Abstract:

In view of the recent outbreaks of COVID-19, face-to-face classes in the region have been suspended. In order to allow teaching and learning to continue, and to ensure learning outcomes can be achieved, our University has recommended a synchronous online teaching mode using ZOOM. Under this mode, classes were held online according to the original time table. Students and teacher(s) can just meet from home. Sessions have been generally smooth despite some technical difficulties at times. However, are these sessions effective?

Online teaching has been particularly challenging especially for laboratory classes in which hands-on labwork is inevitable. Apart from briefing the students, breakout activities have been designed for students to understand more about the rationale behind the experiments, whole class discussions then follow to monitor students’ progress and to clear misconceptions. Animations, as well as videos showing performance from previous students carrying out certain procedures were in place for discussions, so as to further enhance the learnings. Can all these facilitate students’ learning? Findings from a student survey and results of the final written exam as compared to those of the previous year will be discussed.

Keywords:

Synchronous online teaching, breakout activities, videos, lab classes, ZOOM.