Learning in Lockdown
Corona Revamp Online Teaching
"What PSL matches are postponed" asked Abdullah. Feeha ya.. Abdullah but why? Bhaya do not you know Pakistan is under attack by COVID-19 Corona Virus. Abdullah Oh! Feeha whats happen. Abdullah, I have taken tickets for PSL Final match.
Feeha bhaya what is Corona? Abdullah... Feeha. Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that range from the common cold to MERS coronavirus, which is
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus and SARs, Severe acute respiratory syndrome
coronavirus. Bhaya how does it looks like?
Feeha bhaya how does it spread ? Abdullah... Coronavirus disease spreads primarily through contact with an infected person when they cough or sneeze. It also spreads when a person touches a surface or object that has the virus on it, then touches their eyes, nose, or mouth.
Abdullah... Feeha... increase the volume of the Monitor I have to watch News Butten of 9 O'clock. Feeha.. ok byaha. News caster Sindh Govt has announced lockdown for Institutions, Govt. offices, private offices and all the business and trades. Nobody is allowed to come out of their houses to perform their duties due to the increased number of corona victims. Abdullah Oh my God! I have to go to college to take my classes my exams are just above the head.
Feeha what will you do? Abdullah informs her that all Academic institutions from School to University level are about to give final exams. Meritious institutions did not stop teaching. They introduced online teaching classes First time in Pakistan. Online teaching spread all over the country like jungle fire. Every Tom, Dick and Harry started to teach online.
Feeha bhaya what is online teaching? Abdullah Online learning is the newest and most popular form of
distance education today. Online learning is education that takes place over the Internet. It is often referred to as “elearning”
among other terms. However, online learning is just one type of “distance learning” -
the umbrella term for any learning that takes place across distance and not in a traditional
classroom. Distance learning has a long history and there are several types available today,
including:
• Correspondence Courses: conducted through regular mail with little interaction.
• Telecourses: where content is delivered via radio or television broadcast.
• CD-ROM Courses: where the student interacts with static computer content.
• Online Learning: Internet-based courses offered synchronously and/or asynchronously.
• Mobile Learning: by means of devices such as cellular phones, PDAs and digital audio
players
(iPods, MP3 players).
Feeha bhaya what are the benefits of online teaching? Abdullah... Online teaching and learning benefits are as under:
- Convenience: 24/7 access from any online computer; accommodates busy schedules; no commuting, no searching for parking.
- Enhanced Learning: Research shows an increased depth of understanding and retention of course content; more meaningful discussions; emphasis on writing skills, technology skills, and life skills like time management, independence, and self-discipline.
- Leveling of the Playing Field: Students can take more time to think and reflect before communicating; shy students tend to thrive online; anonymity of the online environment.
- Interaction: Increased student-to-teacher and student-to-student interaction and discussion; a more student-centered learning environment; less passive listening and more active learning; a greater sense of connectedness, synergy.
- Innovative Teaching: Student-centered approaches; increased variety and creativity of learning activities; address different learning styles; changes and improvements can translate to on-ground courses as well
- Improved Administration: Time to examine student work more thoroughly; ability to document and record online interactions; ability to manage grading online.
- Savings: Accommodate more students; increased student satisfaction = higher retention and fewer repeats.
- Maximize Physical Resources: Lessen demand on limited campus infrastructure; decrease congestion on campus and parking lots.
- Outreach: Give students options; reach new student markets; appeal to current students thus increasing enrollments.