To what do you attribute the success of your programme thus far?
It can be attributed to a number of processes and procedures adopted by the university. Firstly, online learning and teaching has been part of the university’s teaching strategy and philosophy since 2016.
Every lecturer was always expected to use both face-to-face and online learning in what is known as blended learning. Training of academics and students in online teaching and learning has been on going since 2016. We have also stepped up our efforts with regards to online teaching since 2016 as a response to the outbreak of student protests, which were happening across all South African universities.
Therefore, when the lockdown occurred, UMP set up an online teaching task team that would intensify support and training of staff and students in terms of online teaching and learning so that they would be able to cope with what is required of them. These measures were therefore key to the success of online teaching and learning at UMP.
How were students assisted with the migration from face-to-face lectures to learning in an online environment?
Since online learning and teaching was not new to UMP, all we needed was to provide resources to both staff and students. The university negotiated with MTN, Vodacom and Telkom for the provision of zero-rated data for our students and staff.
The establishment of the online teaching task team also provided the necessary support and training to staff and students so that they measure up to the new mode of teaching and learning. Learning material, lectures and reading resources are uploaded by subject lecturers. Any student who needs extra support, requests the help from our online trainers and champions.
How were students supported during this difficult transition?
Online learning is not new, our students have been doing it and they are comfortable with it. This is why most of them are active online. Students are being supported in various ways that include providing them with data and gadgets.
We also provide them with training so that they become effective online learners. Subject lecturers also create a WhatsApp group discussion, to share information with students. Students can also submit some of their learning tasks through WhatsApp.
What have been the challenges?
There have not been any major challenges, except that the transition to 100% online teaching and learning is basically a learning curve for everyone. In the past, online teaching and learning was provided in conjunction with face-to-face, but now it has to be 100 % online – without the face-to-face component. Adjusting to a sudden complete change can cause discomfort for some staff and students.
Another challenge is those students who do not have laptops or gadgets. The university is finding ways to assist them, guided by university policy. There are also plans to deliver study material to students who might not have access to online learning. WhatsApp messages and emails are also used to support students.
Will students be expected to write exams?
Internal consultations are still on going around when exactly half-yearly and first semester exams can take place. This will be done in a very flexible manner that does not disadvantage any of our students.
The university is currently adjusting its ALMANAC so that all teaching and assessment activities can be accommodated when students return to campus. Our first semester is likely to conclude around the end of July. But all of these are dependant on where the country is in terms of the lockdown and also the spread of the virus.
What about postgraduate students?
This differs from programme to programme and the nature of the study. Postgraduate students whose study involves practical work on a farm or in laboratories may need to come back to the campus at a suitable time to do those activities. However, postgraduate students in the faculty of education are currently working on their projects with their supervisors. Communications between supervisors and students are being made mostly through emails.
@ Story by Lisa Thabethe. Picture @Chrisplphot