Emergence of WhatsApp-Dominated High School Culture: A Depiction of Modern Adolescent Communication Patterns
In the wake of the global pandemic, schools worldwide, including those in Lagos, Nigeria, faced the challenge of transitioning to online learning. For Ijeoma, a fine arts teacher with over 20 years of experience in a public school, this shift was not without its challenges.
Ijeoma, who prefers to use a pseudonym, found herself in a predicament due to the lack of necessary infrastructure for online learning in her school. With no access to computers or specialized software, she turned to a familiar platform - WhatsApp.
WhatsApp groups became her classroom, where she records lessons on her phone and uploads them for students to access later. This innovative approach, born out of necessity, has helped Ijeoma and her students keep up with their studies during these challenging times.
To aid teachers like Ijeoma, the Nigerian government created profiles on Microsoft Teams, providing channels for teachers to learn how to use the software. However, not all teachers were able to afford the necessary technology for the training, creating a digital divide between those who could and those who couldn't.
The situation has highlighted the claim that technology cannot solve problems caused by bad infrastructure. Many public school students in Lagos lack consistent access to smartphones for online learning, further exacerbating the issue.
Despite these challenges, higher institutions in Nigeria have continued to learn in the midst of the pandemic. The world transitioned to working from home in 2020, and schools were no exception.
As we navigate this new normal, Ijeoma's story serves as a testament to the resilience and innovation of educators in the face of adversity. If you have experiences to share about technology in the new normal, we invite you to fill out a form and share your story.
Remember, Ijeoma is just one of many teachers across Nigeria and the world who are adapting to these unprecedented times. Let's continue to support each other and our educators as we move forward.
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