e-Learning: Reactions in the Positive and Negative!
Since the spread of COVID-19, many organizations and institutions have embraced technologies.
It is worthy of note to stress that technology has rightfully taken its place. It is serving its purpose of aid and not replacement. We can also say that it has been a form of exploration to many.
For many institutions, it is a welcome development. It is more of a scenario of resources meeting with opportunities to explore.
For others, it’s a good development. Yet, many cannot sustain it. In my last article about exploring e-learning, I talked about the need to explore several e-learning applications.
Feedbacks?
Interestingly, I have gotten feedback and reactions of people becoming intentional in exploring e-learning. Most have been positive, especially exploring new things.
However, my interactions with some others have been really heart breaking.
Since the commencement of the lockdown across nations, there have been various palliatives and supports.
Private organisations, individuals, foundations have donated a whole lot of money to fight the spread. But unfortunately, rather than reduce, it seems it is only getting more. I’ll come back to this.
Reactions from e-Learning Experience.
While we are positive that things will return to normalcy very soon, we must also take cognisance of the things we’re failing to consider.
Staying updated is expensive. I had the opportunity to monitor my data consumption personally in the last one month. I discovered that my data consumption has skyrocketed.
Of course, I preach e-learning to people. I encourage so many people to take online courses and even study online.
So, I have organised various educative sessions, training for people.
Schools have resorted to complete e-learning. Many people have reached out to me about lack of data and more.
e-Learning: Challenges and Way Forward
In reality, you need a whole lot of data to actually stay updated. Students have so many assignments to do.
There are many educational videos to watch. There are various apps to download. And without data subscriptions, you cannot use e-learning.
The new adopted medium of instruction for both students and teachers is commendable. It shows we are progressing. Unfortunately, not many can afford such luxury.
Developed countries that use e-Learning do not have issues with data subscription. Their economies make it easy and affordable.
I really must commend the effort of our service providers; MTN, AIRTEL NG, GLO and 9Mobile.
They have been amazing. At least, they have supported the government in disseminating information about COVID-19. Smiles! Oh, lest I forget, they also gave 300 free SMS that most people do not know about and barely use, to subscribers.
The several promos to subscribers are highly commendable. But, what happens to the students whose parents cannot afford heavy data subscription?
Our data providers also have their contributions to make. Can there be an agreement between institutions and service providers for data?
Can we have a plan like the one for children also for undergraduates who want to sincerely explore e-learning?
Rather than the unused SMS, can there be subscription plans that are mainly for any educational sites?
I’m sure our service providers can do a lot better to support students, institutions and individuals rather than government this time. Just thinking out loud though.
I will be glad to read your feedbacks in the comment section!
