Virtual Learning: How Long can UI Keep Up?
It is sixth week at the First and Best. The stories of what brought the world to this point; as well as how the University of Ibadan that has thrived solely on physical learning has now been forced to embrace this virtual reality is not unknown to anyone. There is; therefore, no need to repeat a story that has become known to everyone as a man knows the palm of his hands. However, questions still need to be asked about how far the university can sustain this reality.
Undoubtedly, the digital world has come to stay and every system, including education will have to align with this reality. The system of the world has drastically been changed in just a year; and certainly, nothing is going back to being the same anymore. Many institutions and activities that primarily rely on physical gatherings have been challenged radically. And education is not left out. Virtual learning comes with a lot of benefits that physical learning could never provide, which is probably what endears it to advanced countries. This however does not seem the case in Nigeria, or in UI at least. Advanced countries can easily embrace virtual learning because they have the primary resources needed in abundance— stable power supply, Wi-Fi, etc.— which are mere wishes in Nigeria.
The events of the past few weeks might be a clue to answering our questions on how long UI can sustain virtual learning. At first, students feared for issues that might arise from poor network, and electricity but there seems to be even bigger problems. The inability of students to login into the Learning Management System is one. While some managed to get a hold on the LMS portal and Moodle app, many others have been unable to. Through the help links and support for iTEMs; however, the school is doing well in dealing with the problem.
However, there seems to be a general cloud of doubt and confusion on how to go about the virtual learning. While, many students have no idea what is going on in school, others are simply following the few who know a little. Ask any UI student what is is going on in school and they would tell you they have no idea. While the school is trying so much to bridge this gap by setting up various committees, the efforts do not seem to amount to much.
While WhatsApp and Zoom have come to the rescue, students have made it increasingly difficult to learn on these platforms, The lack of decorum on the part of students has continued to threaten the effectiveness of these platforms. Students keep spamming WhatsApp lectures and punctuating every message with their unsolicited perspectives and comments, while many refuse to use the mute button in zoom classes. In the face of this, prerecorded classes might be the only solution.
The only thing constant in life is change, they say. This is probably true in many instances, but not with Nigerian universities. For years, tertiary institutions have lived on the traditional mode of learning set for them and not much has changed. It would therefore not come as a surprise if a transition to virtual classes becomes a struggle. Before now, there has been no training for students on ICT. Even when General studies on ICT were theoretically taught, while the practical aspect was left void. Most students in their four years in the institution have not seen the Electronic Whiteboards in use, except being used as a substitute for a chalkboard.
Yet, all of these problems exist independently form the challenges students s face in their various homes themselves. The harsh realities every average Nigerian student has to deal with indeed stifles the progress of virtual school— if any is being recorded at all.
Indeed, the sound of virtual classes is pleasing as it offers many opportunities that physical class could never come close to. However, it is important to remember that a lot is involved in its success. If these problems are not addressed properly, students will soon return to their old dusty classroom.
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