The University of Mpumalanga has always supplemented face-to-face teaching with additional online learning facilities. Given the current circumstances, Dr Musara believes that online teaching could be the future and a new normal that we should definitely get used to. He says the dynamic nature of online teaching and learning, means lecturers and students have to learn new things every day.
“Remote working is better than manual considering the current COVID-19 pandemic. One of the advantages is the flexibility that comes with it. You are able to work anytime and anywhere,” says Dr Musara that using digital technologies is not new, as UMP has been using Moodle before.
"I've had to implement my own strategies to make online teaching work. These includes a variety of tools to deliver learning content as well as to get feedback on students’ understanding of the lessons. For each lesson, students are provided with notes – PowerPoint slides, audio and video presentations on the lessons posted on Moodle,” he adds.
“I have also been adding quizzes to test students’ understanding of the learning material. I am also using online discussion forums to provide students with the opportunity to discuss any questions, concerns or inputs they may have on each week’s lesson. In addition, we have been hosting group Moodle chats on a weekly basis, a platform that has been effective in giving students an opportunity to interact with me in real time.”
Though Dr Musara warns that online teaching doesn’t happen organically – it comes with the responsibility of being disciplined – making sure that you have a set timetable and a to-do-list for each day.
“Focus is vital. Being willing to learn from others and being consistent with your study programme is also important. Attending free online courses (MOOCS) and webinars about online teaching and learning helps me to get new ideas for my own classes as well as the experience, which l then pass on to my students. Another, important factor is to be disciplined. Follow through with your plans for each day.”
He further says that online teaching is successful if you have support and buy-in from students. “It can only be a success if there is student participation. I have also encouraged my students to regularly visit our Moodle site by reaching out to them via WhatsApp groups, giving incentives for attending to online activities and being present for them,” adds Dr Musara.
“I wish for my students to embrace technology; the fourth industrial revolution is here to stay. Participate in the revolution, not just as consumers of the technologies but also producers of new and contextually relevant technologies. Students should attend to online classes in the same manner as they did their face-to-face classes.
“I advice my learners to avoid procrastination and not to leave studying for last or keep postponing. They can do even more such as engaging with other students to learn and encourage each other. They must not be shy to ask for help or questions. Make the best use of their learning opportunities to be fully prepared for the world of work.
Dr Musara says the whole experience, for lecturers and students alike, can be extremely rewarding. With more student participation and commitment, online teaching and learning can be very effective.
@ Story by Cleopatra Makhaga. Pictures supplied.