Online Schooling In Nigeria; Scam or Savior?

 A blessing or a curse?

The covid-19 pandemic has thrown a lot of things off track.... (Educational sector included). And in a developing country like Nigeria, of course, online schooling Is a challenge. 

The real test of the word 'focus' 😖

How do we cope with network failures, fatigue, boredom, frustration, workload, social media distractions and other mini pandemics attacking every student and lecturer this season? Can effective learning take place without the four walls of a classroom?

Let's find out. 

1. Realise that you can do a lot from your phone:

If you at least have an android... You're good. 

A lot of people fell under pressure when online schooling was rumoured to begin. "I don't have a laptop", " I can't even afford a Tablet right now ".... Hey sis, hey bro, your phone can do the job just fine. 

It might take some getting used to, especially if you hate reading or typing long text on phones, but you'll survive. 😁

2. Find out the best network for surfing in your location, and subscribe to their binge bundles.

Choose your online 'poison' 😉 wisely.

In Nigeria, some network providers work better in certain areas than other. Find out which works best for your location, and invest in  their weekly binge bundles if you use your phone, and a tangible monthly plan if you use a Mifi. They could be a tad expensive, but it's a sacrifice to be made this period. 

 Network failures are inevitable in this part of the world, you can be inexplicably logged out of your own meet, and that's fine, we totally understand. 

However, you don't want to run out of data during a Zoom meeting. At least, you can take control of that. 😊😉

3. If you're a student, set up a study area, and be accountable to someone.

When lectures drag on for too long, there's the faint call of sleep every student hears, even while seated in a classroom. So, imagine hearing that call while posing on your bed during a lecture. 

Find yourself a place to sit upright, preferably a chair and a table. Turn off all social media notifications, set alarms for lecture time, and whenever you walk towards that space, you mind prepares, and reminds you that it's time for class. 

It helps to study with a teacher. Yes, it's advisable to pay a professional in your field to sit with you, and tutor you further. Cos there's so much your lecturers can cover online. Numerous documents can be daunting to read, but a tutor can break it down further for you. 

It's also helps to study with friends, or family members who are willing to help. Yeah.... You'll find that It's not an easy journey to embark alone... Regardless of your age. 

Pace yourself, take breaks to eat, rest, and relate with friendly faces.... Figure out your own coping method, and use it. 

Having someone 'watch your back' will help you focus, make time go faster, and yeah; reduce the risk of falling asleep. 😉 

Try not to do it all alone. As much as it is safe to, ask for help. 

4. If you're a teacher, have it in mind that the internet can be confusing for everyone; ask questions. 

If there's no one nearby to ask, google and YouTube have tutorials on how to do almost anything. So as not to be frustrated, or have ineffective classes, find out what other teachers are doing to bring the best classroom experiences possible to their students. 

Remember, the world is changing, and so are we. Methods that worked years ago, may not be too effective right now. Stay up to date, and request feedback from your students from time to time. Your best is all the students can require from you right now. Every extra effort will be noticed in your teaching style, and expressly appreciated by the students. 

5. Be open minded: Just a few years ago, what the average Nigerian student and their parents could say about "Open Universities" and Online schooling would be negative. A lot of people just couldn't see the point. Away from the four walls of a classroom, how will students focus? And when it's time to write exams, how will they catch/prevent the cheaters? 

Now that we literarily have no choice but to accept online schooling, I guess we just have to be open to learning all we can via the available method. 

After a few months of being a teacher and student of online classes myself, I can tell you for a fact, that if success in your field of study is your goal, regardless of the field, age range (Primary, secondary or tertiary student), or resources available(phones, or laptop), online schooling is as effective as you make it. Besides, we have to appreciate the time, money, and effort that educational organizations have put in to ensure that learning doesn't go on indefinite break. 

If you put in the right amount of effort, you just might not want to go back to a formal school.... But that's just my opinion 😋. 

Please, share yours. Have you attended an online school due to covid? How has it been? Do you still consider online schooling a scam? Or a savior in times like this? 

See you in the comment section. 

XoXo: RHD 💜