CORONA VIRUS AND ONLINE LEARNING

This is a type of learning where learners and the lecturer or the teacher are connected to an online platform for the purpose of learning and sharing knowledge.  It involves the normal teaching only that it is conducted online using gadgets like smart phones , computers and even television. Sometimes it is called conferences or meetings or simply online learning.  Because of the corona virus,  it has been the most effective way of learning.  There is no need  having large number  of students gather to be taught instead, the students can attend their classes at home and wherever they are.

Students in an online class 

This mode of learning is very expensive,  it needs subscription of bundles to access the online class.  For instance if a student has three online classes a day,  it means the money used for bundles will be more. WiFi connectivity is another option.  Paying for the Wi-Fi every month is also expensive.  Some parents are struggling to make ends meet after loosing their jobs and addition money for bundles is by God's mercy. 

The process is not effective.  Network connectivity can fail.  It is not a sure bet that once you are connected you will attend the class till its completion. Example is the Wi-Fi,  if many people are using it,  the strength reduces and it becomes weak.  This may lead to on and off connectivity  hence not effective.

Students at a computer laboratory attending a virtual class 

The online learning needs gadgets like smart phones and computers to access.  Some students are lacking such and they cannot access the class.  They end up not attending the session.  This will only make some students  benefit than others. The lecturer will assume that everyone has been attending the classes and will set exams according to what has been taught.  Getting the gadgets too need money,  they are expensive. 

Since the class is not physical,  concentration is poor.  Some will just switch on to the class and then engage in other activities. The lecturer will think that the students are concentrating and understanding yet that's not the case. At times it is boring,  some students will divert their attention elsewhere and the lecturer cannot notice because it is not a one on one learning. Unlike in physical classes,  the student get to engage with the lecturer hence it is effective. The student can ask questions and understand. 

The process has led to laziness. Some lectures will have excuses any time they are to have physical classes saying they are far,  maybe held up to travel and so they prefer the online teaching.  The students will end up not knowing their lecturers and vice versa.  The students too will be attending the classes at their comfort zone.  This promotes laziness,  some will have the classes in bed,  some will have it while eating.