The environment in which institutions of higher learning operate in is dynamic. Those that are not quick to adapt will find it difficult to operate effectively and efficiently. Bureaucracy and ruling from the ivory tower will not work in the 21st century. One of the key challenges facing universities today is digitalization.
Most universities were forced to switch to online teaching and learning due to the covid 19 pandemic. Teaching staff and students adapted though the universities were not very well prepared. Thanks to Covid 19 pandemic for accelerating online learning in our institutions of higher learning. It simply woke up the sleeping institutions of higher learning.
Many international higher education institutions have always had online platforms available for learning even though most teaching staff prefer face-to-face mode of learning. Kenyan institutions of higher learning predominantly use the face-to-face mode of learning. During the covid 19 pandemic most institutions of higher learning initially closed down and it was after some time that they started online learning. This clearly shows how ill-prepared the institutions of higher learning were. In fact, most were forced by circumstances and there was resistance from both teaching staff and students. I remember one specific student kept writing over 20 times every hour on a WhatsApp group I was in that online learning is a scam and they must have been truly depressed about it.
The question is whether universities should continue with online learning or not. In my view, online learning is here to stay and I dare say that the future of education is digital. Universities must have a digital strategy for effective online learning. They must invest in hardware, software, and training for effective delivery. There must be a way to ensure quality is not compromised and students get value for their money. The teaching staff must be trained on the new pedagogies to enable them to deliver in the online space. This means that online learning is not something universities should do for the sake of it. It requires serious planning and investment.
What universities must do in my view is to make a decision on what will be taught online and what should remain face to face. There is a need for universities to remunerate the teaching staff well for from experience teaching online is much harder than teaching face to face. Universities must stop taking online teaching as a cost-cutting activity because it is not and will never be. They must begin to see online learning as a strategic choice for growth. With a lack of infrastructure to manage large classes, the online option becomes suitable.
The universities must however be aware of the challenges of online learning. The majority of the students especially in public universities are from poor backgrounds and cannot access the digital hardware and data connectivity. Universities must consider students who come from areas with no or poor connectivity as they make decisions on the future of online learning. There is also the social aspect where students would like to mingle since at times online learning makes one feel isolated. I remember students telling me that at home it is difficult to concentrate and one may be doing other chores during class time. All these and many other issues must be considered as institutions craft their digital strategy.
Online learning will allow students to learn from anywhere and can be taught by experts from all over the world. There is also the possibility of inviting guest lecturers and industry players to share their experiences with students enriching the programs. With online learning, there is flexibility, convenience and requires self-discipline. However, it requires efficient time management skills both from the teacher and the learner.
I am certain for the last two years all institutions of higher learning have made use of online learning. What are your experiences as teaching staff, student, or guardian? What is your view on the continuation of online learning post covid? Should online learning continue or not? Leave a comment
Dr. Mary Mugo
Strategy, Governance and Management Consultant
Website:www.marymugo.com
Well, l agree with the fact that the future of education is digital.
Talking from socialist point of view, the institutions of higher learning should not let all activities go online. Take for example admission of new students, appointment of their leaders (class reps and the rest), need to interact and exchange our different cultural lifestyles.
I can dare challenge any scholar that the virtues of tribalism and intolerance for example, are minimum among students and graduates of colleges and universities, reason… face-to-face learning.
To conclude, l would suggest that let the institutions resume face-to-face learning, and let some units go online, but also strategically to minimise aforementioned risks.
Regards
You are on point!
Online learning is the way to go. However, our teachers and learners are facing a few challenges, technical and lack of preparedness. There is great resistance from the students, who want to go back to face to face. Some sign in for class but they don’t attend the lecture. These could be the teething problems but the students would rather accept the fact that learning is going digital worldwide. My experience as a trainer is poor attendance and minimal participation. Teachers should not tire of motivating and creating more awareness of the benefits of online learning.
You are absolutely right.As a lecturer one has to come up with ways of retaining attention and encouraging attendance. One must make it very interactive but again some students will log in with listen only though they can use the chat facility. I once gave an assignment in between an online class and from then I had almost 100% attendance. I also think how the lecturer delivers has alot to do with class attendance.
I absolutely love online learning, it comes with a lot of conveniences on my part as a lecturer. I appreciate the fact that there are some challenges which can be easily overcome if all the stake holders come on board and are willing to be part of the change/solution especially the students. As a by the way I have learned more statistics on line than I ever did on site.Online learning is an idea that has come of age and we have few options but adapt it.
I agree with you Don.The major thing is being in control and ensuring there is interaction. Universities that will not adapt will lag behind and may be cease to be competitive. It is simply great to have students learn and even present their projects and thesis online. I find online learning stress free if all stakeholders as you have rightly said would cooperate and embrace change. Some seem to want to continue with their yellow notes of the yester years hehe
Absolutely spot on. Universities must adopt a dual strategy to incorporate both face2face and eLearning. Thats the new normal.
Well said.