Hello everyone.. Hope you're day is going as expected!!. Today is an amazing day because I woke in the right part of my bed and ever since, I've been motivated to write.. today I did my research on the challenges and solutions of online teaching and learning in the university of port Harcourt. Feel free to go through. #### INTRODUCTION ![images.jpeg](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmRXKdBPAxgYypBPcMSgakZ96nYAAG6k4eBgNCcTEHAiMB/images.jpeg) [source](https://www.google.com/search?q=elearning&client=ms-android-transsion-infinix-rev1&prmd=inbxv&sxsrf=AOaemvJDAYP-oQ5PHhkLMPjAd1bP1GQmiw:1636458239993&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwii-dWAmov0AhUG4YUKHULFDaIQ_AUoAXoECAIQAQ&biw=360&bih=664&dpr=2#imgrc=7D9cHwa9lVMizM) E-learning which is an abbreviation of electronic learning can be defined as the online passing of information from one individual or group of individuals to others. It can also be defined as the combination of learning with technology. E-learning which is gaining ground in today’s world involves the use of digital technologies like internet, CD ROM etc. to convey message to the different learners or users. Due to civilization and the outbreak of COVID 19, Governments all over the world are now involved in the development, funding and regulation of information communication and technology products or infrastructures to boost learning and also make learning easy. It’s so obvious that this ICT gadgets are taking over the world. A child of 10 years can now operate a phone even better than his dad. #### CHALLENGES OF ONLINE TEACHING AND LEARNING IN THE UNIVERSITY OF PORT HARCOURT ![images (1).jpeg](https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmdjacSZN8589vdiJMiyjj4kXKhhUeeDkzLeqtL4UBdXdR/images%20(1).jpeg) [source](https://sites.google.com/a/gisboyshigh.net/culturally-responsive-e-learning-pedagogy-in-the-new-zealand-context/home/barriers?overridemobile=true) The university of port Harcourt is a federal university situated at choba, port Harcourt Rivers State. It’s among the best ten universities in Nigeria but yet cannot properly organize a well and ordered online teaching lecture due to the follow reasons. #### POOR TECHNICAL INFRASTRUCTURE The technical infrastructure in a developing school like uniport is not highly developed. Their network sever is not strong enough to host an online class. Besides, most of the technical infrastructure in the university of port Harcourt are not functioning so in such situation, conducting an online class will be total waste of time and resources. There was time when sim card were made available for all students (glo precisely).The aim of that SIM card is to be able to track and keep the students in check and also be able to help them with Internet. It would have really been a plus one for the school if that sim card project was maintained. #### HOW TO BEST THIS CHALLENGE The school should find a way to renovate the infrastructures and also continue the sim card plan in other to boost online class. #### LIMITED EXPERTISE Even if uniport as a school has the necessary infrastructures that can actually help facilitate e-learning, there’ll always be a problem in the operation. I don’t think uniport have the staffs to handle online learning because this online learning requires a highly skilled personnel to handle the electronic and cyber aspect of the technology. #### HOW TO BEST THIS CHALLENGE Uniport should hold short time teaching and practical classes for interested staffs so as to learn the necessary ways of operating an electrical work relating to electronic learning. #### FINANCIAL RESTRICTION I don’t think financial restriction has anything to do with the school, the school can start online learning with the money enveloped within the four walls of the school. Where this becomes a problem is in the path of the students. Many students in the school are not financially stable so getting an ICT gadget that’ll help them in learning becomes a problem. Some might actually have this gadgets but buying data for online class is something hard. #### HOW TO BEST THIS CHALLENGE The problem of financial restrictions is a very cumbersome one because the school houses millions of the students and one third of this students don’t have smart phone. So the school can’t start buying cell phone for all the students.In a case where phone isn’t a problem, they should provide free Wi-Fi for the students. #### INTERNET CONNECTIVITY Another major problem affecting online study is the case of internet connectivity. When talking about internet connectivity, we are talking about the poor network and the money in subscribing for data. In a situation where students can’t buy data, that’ll be a problem in conducting electronic learning. Of all the problem that can affect e-learning this is the Most severe because the country we live in now doesn’t have enough cash to distribute to the public so any money earned by the public is budgeted for feeding and other essential things other than subscribing phone. #### HOW TO BEST THIS CHALLENGE The root of this problem sprouts from the country at large so solving the problem is something very hard to do. Because the country at first needs to change its’ mentality and forget about greed. When this is done, stolen money will