Can educators remain effective with online lessons?
COVID-19 has made it necessary for educators to conduct lessons online, and concerns have arisen over students lacking access to certain devices (such as tablets, desktop computers and laptops).
Adult learners and parents of younger students worry that they may not receive the same quality of education via online classes due to connectivity issues and a lack of in-person interaction.
Still, educators are expected to continue conducting live broadcast lectures and video conference lessons — except for practical and lab sessions — even as the pandemic is gradually brought under control. In fact, Singapore universities have been using digital platforms for teaching and learning even before COVID-19, since as early as 2010.
Prepped for the pandemic — and beyond
For instance, the National University of Singapore (NUS) launched its Learning Innovation Fund — Technology grant in 2012 for faculty members to integrate online and in-person learning in their classes. The university’s Centre for Instructional Technology (CIT) facilitates multi-party video conferences for a wide variety of purposes, including distance learning, seminars, forums, consultations, and PhD oral examinations.
Some Singapore universities are determined to plug the gap for students who lack the resources needed to keep up with this new normal by loaning them laptops. The Ministry of Education has also loaned laptops, tablets and internet-enabling devices to students of all ages.
