Taylor’s Library highlights challenges of online education

Online classes pose not only difficulties for students, but for lecturers as well.

In an article from The Sun Daily, several educators said they were stressed out by undefined working hours and their overexposure to digital environments.

Lecturers and students need to adapt to e-learning (Source: Pexels)

To assist academicians and students in navigating through this relatively new phase of teaching and learning, Taylor’s Library organized their very first dialogue session entitled “Online Teaching & Learning: Challenges & Coping Mechanism Among Academicians and Students”.

The panellists for the session were Diploma in Interior Design lecturer Raja Imran Raja Azhar and Head of Counselling Services Ng Shan Na, while librarian Hilary Kumin moderated the discussion.

The first topic addressed was e-learning challenges.

Raja Imran noted that lecturers faced two major problems: the challenge of converting a face-to-face syllabus into an online one, and the challenge of ensuring that students could cope with these changes.

Shan Na also mentioned that more students have sought counselling for relationship-related issues and that counsellors have had trouble supporting students due to time zone or internet connectivity issues.

On maintaining students’ engagement, Shan Na said that the Centre for Counselling Services has frequently e-mailed students, held interactive webinars, and recently initiated a peer counselling program.

Moreover, counsellors have been approaching programme directors to see how counsellors can fulfil students’ needs.

During online classes, Raja Imran increased engagement by asking his students about their day and making sure his students felt comfortable.

“As an educator, we should not apply rigid rules because there will be a clash in focus when they attend classes from their own homes. Getting students to join and listen to classes is the number one priority.”

Shan Na added it was important to listen to others in a humanistic manner.

“Compassion towards others should not be diminished whether it is in an online or face-to-face meeting.”

The discussion concluded with the panellists’ thoughts on online learning.

“This is the new norm, not just with the physical distancing but also the fact that we need to adapt and enhance our online teaching and learning,” said Raja Imran.

According to event co-host Nur Liyana Mahamad, this dialogue session was held based on past event feedback, which suggested more coverage on self-care and stress management techniques.

This dialogue session was held in conjunction with Taylor’s Library’s e-Open Day 2021.