As schools are scheduled to open in September 2020, students are still taking online classes. Joan Mbabazi had a chat with a few students who shared what they prefer — online or face-to-face classes. Zenani Isimbi, 11 I would prefer normal classes because instruction between teachers and students is more interesting and interactive, resulting in better understanding of the content. In a normal classes, the environment is better and fun, compared to using a computer. Normal classes also help to build friendships. -- Axel Gahiga Mpano, 11 Both normal classes and e-learning are means of delivering instruction, their effectiveness differs in time and context. E-learning is addressing the needs of learners who are technology driven. Normal classes are disadvantageous as they are restrictive in such a way that, an individual’s needs are not highly addressed. E-learning respects learning paces and meets students wherever they are, while they are given chances of learning at any time. As a disadvantage, e-learning favours individualism whereas interpersonal skills are acquired through face-to-face interaction and social events. Both are equally effective in delivering feedback when they are well designed. -- Priscilla Adegoke Oluwatisetemi, 11 I prefer face-to-face learning because it allows me to participate easily. Whenever we have a science practical, I can see and touch the models that we are using. Also, when my teacher asks a question in face-to-face class, he can attend to whoever lifts up their hand but on Webex, he can choose whoever he wants to choose, and he doesn’t know whether the person is ready or not. In face-to-face learning, I can see my teacher clearly unlike on Webex where the screen is unclear. When we use apps, it is hard to hear teachers, especially when there’s a class of more than 30 pupils. Online learning requires a lot of internet, and some people don’t follow the rule of muting the microphone, when the teacher is talking. I hope we can go back to school soon. -- Nancy Bright Ineza, 8 E-learning and normal classes are both modes of delivering instruction; however, they differ on some aspects, mainly on teacher-students distance. As for normal classes which are mainly known as face-top-face classes, teachers and students need to meet physically within the walls of the classroom. E-learning attends to students’ diverse needs, among other different learning styles and paces, wherever they are and at any time. It has greater learning flexibility than face-to-face instruction. Face-to-face instruction is backed up by the philosophy that students learn best when they are in a close distance. Classroom learning allows teachers to know the students and evaluate their strengths and weaknesses better. -- Nathan Adegoke, 7 I prefer face-to-face learning because I cannot understand what the teacher is teaching without showing it to me on the board. Also, I like to learn in the class because it is more interesting. I can discuss with my friends, and play football, unlike learning online. -- Darin Muganga, 11 I like normal classes, more. This is because between a teacher and a student is easier. With normal classes, there are limited disturbances like internet or connection failure. Online classes are burdensome to some parents because it requires that each student in a family have his or her own gadget. So, not all parents can afford that. Online classes only favour students living in urban areas or semi-urban areas, but not those in rural areas where they do not have electricity and connection. For example, people living deep down in Kayonza near our farm cannot get use of the online classes. In normal classes, the teacher can easily know students that are following or not. --
