Higher Education Institutions have been adopting Open, distance and e-learning. Those universities that had previously adopted online learning, including the University of Nairobi find it easy for a more intensified continuityof the same during the Covid-19 pandemic. In such fields as medical, engineering, and other hands-on trades, distance learning is a challenge because they require more than books, instructions and assessments. They require hands-on practice so that students gain advanceskills to apply their competencies in the real world. It has been such a major setback especially when all courses in the universities had to make a rapid move towards online learning because of the global corona virus pandemic. Other challenges students face include financial constraints leading to lack of resources, adaptability, computer literacy, time management, self-motivation, e-learning & internet challenges and many others. The University of Nairobi is in the frontline in providing leadership in online solutions on their part. The students need to play their part in dealing with their major personal challenges in order to adopt to the new normal under the prevailing circumstances.
Adaptability
Switching from conventional classrooms and on-campus training to computer-based learning in an online environment makes students' learning experience entirely different. Students need to adjust to the online learning environment and get used to online teaching. Students with a “traditional” mindset will find it difficult to adapt; however, they need to accept the new learning circumstances and online learning.
Strong Time Management
Time management is a key skill needed during this period. Online courses require a lot of time and discipline. Most adults prefer web-based learning programs for their flexibility yet they rarely have the time to take the courses adequately due to their various commitments. A regular schedule planner e.g. the Google Calendar and other solutions would be a significant help to learners, as they could even set reminders for their courses and assignments.
Practice Self-Discipline
Self-motivation is an important prerequisite for off campus learning; however, many online learners have a challenge in self-driven initiative. Learners need to find the motivation to follow the new trends in education and equip themselves with knowledge and skills that will enhance continuity of their education and alignment of their career goals. Only a positive mindset will help learners resolve the eLearning challenges.
Plan and Prepare for Interaction with Professors and Classmates
Remote interaction is different from in-person interactions. Relationships can still be robust and deep, but the expectations are unique.
E-Learning is good news, but at its initial stage it poses certain threats to students. Attitude change and technological literacy would help them gain confidence in order to succeed in their career goals.
Sources (Retrieved on the 7th of April 2020)
https://elearningindustry.com/5-common-problems-faced-by-students-in-elearning-overcome
https://www.strayer.edu/why-online-learning/benefits-and-challenges
https://www.cmswire.com/digital-experience/how-universities-are-handling-the-shift-to-distance-learning/
Further topics for the week.
- Management of E-Learning
- What Universities in Kenya could learn from the Pre-exixsting E-Learning platforms before the Covid-19 Pandemic
- Technologies that Universities could highly benefit from during and after covid-19
