Virtual learning is now the norm for students as the Covid-19 pandemic has turned the world upside down.
We, the older generation who are used to teaching the traditional way, had to update our technology on online teaching and learn how to use Zoom and Microsoft Teams.
A sudden change to digital teaching and learning has affected all of us, causing anxiety and stress, and raising questions about education and academic futures.
Learning and teaching online can be frustrating and discouraging, but we have to adapt and move forward.
Though online learning has its advantages, for example, students can learn at their scheduled time, it also comes with challenges.
Some students can't afford laptops or computers. They may not have access to the Internet and if they do, there is bound to be poor connectivity.
And they might not have a conducive learning environment.
To overcome these challenges, what one needs is enthusiasm, creativity and innovative ideas.
A good example was a student from Sabah, who went on a treetop to get good connectivity.
A student in a village in India offered to help sweep a temple compound so he could use the wi-fi there for his studies.
As for teachers, there is no age limit for learning.
They can learn from peers and take professional development classes.
All it needs is a behavioural change with support from the management, friends and family, and a will to learn.
Structured teaching and advice on blended learning, support groups and networks to learn the new technology will motivate them.
Teachers, therefore, need to show compassion and flexibility to students. Teach them well and help them manage distractions and stress.
However, virtual learning poses barriers to communication.
It is difficult for teachers to read the body language of students during virtual learning.
Some may be shy to ask questions during the class.
Students should raise their concerns with teachers. There are many apps where students and teachers can communicate on their own time.
Virtual meeting rooms, where teachers and students can chat, help foster interaction.
Teachers should create opportunities to see or hear their students' voice by asking them to switch on the video and ask questions between lectures.
Another solution is to engage students by using different teaching modes — PowerPoint teaching, video presentations and quizzes — to break the monotony of one-way teaching.
Teachers should communicate with students during and after virtual office hours.
A caring attitude, empathy and compassion will bridge the gap between teachers and students and build relationships.
Teachers should keep in touch with them and get feedback for improvement. They should also give feedback of students' weaknesses and strengths.
Meanwhile, there will be a loss of bonding between teachers and students online.
To overcome this, forums, video conferencing, seminars and webinars can help.
When it comes to virtual learning, let us not forget that parents too play an important role in their children's education.
They have to provide the tools and a conducive learning environment for them.
A virtual dialogue session or focus group discussion between parents and teachers on the challenges of online learning can overcome these obstacles.
The writer is the deputy dean of the Faculty of Medicine, AIMST University