(SOCIAL) Educational Challenges

 All classes have been suspended since 24 Jan 2020 and the on-line

classes replaced for students’ learnings at home since 3 February

2020. As this outbreak of COVID-19 is not foreseen and predictable,

there have been issues emerged regarding the preparedness and

applications of on-line study including hardware and software

situations among schools, faculties, and students with their parents

in Macao.

Most teachers have experienced some challenges in online teaching

including training for the use of on-line teaching especially in

“how to use the on-line teaching software”, technical supports for

on-line teaching (software installation and use), broadband speed

and stability for internet, students’ attendance status (how to check

student who is “real” at on-line class), the effective evaluation of

on-line learning among students, and time issue for the preparation

of on-line learning.

There are some feedbacks from students including software installation

and application problem, too tight on-line class schedule,

too many assignments, internet connection issues, and assessment

problems. The parents also experienced the communication issues

with teachers and schools.

Educational challenges of COVID-19 may include the preparation

for on-line teaching (training and material preparation), technical

support (hardware and software), application (attendance and

assignment), and the effectiveness and achievement of the on-line

classes.

Moreover, 217 countries/territories/areas have confirmed cases

of COVID-19 which represented all people under the threats of the

public-health crisis on COVID-19. Some countries/territories/areas don’t have clear guideline and strategies for the prevention of the

pandemic of COVID-19, it would be dangerous to people’s life and

wellbeing of all societies.

COVID-19 has changed all people’s daily life especially in teaching

and learning. All students are encouraged for the continue

learning during the pandemic of disease. The “Learning from home”

policy in Macao provides students for the chance of non-stop learning

during the class suspension or lockdown at home. There are

some challenges of on-line class emerged from educators, students,

and parents including training, technical support, application, and

effective evaluations. Those suggestions provided directions for the

improvement of on-line classes if “Learning from home” continued.

COVID-19 has caused many people deaths and life changes,

educators should try to prepare teaching materials not only for the

face-to-face classes but also for the on-line classes use. Educators

also need to think how to promote students’ learning experiences

from the on-line classes for students’ better learning achievement.

Jul20

The Responses and Challenges of COVID-19 in Macao

HSU, Mei Hua Kerry∗

Macao Polytechnic Institute, Macao