Are we ready for online education in Jamaica?

Since the Covid 19 Pandemic hit our Caribbean shores many schools have been forced to embrace online teaching and learning. It is fair to say the experience has been filled with many pain points along the way. Just to help break down this new jargon; a pain point is a problem or challenge experienced by customers/clients of a particular business. In Jamaica we are accustomed to them, but never comfortable with the unpleasantries they carry.

Parents and guardians with children at the primary and high school levels are particularly feeling the strains of keeping these young minds engaged at home. Rest assured I’m in the trenches with you as a parent myself. Whilst adapting to this new reality, I thought it would be useful to share some of my observations with you.

Here are a few Generic Pain-Points Affecting Online Education

• Not all families have access to the internet or free WiFi especially in developing countries.
  
• Some students do not have access to a dedicated mobile device able to support online learning.
  
• Some parents/guardians might not be comfortable using online applications or mobile device(s) to help support their child/ward.
  
• Not all teachers are comfortable using an online teaching and learning platform.
  
• Some teachers are struggling to keep students engaged during lessons.
  
• Some differentiated learning strategies have disappeared during the pandemic.
  
• Some schools are struggling to identify a reliable, free or cost effective user friendly learning and teaching platform.
  

Based on these few insights observed over these past few months, it's clear greater research will need to be conducted to help define these problems affecting the end-user - student. In the field of Design Thinking a problem statement is used to help all stakeholders on their quest to find a solution. It provides focus on the specific needs that have been uncovered and generates real stability and optimism amongst the team tasked with the job of finding a workable solution(s) for these 'wicked problem(s).'

Insights Worth Exploring to Improve Your Online Education Experience

• Schools need to identify and define the teaching and learning pain points affecting all end-users (students, parents/guardians, teachers...). 
  
• In preparation for the new academic year, identify affordable resources to be used by end-users.
  
• Schools must provide training for all parties (end-users) on how to use the online teaching and learning platform. Technical support should be ongoing.
  
• Gather insights from interviews and surveys conducted with all end-users to find out what would make the experience more engaging and productive.
  
• Develop data driven learning profiles for all students especially those with statemented learning challenges. 
  
• Actively employ differentiation teaching strategies to support students.
  
• Avoid using multiple apps to share school work with end-users to avoid miscommunication, confusion and frustration. 
  
• Have a dependable method of communication with parents/guardians. Emails work!
  
• Implement independent learning strategies for students by developing resources that embed and encourage the use of digital media. 
  
• Encourage both teachers and students to embrace self-directed learning. 
  
• Create inclusive virtual classrooms, where all students feel safe to share, learn and inspire each other.
  

Of course, there are so many other areas to be explored in today’s Blog...but we'll end the discussion here. Stay tuned for more insights from MELB Design Ideation Studio and feel free to share your thoughts.


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