The announcement by the management of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic Abeokuta to recommence online learning is generating mixed feelings among the students. REPORTS ALEX ADEDAMOLA
Recently, MAPOLY management announced e-registrations and e-learning, a new digital way of learning for the students as part of efforts to ease stress and meet up with academic standards amidst the Coronavirus pandemic.
The online learning which had earlier commenced on Telegram and Whatsapp platform for the students was put on hold after a release by the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnic(ASUP) MAPOLY Chapter directed it’s members to stop holding online classes for the student.
After, the announcement by the management that the e-learning will recommence via the schools website @www.mapoly.edu.ng different reactions have emerged from students accross the various department in the institution.
While some students express displeasure over the introduction of the e-learning others lauded the development.
Speaking with Press Club Mapoly, Samuel Ayodeji, an HND1 Science Laboratory Technology student expressed his displeasure over the e-learning process.
"Initially when I heard the news of the e-learning and the processes involved, I was surprised. I had doubts about the school going through with it because of the complications that could occur during the e-clearance.
"I thought of the students that don’t have smartphones and have paid their fees before school closure; I wondered if the school took them into consideration."
Muritala Adamdare, an HND2 Marketing student told PCM he does not think the students need the e-learning.
"I don’t think we need e-learning, most of our lecturers are done with all the topics already. What I’ll suggest is that the management should just give us like two weeks upon resumption to cover up just like they did when the school went on strike.
Adamdare also urged the management not to close the portal so as to enable those who have not paid have access to make their payment anytime.
"Concerning the school fees payment, management should not close the portal this time around so that all students that haven’t paid would have access to login and make payment anytime they see money. We all know what this pandemic has caused for many who lost their job and also reduced money in the economic system."
Similarly, Shola Abayomi, an HND1 student of Pharmaceutical Technology says he is not totally in support of e-learning but rather the e-registration adding that it will reduce stress and time.
Abayomi said "To be sincere concerning the e-registration that is a very nice and great idea because it will reduce stress going from one office to another and reduce time.
"Am not 100% in support of the e-learning because some of our students don’t have android phones, some can’t even understand in class.
"For someone like myself reading online, I will sleep off. if MAPOLY will do e-learning it shouldn’t be this pandemic period become we are all striving to eat where are we to see money for data."
Abayomi urged the management to put an end to the e-learning and allow the e-registrations continue.
"My own suggestion is that management should just suspend the e-learning and continue the e-registration because someone like me am working just to gather my school fees and other fees how do you think I will concentrate on e-learning".
Another student of Biology identified as Olamilekan Ajakaiye stated that despite paying school fees some of the students will not be able to partake in the e-learning due to no android device.
"So far, I realized some of my course mates have paid their school fees but some don’t have browsing phone for now which automatically means they can’t participate in the e-learning and it was said that there will be an assessment for it.
"Also, considering the situation of our country, so many things have to be considered as well as power supply and data. Some students are staying in areas where there’s no adequate power supply and might find it difficult to participate in the e-learning despite they’ve paid their school fees.
"Talking about data, fingers are not equal, so some students might find it hard to always access the internet".
Meanwhile, other students who spoke with PCM lauded the introduction of the e-learning by the management.
Godffrey Confidence, an HND2 student of Mass Communication told PCM he received the news of the e-learning with joy.
" I felt happy. Hoping the new development will help hasten lectures and the curriculum for this semester. And I had high hopes that the institution is taking a positive advantage of the covid 19 pandemic to upgrade its internet facility and students portals/website."
Godffrey further urged the management to ensure the effectiveness of the e-learning.
"The management can do much better by keeping up to the task and by being committed to the effectiveness of this new development. And the student’s welfare and academic excellence should be the management priority during this lockdown."
Juwaratuh Jimoh an ND2 student of Pharmaceutical Technology also lauded the initiative saying it is a welcome development.
However, she noted that the e-learning will not favour her as she doesn’t have a functioning Android phone at the moment.
"The e-learning is a good move by the management but many students do not have a browsing phone that can access the online lecture and they will be at a disadvantage.
"I do not have a functioning Android phone at the moment either as my phone is faulty so there is no way I can access the e-learning if it starts right now".
