COVID-19 has disrupted education and in the process, it has also created a series of dilemmas for schools, families and pupils. However, courageous and determined teachers are more than geared up to keep it going despite this unlikeliest of situation we are up against.
Buletin Mutiara team interviewed several teachers, mainly to seek their personal experiences during this era of Covid-19, which included the advantages and disadvantages of using virtual learning as a mode of teaching.
Asked to comment about virtual classes, a secondary school teacher, who preferred to be known only as Bohes, said although virtual classes are helpful in some ways, nothing beats physical classroom.
“In a physical classroom, we (teachers) are able to monitor students closely and provide personal coaching as and when necessary, that too immediately.
“One of the many advantages of conducting classes online is that students would be exposed to various mediums such as Google Classroom, Padlet, Kahoot and others, all of which can cater to different kind of learners and their needs.
“The most common disadvantage is that not all students would have access to internet connection or electronic devices. In some cases, students have limited facilities within the capacity of their devices, such as no microphones, earphone jacks and others.
“Teachers are as worried as students, especially for those sitting for SPM/STPM examinations. We are all trying to give our best.
“To the students, do not be worried. Stay involved and active in all the classes. When in doubt, ask. Together, we can overcome this and help you to succeed,” Bohes said.
For Tian Wei, a primary school teacher with over seven years of experience, she said with virtual learning, better record keeping and ease of access can be guaranteed as students and teachers can access files when they need to in Google Classroom.
“As a government school teacher, I am lucky to have the access of a Google account that entitles me to use the tools in Google Suite to teach, including Google Classroom and Google Meet.
“It is very easily manageable and organised, although I did face new problems at the beginning stage, but was able to search for solutions. Now, it is pretty convenient,” Tian Wei said.
She acknowledged similar challenges that both teachers and students commonly face when connected through online, which include lack of motivation (personal factor, family factor), limited internet facilities and less practising of social skills.
“Despite it all, dear students, stay connected, be empathetic and supportive. The world needs more love now. Cherish each new day as a chance to make every moment better for us all,” she added.
Nur Azlina, a teaching assistant from an international school based in Penang, said she agreed with the Federal Government’s call to reimplement CMCO as it is necessary to curb the further spread of the virus infection.
Asked about virtual classroom, Azlina said it has become not only convenient for teachers but also for students as they can access to online learning from anywhere at any given time.
“The only challenge would be that not all students would be equipped with electronic devices.
“In my point of view , there will be no technology in the world that could replace a teacher, but a teacher with great technology will conquer the world.
“I hope the government will keep up with its good work of continuously providing the less fortunate students with electronic devices. This is vital.
“It is unfortunate that the world is going through a tough time now. However, I would like to urge students to stay strong and give 100% in their studies. As for parents, give your kids the moral support that they so badly need now, and only good things will happen.”
Story and pix by Kevin Vimal