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WHAT A difference the last year has made! Entrenched norms and routines were suddenly snatched away from us. We were confined to our homes for our own protection, but no one was prepared for what was to come. It has been a challenging year for many, both physically and mentally. The worry, stress, anxiety and paranoia exponentially amplified as the year went by.
No-one was prepared for the drastic change that covid19 brought into our lives. As individuals, parents and educators there were so many new roles to assume. As a parent, the most challenging was safeguarding one’s child – physically, mentally, and emotionally. Questions and challenges, paucity of answers and solutions became the norm as we navigated this new reality.
No contingencies were in place for what happened on that ill-fated Friday 13 of March, 2020. Extempore planning took centre stage with a plethora of technology options to evaluate. Many lacked resources to initiate virtual classes; we were not forewarned. The most pressing question was how to initiate this process. We did not have telephone or e-mail contacts for our students. Stable and reliable internet service depended on one’s geographic location. Good relations with neighbours and relatives came in handy here.
It was and has been difficult, sometimes impossible to reach out and connect with some students, keeping them logged in to their classes. For many, their priorities have changed and thus their focus on school. Some have lost interest in formal education, questioning its relevance. Sadly, too, the lack of parental support has compounded the task of keeping students engaged and interested in their own learning outcomes.
Assuming the simultaneous roles of parent and educator challenged time management skills like never before. Many people were quick to chastise teachers, claiming we were getting a paid vacation. It was not our fault that schools were closed, it was not out decision to do so, it was not our choice to be away from our students. It was a mandate from the Government, yet we were abused and slandered by people in society who never stood a day in our shoes.
While many may fantasise and paint the picture that online schooling is working marvellously, nothing can be further from the truth. Many students are being left behind for a variety of reasons – social deficits, diminished value for education, lack of connectivity or access to devices. Many families are struggling to make ends meet. Basic needs had to be prioritised with education being a casualty. The need to fill an empty stomach is more urgent than learning about parts of speech in English class.
The lack of social interaction has been especially deleterious on their holistic development. They miss their friends. Even that face-to-face social interaction in the classroom between teacher and student is missing and this is important in aiding students’ understanding and personal development. Many students, who considered the school a safe space, are now confined to situations of emotional, physical, and even sexual abuse. For them poverty is hell. The lack of proper and constant adult supervision has resulted in students disengaged and distracted.
Undoubtedly, it has been a learning experience for both teachers and students. It has worked well for some students, especially those who are introverted and technologically driven. Some have indicated that they have become accustomed to this mode of learning. They can pace themselves and they have more control over their learning outcomes. They appreciate the different, interactive modes in which content is being presented and they have access to a wider range of resources. Parents do not have to worry about the dangers of being on the road.
For teachers, there is the undeniable lower cost and comfort of teaching from one’s home. The preceding year has provided teachers with an opportunity to reflect on our practice, understanding change is the only constant. Many were forced to step out of comfort zones, refining instructional strategies. This transition into virtual and blended learning aided in developing deeper relationships with some students, getting to know them and their circumstances better, being better able to cater to their learning style and pace
This experience has underscored once again the need to keep abreast of a rapidly changing education landscape. We must learn to adapt quickly and constantly. Lecture, chalk and talk methods are outdated. Education is now technology driven and requires all teachers to truly be reflective practitioners, self-directed life-long learners operating in professional learning communities.
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