Transition to Online Learning by Monique Barrett, B.Sc. Psychology (Pursuing)
The creeping enthusiasm that usually accompanies the dawn of a new day, has recently plummeted to the dreary depths of despair as students settle in for another day of online learning. A catalyst for a major revolution in the daily operations of individuals, the coronavirus has spared no aspect of human life from its unforeseen and brutal consequences of societal change. No longer can we live spontaneous and dynamic lives where we succumb to our whims and are free to break the shackles of routine if we please. Now, every action involves deliberate and intricate planning to minimize our risk of exposure to COVID-19. As students, we are privy to the first-hand experience of drastic change that has occurred within society. As evident in the decision of most schools to transition to an online modality of teaching for the current semester. Consequently, many of us are left stranded to battle with feelings of isolation, unpreparedness, and hopelessness as we try to navigate through this unprecedented period. The annoyance that accompanies modem rebooting to quell unstable WIFI connections is of no comparison to the constant pleas of "Miss, can you hear me?" or "Sir, can you repeat?", from students who are bonded by their mutual struggle to attain a quality education. The challenges of preparing for exams and completing relevant coursework have multiplied tenfold given the limited online interaction periods we now have with lecturers. While face-to-face interactions have become a thing of the past, for many, what replaces it is a slew of confusion as a result of the loss of tactile learning methods. For those who considered UWI a haven for social interaction, interpersonal, and professional development. These have been hampered due to the stringent protocols that have been implemented in the form of social distancing and cancellation of all on-campus events. Though social media provides an alternative avenue of communication, there is a looming sense of impersonality that plagues group chats and could never replace the smiling faces of students and faculty across the campus.