, “the exam is where it gets challenging.”

While learning institutions may want to safeguard the integrity of their assessments and minimise students’ ability to cheat, for example, empathy towards students and their varying circumstances is also crucial.

The deputy principal indicated that ‘take-home’ examinations which are not timed and would not require a stable Internet connection can be used, and have been used by the UWI at all of its campuses, during this period of uncertainty.

Teachers in Guyana, just as elsewhere in the Caribbean and across the world, were forced to engage in virtual teaching methods after schools were closed indefinitely since March 16, as a measure to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

Physical distancing has been touted as a key non-therapeutic measure that could help mitigate the spread of the virus.

However, the sudden shift to online classes has not been without its challenges, particularly with consideration for teachers and students who have only ever used the traditional ‘chalk and talk’ mechanism of schooling. Additionally, the overarching technological infrastructure necessary for virtual engagements is not readily available for all students, in all parts of Guyana.

A few days ago, Education Minister, Priya Manickchand met with teachers and other stakeholders virtually. Through this engagement, the minister highlighted that mass training will be offered to teachers so that they will be able to teach effectively through the novel methods of delivery.

Much like Professor Meeks, the minister acknowledged that online teaching and learning require tailored skills. The education minister also said, “We’re making sure that nobody leaves CPCE, going forward without the ability to appreciate and use the various forums that exist, and are likely to come into being.”