be returned and the act of stealing will be eliminated. When the country is balanced, only then can money be generated for the mass. #### ADAPTATION Adaptation as a concept talks about been able to adjust to different conditions. The classroom teaching pattern has been in the curriculum of this students for long time estimately from their nursery Education days. So adapting to this new change becomes something very head aching. It’ll only be a success if the students accepts this new learning system with their heart just as the way they accepted the other. #### HOW TO BEST THIS CHALLENGE Adaptation is something every individual can do. It’s like an inborn trait in everyone that just sprouts out when the need arises. So if all students set their mind into changing into this new system of learning, there'll be a success. Another way of doing this is with the help of the school. The school should ensure the students aren’t rushed so as to understanding the whole online learning stuff for maximum output. #### COMPUTER KNOWLEDGE Computer knowledge is mentioned here as a problem because it’s one of the essential factor that affects online learning in uniport. Most students don’t know how to operate a computer while some haven’t fully adapted into this modern age computer. Because of the above reason, when a technical issue emerge, they find it hard to solve. And some doesn’t know how to operate a mouse so using computer becomes a problem. #### HOW TO BEST THIS CHALLENGE Uniport should make sure all students are thought the basis of computer on both teaching and practical aspect. They should make provision for computers for the students and Students should also pay attentive attention to the teacher in other to understand and be able to operate a computer. #### DISTRACTION Another major factor that affects this online learning is distraction. Since this online learning involves the use of computer gadgets, most of the learning will be done from home and this is where the factor of distraction falls in because most students will be distracted by friends, some will prefer watching television over learning. Some can even use up their battery before the class starts. #### HOW TO BEST THIS CHALLENGE Students should make sure they keep learning time private to them by informing their friends and parents to let them be during their study hour. And all students should make sure their gadgets are fully charged to avoid distraction. COMMUNICATION The more detailed the syllabus, the easier it is to communicate to the students. Sometimes teachers are not given enough time for the preparation of content for their students. And also there are students who avoid communication with teachers during online learning.Online teaching is like communicating without body language, so students might misunderstand and can result in poor performance. Sometimes students might ask for an extension for their work or give any excuse for the delay HOW TO BEST THIS CHALLENGE Give flexibility to the students when they ask for not making up to their deadlines. You must recognize the need of keeping in contact with the students and understand what kind of activities can accomplish your goal. Conduct discussions for specific content for the students with the opportunity to solve the problem and learning effectively. Also providing discussion on practical questions by the students can reduce frustration, problem-solving skills and handling technical issues. You should provide a platform for the students in order to communicate and collaborate with other fellow classmates. #### ASSESSMENT Assessment is the most important part of online learning for students as well as teachers.And it causes stress to students at times. So whenever there are assignments or projects, teachers might face a lot of questions from the students. As there is less communication between students and teachers, expectation from the students’ performances also differs. Students are likely to experience less homework, fewer assignments or lack of examination at times. This can cause difficulties for teachers in assessments. HOW TO BEST THIS CHALLENGE You must understand the type of questions students might ask and prepare FAQs for the common questions. Make sure that you give proper assignments and conduct tests at regular intervals. This can help you to assess them based on their performance. FEEDBACK Every student needs feedback for their performance during the learning process so that they can improve their learning abilities. They are not only observed during the tests or exams but also for each assignment and project. Research reveals that the students hardly visit their assignments to check their suggestions and comments. The feedback model with respect to online will be difficult for them to understand and implement. HOW TO BEST THIS CHALLENGE You can approach your teachers for feedback related to your performance. Teachers can give your personalized guidance for improvement and identify your weaknesses and strengths. You Improve your learning pattern based on the feedback. Unless you receive feedback from teachers, there are chances of less improvement in your learning. I really want to appreciate you all for reading through. Hope it's detailed enough... cc: @Whitestallion @Club5050 @campusconnectng