Education was one of the main activity disrupted by the pandemic which started in November/December 2019, thus named Covid -19. Universities and all educational institutions had to stopped all face to face activities including teaching, research and other physical activities. The mode of teaching and learning switched immediately to online learning where everybody scrambled to equip themselves with the hardware – computers, mobile phones, audio devices, video cameras, and the software that are designed for online virtual communication, transmitting audio and video though various platforms including ZOOM, Google Meet, Webex, Microsoft Team. I started to pick up and learn these tools in early April 2020 when I began my post retirement career in Meiji University’s GSBA. And at the same time, I need to use the Oh O! Meiji learning platform. This stage of emergency online teaching and learning was quite challenging to me in few aspects.
Upon hansei, I think there are many lessons learnt beginning from Spring Semester (April 2020 to July 2020) until now. First, the time taken to learn all the tools was exponential, I need to master the ZOOM platform – right from setting up meeting, connecting all hardware and software in your devices video and audio, how to record the lectures, writing on screen, sharing and other capabilities. I managed to pick up quickly how to use this video conferencing platform as I attended (watched a webinar) a training video available in ZOOM. (https://explore.zoom.us/docs/en-us/education.html) Using the other ‘almost similar’ platforms such as Webex, Google Meet was then not that difficult. I only had the chance of using Microsoft Team recently, and it was also easy. So, using and trouble shooting your video conferencing tools is today (31st March 2022), two years past, is a MUST HAVE skill for all Educators.
Second important element is on online class management and conducting of class lectures. I have very limited experience on large class (only twice I gave a lecture to participants of more than 100), and I was able to get students to participate in learning. See for example Preparing for Thesis Examination and Viva and Lean Construction UTHM [you can view these videos to appreciate]. In general, I think the first day of class is very important for setting the rules. In my Meiji classes (master students less than 10), I make a policy for setting the video on all the time unless the equipment is faulty or there are unavoidable problems. I found that almost everyone will follow this rule , with few occasions of no video, but student will inform me the reasons. Why is it so important to have the video on? Since we are physically distanced, we must not be virtually distanced, we need to be virtually in contact or virtually close. The only way is to have facial, or eye contact through our videos.. in that way, as teacher you will be able to ask questions, you can communicate with your heart as you are able to virtually see the students. Learning only happen when there are connections of heart between and learner. I do ask questions along my lecture, and have also introduced Interactive learning since I attended the UCI course ( see my other posting )
The third aspect is to set up social media communication platform. I used LINE to form the class group participants. I will post the power point notes, lectures notes, the recorded lecture and post any announcements for students. It facilitates immediate communication whenever students have any questions on the topic covered or when I have to make urgent announcement and notifications. The e-learning platform provided by the educational institution must also be used at the same time for ensuring conformance to university and the program requirements. Depending on the features available, such as uploading of assignments, project papers and the assessments, it is a very convenient method for both lecturer and students to interact as well.
These are key aspects that help learning online virtual and overseas workable. Assessment was done on line as well… Real Time.
Quality From Classroom to Our Life 
Leave a comment