We must ensure that our students are still actively engaged in their academics despite COVID-19

Apr 18, 2020 Letters

DEAR EDITOR,

In retrospect, I will go out on a limb and say that we were totally unprepared for a pandemic of this magnitude, globally. And why not, after all, our powers of clairvoyance are not that well developed.
I must confess that I have heard, and briefly glossed over the literature for the infamous and virulent Ebola, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), but from what we are seeing, it may be fair to surmise that these pale in comparison to COVID-19.
However, being a teacher and someone who has an esoteric interest for education, my focus is on how the dreaded disease is impacting this sector, with emphasis on our school children.
Understandably, because of its mode of transmission and contagiousness, many schools worldwide have had to be closed for an indeterminate period, to prevent the spread of the virus. As a matter of fact, it is no newsflash that there have been innumerable postponements of examinations and shifting of schedules to deal with this crisis, which we have no control over.
However, how do we prevent our students from being intellectually sterile? How do we keep their minds active in these trying times? How are teachers disseminating information and conveying concepts to them?
After all, they are not on vacation, and we are not sure when the situation will return to normalcy. Hence, I think that the time is opportune now for them to catch up on SBAs, missing assignments, and try to stay abreast before school recommences, whenever that may be. This is where the use of technology comes in.
I do not know how well the students are reaching out to the teachers or vice versa. But I do know that there are lots of useful platforms which can be used to actively engage students, but of course this is contingent upon the availability of devices and the access to the internet.
One such platform which I have been introduced to and found very useful, is Zoom. Nonetheless, from hearsay, I am aware that some teachers here in Guyana are using this to teach their students. I personally find it very useful.
Understandably is it not the same as the physical classroom, but it is an innovative way to teach, share information and interact with the students, more so since this is the technological age, and the internet has revolutionised the way we access and share information.
In planning for future pandemics, virtual classrooms may be the way to go, and our country will be able facilitate this, since our economy is projected to grow despite this pandemic.
Yours truly,
Raul Khan

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