Our first PgDCEH pass with distinction, despite Covid-19!
In 2020, the PgDCEH teaching and learning activities were completed despite the restrictions posed by Covid-19. After a brief contact period, the rest of the contact coursework was completed via online / remote teaching and tutoring sessions. This proved very challenging on faculty and students, both because of the extended time required to finish, and because this had to be done on top of the students’ already distressed work and family schedules.
Although only 7 - 8 weeks are normally spent in contact mode (students attending class in person in Cape Town), the process of morphing into distant mode (mainly through email correspondence, teaching materials download and perusal and Zoom video lectures) was significantly intense and time-consuming. Intense, because the lessons and supporting materials had to be formatted for a group of students which was required to do more reading and self-study than previous students, and being quite technologically savvy at that too. Time-consuming, because the amount of coursework that was covered in a day using contact mode took a week if not more in distant mode. Inevitably, this put a lot more pressure on the students as they were trying to cope with the many stresses brought on by Covid-19,
Completing all the coursework, assignments and the examination in time required discipline, determination and good communication. A WhatsApp group was set up for the latter, which was also used to conduct lecture reviews, assignment briefings and feedback sessions. There was no shortage in determination, as everyone had to get this qualification under their belt. A class president was elected to organise and coordinate the participation and attendance.
The students did very well, with everyone passing all four courses. Zahraa Mall made history by becoming the first PgDCEH student to pass the course with distinction. This is a special achievement, especially because of the tough circumstances under which the course was completed. With the stretched out teaching and learning schedule there was always a danger of compromising the standard of the teaching and assessment. To counter this, it is likely that this year's assessments might have been tougher than previous years'. Throughout the year, Zahraa remained hard-working, patient and supportive to her class mates.
Says Zahraa, "At first it was a challenge having to study after so many years. That task alone was daunting but as Covid-19 engulfed our lives, it became uncertain as to whether this diploma would actually be a possibility at all. Our seven-week long contact sessions in the beautiful Cape Town was abruptly cut short by the introduction of the hard lockdown in March. The Groote Schuur incline which we had climbed up before lectures just days before, was suddenly on the news, lined with hearses waiting to collect patients who had succumbed to the virus."
"As a mother, wife, sister, daughter and healthcare worker, each aspect comes with its difficulties. The pressure of having to attend to patients during this pandemic, keeping my family safe, whilst still attempting to give this course my best, was indeed a challenge. Despite being a small group for PgDCEH, we were definitely not the easiest lot! The course convenor (Dr Minnies) displayed remarkable concern for our academic progress but also empathized with each of our daily challenges. He sought to expose us to numerous online platforms of teaching: Zoom, Teams, WhatsApp, Whiteboard learning, etc. We were fortunate enough to have these video and audio recordings uploaded onto Vula regularly. Undoubtedly, lack of face-to-face interaction in learning does test your skills but with determination and a solid support structure as in my case, I can solemnly say it is definitely possible. My husband, Yusuf played a massive role in lessening my load (including providing the bottomless coffee) and this course became a hurdle I could surely take on."
"As a public sector optometrist, the PgDCEH has opened my mind to the eye health situation globally and I hope this helps me to further my understanding and contribute to improving eye care services as a whole.Such a massive learning experience for the year 2020 at the Community Eye Health Institute, which I can only hope (God-willing) is the beginning of my academic career."
Surely, the graduation ceremony in June will be a sweet savour, provided it can be held in the conventional way, with a live ceremony, graduation gowns and cheers of fellow graduands.
Congratulations to all our PgDCEH graduates!