‘COVID-19 has serious implications for education sector’

We have embarked on several measures to accelerate learning and deliver qualitative teaching for our students. Covid-19 has also enabled us to be more pro-active and dynamic in our teaching endeavor.

We had to adopt three approaches as students were not forced to come to school. The three learning methods are online , Hybrid – 3 days in school, 2 at home and 5 day physical attendance in school.

The strategy we adopted was the use of questionnaires for parents to choose what they want. The fees were different and they had choices. Basically learning remains the same thing but it is now left to parents to supervise their children.

HUGE COST OF COVID-19

It should not be overemphasised that Covid pandemic affected schools more than any other sector. We invested huge sums of money on data for our teachers. We also had to procure germicidal lamps from overseas. We paid in dollars and they came through courier to facilitate speedy delivery. We obtained the lamps before school resumed and they were fixed in all the classrooms. We also invested a lot of funds in sanitising the entire school compound. We had to invest huge funds with view to cushion the effects of covid-19. The school had to stop some extra-curricular activities to aid social distancing.

IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON LEARNING

Before the advent of Covid, we actually prepared about the possibility of setting up online learning schooling for our students. We started the test run already before lockdown and launched the school into a new technology. We already installed things place and the process commenced with the training of all our teachers. There were some teething problems associated with such novel ideas but we were able to overcome. Some parents were not patient during this period but it eventually became a success. It is an innovation we adapted to aid learning and facilitate the teaching process. Some of the students also took time to get accustomed to it but eventually, they enjoy the system better through interactions and engagement session with their peers online.

It is impressive to note that some the students even in the primary school developed their own videos and started their own YouTube channels. These are primary school pupils who are brilliant. The students are more independent and more technically sound. I joined some of the classes through zoom it was a great experience. The investment in ICT has impacted positively on our students as well as our teachers. The role of technology cannot be underestimated in view of its relevance to accelerate the learning process.