Online classes a double-edged sword

-beneficial but many left behind due to lack of access to internet and computers

Online classes for secondary and tertiary level students are proving to be a double-edged sword – beneficial but also inaccessible, according to the level teachers and students.

In wake of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in Guyana, schools have taken their classes online. This initiative was undertaken by the Ministry of Education, who advised parents, students and teachers to take advantage of online learning options, as well as television and radio broadcasts, to continue schooling while schools remain closed across the country. While most of the online websites aim to educate nursery and primary level students, some programmes target the secondary level students. This approach has proven to be beneficial for some, while unfortunately, those who do not have access to the internet and computer systems are left at a disadvantage.

Speaking with a Caribbean Secondary Examination Certificate (CSEC) and Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE) teacher of Region Two, Stabroek News was told that she has tried using the online method with her students. “I have tried the online method and it’s efficient but not every student has access to a laptop and internet. I think something has to be done about that, it needs to be provided to the students.” She explained that not all of her students can join online chats and that she has managed to get information to them by messaging them individually or when the students use mobile data. She added that she tried to utilise Zoom but the app requires payment once a limit is passed, and many teachers cannot afford to constantly pay for these services.

Another secondary level teacher said that she had given up using Zoom classes, which were recommended by the Ministry, because all of her students could not access the class at once. “When all the students don’t have access to the internet, you’re just teaching some but then you’ll have to find a way to tell the others and it just doesn’t make sense.” the Information Techno-logy teacher had lamented, noting that not all of her students could access computers and internet and as such are at a disadvantage as compared to those who have access. While a secondary school head teacher said that he has encouraged his staff to reach out to the students and form virtual classes as the students “use whatever they have access to.” He explained that even though this method is not one hundred percent effective, its progressive and his only complaint was of internet connectivity not being strong enough to fully engage virtual teachings.

When Stabroek News reached out the Minister of Public Tele-communications, Cathy Hughes, she explained that the government ministries are collaborating to ensure that students are able to learn while confined to their homes. “No one could anticipate the kind of scenario that COVID-19 had provided,” she said when explaining that the Ministry has provided internet access and equipped public schools with material that enables them to be technologically advanced, but in wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, the Ministry has taken a different approach since they understand that not every family has access to internet while at home. In an attempt to provide schooling for such persons, she said “We have programmes being broadcast on radio and television and on a schedule.” Hughes also suggested that mobile networks such as Digicel and GTT, should incorporate plans for students to have data services that are less expensive so they can access the internet. “They should provide a plan or some action that allows students added time or cheaper rates for the internet.” Hughes said. She also added that internet service providers in Guyana need to incorporate ways for faster internet and connection while so many persons are at home and relying on them to get their work done.

Some other public school students also complained that when they reached out to teachers for help and to ask for guidance on School Based Assessments, they were not receiving the help needed. One student from St Stanislaus College told Stabroek New that she contacted some of her teachers when the schools were initially closed for two weeks but she did not get much feedback, if any at all. Other students also shared the same fate, adding that some teachers would respond and then they would hear nothing afterwards. After contacting these students again, Stabroek News was told that more teachers have started to reach out and are hosting online classes via Zoom and WhatsApp group chats.

While public schools have only recently started the online approach, private schools have been using this mode of learning to their advantage since the closure of schools back in March. Stabroek News carried an article on March 22 about some steps being taken by schools to ensure students are learning while at home. At the time, the Ministry had announced some online websites that students should take advantage of, some private schools such as Marian Academy, School of the Nations, the Georgetown Seventh Day Adventist Academy, and Mae’s Schools – all private schools – were among the educational institutions that had already started to provide lessons for students through various online platforms. The teachers had reached out to the parents of the students to ensure they had access to all that they would need for the online classes.

The recipients of these online classes have since confirmed that the classes are helpful but they find that since being confined to their homes, teachers are taking advantage of this and are overloading them with assignments. “I feel like due to school now being online, teachers are no longer following a time table. So they are just assigning work as they please forgetting that we students cannot juggle so many things at once. It is also hard to focus and hard to get immediate questions answered by teachers due to their late replies,” were the words of Jade Atwell, a CSEC student of Marian Academy.

Other students explained that they are still adjusting to the idea of a virtual classroom and disclosed that some students have retired from accessing the online classes and instead, choose to study on their own. Jether Harris, also from Marian Academy, said that the online classes require a lot of self-discipline, especially when being at home has so many distractions. However, Harris added “I feel more relaxed working at my own speed and gradually become a more efficient student.”

Jordan-Leah Boodhoo, a School of the Nations student, explained that she and her classmates were able to complete their AS Level (lower 6th) and have been assigned projects which are expected to be completed and sent to the University of Cambridge so that their final grades could be determined. She shared that her teachers have been very helpful and patient with them.  

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