Remote learning is not a new phenomenon at the University of Nairobi.  For more than five years, several undergraduate and postgraduate courses have been offered remotely through the Open, Distance and eLearning Campus.

As the COVID-19 pandemic quickly spread around the world presenting numerous disruptions to institutions, it availed an opportunity for the University of Nairobi to continue providing world class education through online platforms. To find out how this experience has been for students, we spoke to several of them drawn from different schools.

What was your reaction when the University of Nairobi switched to Fulltime Online learning?

Zam Zam (Bachelor of Arts) : I felt much relieved because I would still be able to continue with my studies without having to worry about taking long too long to complete my degree.

Victoria Wambisi(Bachelor of Arts): I had mixed reactions. I felt good at first especially when the university provided Telkom lines with free data bundles but I quickly got sad when I realized that the network coverage in my area is very poor.   

Malvika Sanjay (Masters in Enviromental Policy):  This was wonderful because I could still continue with my studies at the comfort of my home without having to worry about how we will do our exams or when schools were going to reopen.

Judge Oscar Angote(PhD in Enviromental Law): As a public servant and student at the same time this is the best thing that the university could ever do for us. I hope this mode of teaching and examinations can become the norm even after covid-19.

How are the Online Classes Structured?

Zam Zam : Luckily for us, we had finished studying all the course units before the pandemic struck and so we are now sitting for the online exams which are not very much different from the exams we would do in a physical setting.

Victoria Wambisi: Our classes are held mostly via Google Classroom and they are very interactive because the lecturers use various tools including videos and slide presentations among others. My only concern is poor internet connectivity where I occasionally miss classes and I have to borrow notes from my friends. If my friends fail to attend classes then I definitely miss out too.

Malvika Sanjay (Masters in Enviromental Policy) The classes and exams were well organized. I thank the Center for Advanced Studies In Environmental Law and Policy for making it possible and the ICT staff for making  sure that it is a  seamless and smooth experience.

Judge Oscar Angote(PhD in Enviromental Law): The platforms we used including Google Classroom were not too complicated for me. Again, our lecturers provided us with clear instructions on the steps to follow and we were also free to ask for assistance in case we needed. We also had the ICT staff on standby who provided immeasurable support.  So in general, the success of the online examinations was possible because of the preparedness the university had including setting up online and technical training sessions for us weeks before the examinations date.

 

What do you miss the most when studying online?

Zam Zam : I miss my friends in campus. I miss going to classes physically and interacting with my lecturers face to face given the fact that I am only in my second year of studies. However, I understand that things will return to normalcy soon and I will be able to walk to campus like I used to do.

Victoria Wambisi: One of the things I miss is physically being present in campus, I miss going to Jomo Kenyattta Memorial Library which is my favorite. I also just miss walking around main campus which has breathtaking sceneries. Everything from the iconic buildings and the well-manicured lawns to the vibrant people rushing for lectures.

Judge Oscar Angote: I really like it online because I can balance between my busy work schedules as high court judge and as student at the same time. All I can say is that online exams and learning is a remarkable opportunity provided at the right time.

Malvika Sanjay: I miss the physical interactions with my classmates and lecturers but I am just glad that studies can still go on despite the pandemic.

 

Do you think the COVID-19 Pandemic will affect how we learn going forward?

Judge Oscar Angote : Definitely, the future of learning is online and we are going to see a lot of institutions robustly investing in e-learning infrastructures. Those who fail to respond to the changing times will obviously be left behind. Personally, I am grateful that the University of Nairobi adapted to the rapidly changing circumstances with equal speed.

Malvika Sanjay: Online education has been given a big boost by the pandemic and even after the pandemic, online education will still remain a popular mode of learning for many students especially the working class or even students from far flung areas subject to availability of internet among other infrastructures.

Victoria Wambisi:  In a big way, there will be many institutions offering courses through online platforms. I only hope that there will fair and equal opportunities students from diverse backgrounds to access online education now and in future.

What tips do you have for the University to scale up its online learning?

Judge Oscar Angote :   Given the disruptions brought about by the pandemic the University of Nairobi has done  very well  as far as online learning is concerned. I would suggest that this should not end after the pandemic but rather be fully incorporated so that many people across the country can access education without having to compromise much with their daily livelihoods.

Victoria Wambisi:  I would like the university to make online learning more accessible to all. I appreciate the Telkom data bundles provided but there are thousands of students like me who are unable to use the Telkom line because of technical network problems. Therefore, there should be alternatives on the table, if Telkom is not working please consider Safaricom or other providers. We sincerely wish to be part of the journey and part of the success story.

Zam Zam :  There are some technical challenges that we face including slow internet speeds, so if the university invested more in providing efficient internet things will be fine. I also hope that going forward, online learning can be accessible to all irrespective of financial backgrounds. 

Malvika Sanjay:  A healthy balance between online classes and physical classes should be the norm going forward. All courses should always be recorded and saved online so that those who miss classes are able to access the lessons whenever they want.