ONLINE LEARNING TAKES EGYPT BY STORM AMID CORONA VIRUS CRISIS

Credits: Nylah Maurice

Salma Mohamed walked gleefully through her college's electronic gate, eager to start her day. Like always, she ordered her morning coffee, sat with her friends at lunch and attended her classes cheerfully. After the day was done, she got into her car and drove back home while singing along to her radio.

"Little did I know that this was my last day at college," says Mohamed, a senior at The College of Language and Communication, while sitting on her couch as she is being interviewed online. A faint smile plays on her pale lips as she recalls what life was like before everything went haywire.

Due to the increase of corona virus cases in Egypt, The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research has decided that, starting March 15, and until the pandemic is under control, education is to continue online to ensure the safety of all students.

Across the country, many students like Mohamed have fallen into a state of confusion and fear. Some are on the verge of graduating from college, while others are still in their first year. However, all have stood silent as they saw their dreams and expectations go down in flames, but they weren’t the only ones affected by the brutality of the pandemic.

Faculties were given less than two weeks to figure out an entire system that hadn’t existed until this moment in time. The sleep-deprived soldiers braved on as they tried to execute a plan that would keep the educational boat afloat during these dark times.

Many faculty members have taken it upon themselves to address the issue publicly and assure students in various Facebook posts that everything is under control. With all student activities canceled and a new educational system in the work, students and faculty members alike are in need of a beam of light to guide them and to help them through these big changes and help them overcome the great obstacles that lies ahead.

"It is quite unusual to say the least," says Amina El Naggar, a senior at Pharos University. "We were used to seeing our teachers and friends every day at college, but now, we only see them through a tiny screen."

Credits: Gerd Altmann

El Naggar takes a long pause then huffs in exasperation. "It is not just that we have to adapt to a new system, but also the internet connection isn’t as strong as we need it to be" She says.

"I get kicked out of my online sessions at least 2 times an hour because of bad internet connection," says Merna Sharaf, a student at the Faculty of Arts, as she fiddles with the chain bracelets around her wrist.

Many students have expressed their fears regarding connectivity. With thousands of students accessing internet at the same time, it becomes only natural that such problems would surface. Although internet companies have been working hard at finding solutions, none have been effective so far. However, connectivity remains a challenge not only for students, but also for faculty members trying to reach them.

"The system isn’t perfect, but it isn’t all bad," says Mohamed Ahmed, a teaching assistant at The College of Computer Science, with an assuring grin on his face. "No need for students to worry because faculty members face the same issue every day and will definitely take it into consideration."

However, students weren’t the only ones panicking at home. Many parents have been worried about how this year will turn out as they watch their children struggle with the new system.

"My daughter rarely sleeps and has quit eating all together," says Amal Farghaly, while pressing on her daughter's scrawny hand. "I fear for her physical and mental health during this time."

Farghaly draws in a sharp breath then looks at her daughter. "We have no other option but to stay strong and get through this one way or another," She says.

Although many parents share the same sentiment as that of Farghaly, others have chosen to see the silver lining. Various prestigious universities have offered their curriculum for free to those who seek knowledge, but were affected and hindered by the pandemic.

"Even though facing a pandemic is very unfortunate, one must always strive to see the full half of the cup" says Maha Abdelkader, a parent, while clamping both hands together. "Great academic opportunities lay before our children in Egypt and I hope they take advantage of them."

Even though online learning bears many challenges, one must acknowledge that it is a huge technological and academic stride for Egypt. Before the pandemic, online learning was ridiculed and unappreciated. However, now that the circumstances have forced a shift in perceptive, many doors might begin to open for new generations. Whether the country can seize the opportunity for progress is a matter that remains to be decided on.