The coronavirus global pandemic has negatively affected the education system worldwide and in most affected countries within the African continent. Educational institutions from primary up to tertiary level have been shut down for more than three months since the pandemic started to spread within and outside the region. As the educational system is still on halt, it is of significant important to start embracing home-based education for the children for them to catch up with their studies.
Most countries within the region closed the educational sector as a way to combat and slow down the spread of the coronavirus. Countries like Zimbabwe and South Africa have closed educational institutions since the end of March 2020, and the dates on which educational sector might be opened are still controversially debated. The decision to reopen schools will have implications for children, parents or caregivers, teachers and other staff, communities and society at large.
According to WHO, the decision to close, partially close or reopen schools should be guided by a risk-based approach to maximise the educational and health benefits for students, teachers, staff and the wider community, as well as help prevent a new outbreak of Covid-19 in the community.
Instead of waiting for the schools to open parents and students can practise home-based schooling to catch-up with their studies. Parents need to play a significant role in providing basic education to their children by teaching their children at home. Parents must give the necessary skills before venturing onto more complex concepts.
Teaching children on simple mental maths, provide language skills like reading, writing spellings, how to study, practise art through drawing, painting etc. will help children to master required basic skills and give the children more control over their studies. Exploring various character education traits will help children understand the importance of being honest, having integrity and using effective communication skills.
Internet Learning is also another essential aspect that can help children and adults at tertiary institutions to learn while at home in these times of coronavirus pandemic. A key advantage to online learning is that students can complete their training in their own time and according to their schedules.
Recorded lessons, written content, webinars and collaborative online learning software make it easy for anyone with an internet connection to access everything they need. With the coming up of technology, learners can access educational information on different subjects on the internet using their smartphones or computers. With the internet, learners can get access to many informative websites like Academic Earth, Internet Archive, Big Think, Cosmo Learning etc. that provides education for free.
Finally, communication mediums like television and radios are providing educational programmes that are meant to teach the children during this coronavirus pandemic period. In response to the unfolding COVID-19 pandemic, DStv channels like ‘School at home’ (available on DStv 139) and Mindset Pop Channel among others are dedicated for primary school learners and features educational programming covering the entire General Education and Training (GET) phase, including Early Childhood Development (ECD).
Parents should take advantage of these educational programs and channels to educate their children as the nations are fighting immensely to combat the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.
Comments