As I’m sure your’e all aware, universities throughout the world are closing their campuses due to the Coronavirus. Thankfully though most of these universities have been able to make adjustments so that their students can continue with their coursework. In most cases this means that the traditional face to face teaching methods have been substituted with online learning. Lecture slides are being put online for students to access and classes are being video recorded. And while this is undoubtedly a positive move it still poses a number of challenges.
I for one, have found the move to online learning difficult. While my course is delivered both online and on campus as it is, I have always chosen the on campus method of learning. Being on campus means I can attend classes and ask questions if need be. Although I have access to podcasts of my classes, I think it’s easier to learn when I’m there in person. Face to face classes are more interactive than accessing a pre-recorded lecture and there’s no way around it (In my opinion). And although I hate to admit it I find it hard to motivate myself to sit through a recorded lecture. It just doesn’t feel the same.
Perhaps the biggest challenge in all of this campus closure is the fact that I’ve lost access to the library. With the library shut down I’ve been forced to study at home. As someone who hasn’t done a single day of study at home in over 4 years I’m finding it challenging. I live in a small house in a noisy housing estate so it’s difficult to block out the distractions. I had been used to my routine of spending the majority of my day in the library but now that’s been taken away from me. And although I’m far from happy about it, there are more important things at stake now. I’m not the only one in this position so I can take some solace in that. The next few weeks will definitely be challenging as I adjust to this new style of learning. However I intend to use it wisely and will be exploring new e-learning technologies that can make my life easier. It’s important to look on the bright side of life so that’s exactly what I intend to do!
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