Online learning & the Corona Virus

We have started week 6 of the 2020 semester, my first semester at Virginia Tech University, with a pandemic of the Corona Virus. This crisis led the whole nation to take serious precautions and asked all the people and academic institutions to close their facilities and completely turn to remotely learning from home. Astonishingly, a fast response from everybody was obtained, as I witness all the capabilities of all departments in the united states were used to adapt to these conditions rapidly. Before this declaration, I didn’t take this issue seriously and never thought that this virus will lead to a global pandemic, as an ignorant act from my part. However, once they announced it I ended my spring break and returned to my home for the precaution quarantine. Every student, faculty and anyone related was informed through emails and digital media for the decision of online learning, reaching out everybody to work on it.

Being an international student, away from her family pursuing her studies abroad, has affected me by the idea of changing the rhythm you are used to and starting to adapt to it with the possibility that you might not be allowed to go home for the coming time. Many concerns in terms of what are the decision that I should take to face these conditions, or how this will affect my learning process as a new student and a person who is not familiar with the e-learning and online format.

From a positive perspective, I have conducted a meeting through Zoom software earlier today with my adviser, and it went smoothly and easily. The good thing about it was the easy exchange of data and pieces of information, the interactive tools to present or to explain a point was easier. Even when the adviser needs to share a link or edit he does it instantly without the need for a physical tool such as printed papers or posters.

Meanwhile, I have been updating myself with the news in Jordan following all the news and statements around the kingdom. Following how the people reacted upon it. In Jordan, it started with only one case that has been put in quarantine for 14 days and the government released him as they claimed that he was healed, however, more incomers from other countries have been coming back home, after the announcement of this pandemic resulting in bringing newer cases. Therefore, one of the main precaution procedures that the government did was to quarantine 1000 travelers coming back from different destinations in hotels and resorts to accommodate such a big number with full health care. This gave us the reason to trust our government to do the needed precautions to contain the issue.

Looking into the online learning aspect in Jordan, Knowing that Jordan doesn’t have this experience, it was enriching to see how they adapt to such a situation. All teachers in the kingdom started to adapt quickly to deal with the new technological tool they were not familiar with, mainly quarter of the students are not equipped with the necessary tools to accommodate the new methods, so not all the system worked smoothly, but most of the schools and institutions tried to provide with computers and WiFi availability. It is still experimental but not like in the states it is only for 14 days and things going to normal according to the authorities, although I am sure it will not happen.

Online learning is not something new, many degrees and course have been granted through certified platforms, however, when all the world is now turned to this virtual setting is interesting, and this might lead to new studies that could help in upgrading it and change the world we are knowing now.