In the 14th century, the Great Plague decimated the population of Europe and destroyed the workforce.
Today, centuries later in 2019-2020, the world finds itself in a similar situation with the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, which apart from the havoc it has caused to people’s health, has also necessitated the closure of schools globally, thereby bringing teaching and learning as we know it to a virtual halt. More than 100 countries have implemented nationwide closures of schools. Nigeria is no exception and has been compelled to close schools and universities all over the Federation in an attempt to slow down and eventually stop the spread of the virus.
On March 20, 2020 specifically, Premiere Academy was closed in response to directives from both the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and the Federal Government of Nigeria that all schools should be closed. Consequently, over 600 students of the Academy joined over 1 billion learners who are out of school as a result of closures in response to COVID-19 pandemic.
Having already implemented some projects on digital learning (computer-based testing, e-books hosted by our Content Management System (CMS), technology-enhanced teaching and learning, etc), the ICT unit of Premiere Academy has escalated its activities in response to the call and urgency of providing a digital platform that will allow teaching and learning to continue as ‘virtual classrooms’ during this period of “social-distancing” and even beyond. Apart from the fierce urgency to find alternative learning solutions now brought on by the coronavirus pandemic, we also realize that going forward, it is unrealistic to imagine that teaching and learning should necessarily be confined to a physical classroom. In fact, teaching and learning can take place anywhere and anytime through the creative use of technology.
In the first week of April 2020, therefore, Premiere Academy will commence a programme of online learning for all our students. This will involve the use of educational tools, which will be accessible on the Internet. It will entail distance learning, which is a derivative of online learning. Teachers and students of the Academy will use a cloud-based app to meet in virtual classrooms that have digital tools and resources for learning. The students will receive codes for joining various classes from the comfort of their homes. Teachers will use audio-visual materials to teach and give assignments. Teachers will be able to interact with the students in real time since the digital platform will allow synchronous sessions. The students will take computer-graded quizzes and teacher-marked tests. All of this will be carried out within a clearly-defined timetable that will enable parents to plan along with their students to gain access to relevant at a time that meets their own needs as far as possible without disrupting their life routines unduly. With these initiatives, our students will be intellectually and socially engaged and motivated despite the uncertainty caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
Please continue to be sensible and to stay safe.
God bless Nigeria. God bless Premiere Academy.
