This is What you Might not Know about Distance Learning during the COVID-19 Pandemic

The Covid-19 pandemic certainly had some devastating effects on the global economy, it also has been dominating headlines for the past few months. In fact, this crisis is going down in history as one of the worst crises the world has ever endured. Currently, almost every country around the globe is on a lockdown in order to slow the spread of the deadly virus, from national quarantines to setting curfews, governments have taken extreme measures to protect citizens. As a result, many schools worldwide have closed their doors, which has put decision makers, educators and universities under severe pressure, since they had to find an alternative that can help students stay in track with their studies without being in regular face to face contact with their teachers; a replacement for the traditional classroom learning, that has been the main method of teaching in most countries. In this context distance learning platforms emerge, as they were the only effective solution to ensure educational continuity in the affected countries. Distance learning also known as e-learning is a form of education, that does not require the students nor the teachers to be physically present in the classroom, using a wide range of video conference platforms such as: Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Skype, and so on.

Distance learning to most students and professors is an experience allowing them to learn and teach from the comfort of their homes. Distractions can be minimal and the cozy environment of home makes it easier for students to learn without interruption. In an online class no one will tell you off for eating or chewing your gum, you are free to do whatever you want because the teacher can’t see you. This method allows teachers to be creative with their teaching style and gives students time for other activities, such as exercising or hobbies, while following up their courses. All is needed a computer and reliable internet and we are good to go. Regardless of the financial situation of the person, distance learning costs significantly less and saving us time especially, to those who study or teach far from their homes and have travel or commuting costs taking a significant portion of their monthly income or allowance. We can also talk about the low carbon footprint of distance learning and the positive environmental impact it has since we are not printing out lessons and just using the documents received online, we don’t have to drive each day to go to schools and universities and the levels of greenhouse gases have dropped.

Most countries implemented distance learning as a temporary alternative in order to ensure educational continuity. Although distance learning appears to be the best alternative in the current situation, there have been some major struggles that both educators and students had to deal with. First of all :the lack of digital equipment; we are talking particularly about the developing countries that depend on traditional education methods where they had to remain faithful to the blackboard, this is due to the lack of financial resources that could have enabled them to adopt a more advanced type of education. These countries are forced to activate “distance learning” via virtual platforms, TV channels, or electronic applications. The success of distance education would be in this case negatively affected by the limited digital equipment and lack ready digital resources. On the other hand, students of poorer countries and communities tend have limited access to computers or smartphones, and those in remote areas might not have any service at all, these factors will disadvantage these students and put them in a situation in which they will be unable to continue with their studies. We can add to the previous issues, weak internet coverage that both students and teachers can struggle with. Another problem with e-learning is that professors and teachers who are used to simple tools and methods, found themselves in this exceptional situation, face to face with a new style of education without any tools or skills. We can also talk about the efficiency of these methods and to which extent students were able to receive or understand the in the absence of direct communication. The family plays an important role to ensure success of distance learning so parents should be involved, parental control is a must especially with young students.

Distance education should not be halted whatever the causes or the disadvantages might be, countries need to have a balanced education system and stable job market after this crisis. The first solution to start with is showing students that the most important thing is their commitment, personal efforts and self-control: they must use alarms and calendars, be organised and have a plan as Benjamin Franklin said: “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail”. Besides, people who have difficulties coping with digitization should seek instructional videos or tutorials to narrow the gap and try to adapt quickly. Moreover, telecommunications companies should increase Internet speed and maybe provide students with free Internet access or at least give them cheaper offers. We must not forget that there are many students, who cannot afford to continue their studies remotely during this crisis time, so the government and the non-governmental organizations must do their part and help these unlucky students gain access to their courses by providing them laptops or tablets and internet.

Every dark cloud has a silver lining, this pandemic might have done so much damage but it taught us to be grateful and appreciate what we have. It has given so much people the chance to reconnect with themselves, their families and friends, to polish our skills, to enjoy our hobbies, some are just enjoying a long pause from their hectic lives. Teachers and students alike had to improvise and adapt to overcome the obstacles of distance learning. We all should try to make homes a suitable environment for learning and help those in need, even the slightest gesture or contribution can make a great difference in these difficult times. As Moroccan students, we are fortunate enough to live in a conflict free area, some students in other parts of the world are constantly putting their lives on the line to be educated and this crisis did not make it any better for them, we send our thoughts and prayers to families of victims and we hope for a tomorrow in which it will be safe for everyone to go to school again.

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