mojatu.com
58 Education & Career
COVID-19 And EDUCATION Pa Modou Faal
The Coronavirus pandemic has hit every angle of life but one such area that is hard-hit is the education sector. Teachers and students continue to tackle the daily uncertainties of life with different approaches. The strive for excellence has never been so challenging considering the new norm of education, online teaching. Even children have become more attached to their electronic devices now than before. Mojatu Magazine spoke to a lecturer who described this period of the COVID-19 pandemic as a one of uncertainties and difficulties. Responding to the new norms of life as a result of COVID-19, Suhail Hasim said: In this Covid-19 environment we needed to be able to 'think outside of the box' in order to be able to deliver consistent and high-quality teaching by using available technology such as Microsoft Teams, with 'safety' at the heart of everything we do. The last six months have been very tough, challenging and overshadowed by unclear Coronavirus clouds; how would you assess the plight of students - at home and abroad? Students, wherever they may be, are just like the rest of us. They need to know what's happening in order to plan ahead. Covid-19 has made the world an uncertain place in the short-term for us all and difficult decisions must be made, such as do they defer a year at university? What are the implications of their learning in terms of reduced face to face available teaching hours? And can they afford to take up their place at colleges or universities given the economic uncertainties ahead.
Does COVID-19 bring advantages for students? There are many advantages in these uncertain times, one has to look at opportunities and to remain resilient and positive. Students need to try and get the right balance and re-assess their plans based on their own individual financial circumstances. There is absolutely nothing wrong in taking a year out and working or setting up a business! This is a positive for them and adds to their experience. How the 2020/2021 academic look like, do you envisage for online learning than the traditional way? Many academic institutions with the current safety concerns due to Covid-19, have no choice but to deliver the vast majority of their teaching online in the forthcoming year. This is a significant change compared with prior years, but staff and students will need to adjust to the 'new norm'. What is the way forward in your view? The way forward in my view is as follows: • • • •
Adjust yourself and the way you think to our new set of circumstances. Be positive and resilient and get as much fresh air as you can, social distancing off course! Look at situations as opportunities and not challenges. And help others where /if you can who may be less fortunate than you.
