Transition to (co)Rona University

The truth is COVID-19 did not solve my problems, it simply put a pin in them and came with its array of mess that I needed to 

address. School was no longer a building but an application, and the most challenging part was no longer getting to class but

being in class; present and focused. The second semester came in phases and so did this pandemic but the consistent 

underlying rhythm was the persistent uncertainty on what happens next…

The transition to online classes took a week on the part of the administration to put things in place. Once the ball was rolling
many questions were still unanswered and seemed to be floating in mid-air as we tried to make sense of what we were doing
and how we were going forward. But as I said there was a persistent uncertainty which arguably was unavoidable; it was 
unprecedented circumstances. 

PBL (problem-based learning) was interesting, to say the least, if you’re familiar with the process you would understand how
important it is for every person to engage in discussion and let their presence be known. Accomplishing this via BlackBoard 

Classroom (BBC) had its technical difficulties (mainly the internet connection/speed had to be on point) but I would be doing it

a huge disservice if I did not acknowledge its ability to create a level playing field. Elaborating on that point, those who were 

timid or reluctant to give a contribution in person were allowed more leverage to make comments and participate in discussions

through the virtual raising of hands and being in a queue on the online platform. 


Additionally, the tutor and leader of the discussion made concerted efforts to involve everyone and adjusted to suit based on
participation and technical difficulties.Initially, we had no insight concerning how our PBL marks would have been affected due to
the transition to the online platform and there were legitimate concerns about if the PBL marks should still hold its weight or 
whether it would be generated fairly. Needless to say, the pros outweigh the cons and the integrity of PBL was maintained. 

Once the balance of content for the semester was delivered, there was also ambiguity surrounding how our SPOTTER
(end of course quiz) would be executed and the administering of other scheduled physiology quizzes. But if necessity is the mother
of innovation* then I’m sure you would know that our administration worked out something for us students. To maintain the integrity 
of each method, the questions were timed and the testing period was fixed. Additionally, each student was limited to one 
response/submission. I would like to acknowledge the pros and cons and say that everything worked in my favour however,
there were real challenges faced by my peers when it came to doing online examinations with spotty WiFi connections, 
which compounded the pressure of the tight window allocated to complete each item.  

Once those hurdles were crossed the finish line was still a 100m sprint away as final exams and its format was undecided and 
unscheduled. The first clue that the administration had a decision with how to proceed was by the official release of the examination
period, which is stipulated to be released a month in advance before final exams are to be taken. Information slowly trickled to our
main academic groups through our class representatives which seemed to span weeks before fixed dates were announced and 
more importantly, the style of the exam. 

During this period I want to liken it to a warrior preparing for battle. However, it was as if you were required to prepare for an unknown
battle and every day required you to remain disciplined and not let the anxiety of not knowing what you were preparing for, get to you. 
The most difficult battles are won on the battlefield of your mind. I got through this difficult season by definitely trusting God’s word 
and reaffirming daily that all things would work for good for those that love the Lord and his righteousness. Essentially, I encouraged 
myself in the Lord just like David (a great warrior himself) and the peace of the Lord came through for the win. 

Once examination dates were set and the style determined the next obstacle to overcome was complacence. Actively 
trying to combat getting too comfortable with the style of exam and staying motivated for this ‘last push’ required concerted efforts.
But like most things there are two extremes; in this case either you found yourself downplaying the style and becoming complacent
or you fixated on the uncertainty of the mark scheme and freaked yourself out. I fluctuated between the two if I'm being honest but
this is where discipline, faith, and mindset comes in. 

It goes without saying that, having assignments was the best call and alleviated a lot of stress for the most part. Notwithstanding,
having gone through the process and already in possession of my grades, it is of my belief that the integrity of the grading scheme
was quite high and allowed me to score similar grades to my first semester’s final exams. Ultimately though this semester posed
many challenges to navigate, I can say that it’s finally over and that, deserves a salute to admin and a triumphant pat on your back
for seeing the journey through. 

To close, I feel obligated to thank those who have contributed in one way or another to my success. Thank you. I am immensely 
grateful for your support, encouragement, and prayer. 

But the journey doesn’t stop here… 

Welcome to the ‘new normal’ and let’s see how my second year goes!