@tessie18 @atkinsmike1 @HintsaKa @Nkanyiso_ngqulu I am saddened! All I hear is critique of what others do, never any suggestions. There is criticism of the univ, but not a single suggestion on how it could improve its intervention. This is why inclusive development is so often paralyzed. Anyway, for the others, here is the plan.
@tessie18 @atkinsmike1 @HintsaKa @Nkanyiso_ngqulu 1. We are not unaware of inequalities. We have thought, written & actively challenged it for decades. Our institution confronts it every single day. In this moment we are aware of the deep digital and socio-economic divides among our students. How to go online in this context?
@tessie18 @atkinsmike1 @HintsaKa @Nkanyiso_ngqulu 2. There are some who hold that the inequality in our community must prevent us from going online. If everyone cannot do it, nobody should. This approach to social justice is a retreat to the lowest common denominator. It is anti-developmental and against the national interest.
@tessie18 @atkinsmike1 @HintsaKa @Nkanyiso_ngqulu 3. Our philosophical approach to social justice is to recognize the deep inequalities in our midst,but not to use it as an excuse to do nothing.Rather we choose to mitigate its consequences in an agenda of learning for our circumstances. How did this translate in practical terms?
@tessie18 @atkinsmike1 @HintsaKa @Nkanyiso_ngqulu 4. Our research shows that about 85% of our students have access to one or other device. It also indicated that costs of connectivity would be a challenge for many more students given the costs of data. The problems are therefore data, device & then living circumstances for some.
@tessie18 @atkinsmike1 @HintsaKa @Nkanyiso_ngqulu 5. While academics got to the business of reorganizing their teaching, we focused on mitigating the challenge for poorer students. 1st, we explored alternative channels of delivery. We engaged the CEOs of broadcasting companies to investigate TV channels for lecture delivery.
@tessie18 @atkinsmike1 @HintsaKa @Nkanyiso_ngqulu 6. All of the broadcasting houses were very forthcoming. Problem was that the SABC which has the biggest reach could only provide space on their channel between 11pm and 6am. DSTV could provide 24 hour channels but these would not be easily accessible to poorer students.
@tessie18 @atkinsmike1 @HintsaKa @Nkanyiso_ngqulu 7. We then turned our attention to connectivity. The CEOs from the Telcos were again very helpful and quickly agreed to zero rate university sites. But this did not resolve the challenge. Some of our learning management systems were on the cloud and these were not zero rated.
@tessie18 @atkinsmike1 @HintsaKa @Nkanyiso_ngqulu 8. Moreover teaching happens through Microsoft teams and zoom which were also not zero rated. Further negotiations ensued by USAF & DHET to try and find a solution. Options are either reverse billing to universities or data caps for students, which will be soon finalized.
@tessie18 @atkinsmike1 @HintsaKa @Nkanyiso_ngqulu 9. We then turned our attention to devices. Our research indicated that we needed 5000 devices which had to be procured in a difficult environment. Alumni & Wits supporters opened doors to CEOs of tech companies which culminated in us procuring the devices at a favorable cost.
@tessie18 @atkinsmike1 @HintsaKa @Nkanyiso_ngqulu 10. The issue was how to get the devices funded. Our development office & some executives fanned out to engage foundations, corporates and individual donors. We quickly mobilize some financial support because of the generosity of our alumni & the broader South African community.
@tessie18 @atkinsmike1 @HintsaKa @Nkanyiso_ngqulu 11. Another challenge was how to get the devices to students. Again, an alumnus facilitated access to the CEO of the post office who quickly agreed to assist. Teams from the university and post office got together to work out the logistics for delivery within 48 hours.
@tessie18 @atkinsmike1 @HintsaKa @Nkanyiso_ngqulu 12. What remained was to identify those that required the device. It had to be the poorest & those most in need. Faculties & the Dean of students developed criteria for allocating devices & students were required to apply through Faculties to a committee which made the decision.
@tessie18 @atkinsmike1 @HintsaKa @Nkanyiso_ngqulu 13. It was also decided that the device would be loaned to students & would have to be returned at the end of the year. This was to ensure that it could again be used by other deserving students. The cost was included on the fee account & would be reversed when it was returned.
@tessie18 @atkinsmike1 @HintsaKa @Nkanyiso_ngqulu 14. Only when all elements of the plan where in place did we finally decide to proceed on the 20th. A communique was sent to the univ community outlining the learning plan & explaining how the challenge of inequality in digital resources among our students was being addressed.
@tessie18 @atkinsmike1 @HintsaKa @Nkanyiso_ngqulu 15. Does this mean that everyone will succeed online? No!We are aware that some students’ home circumstances may not lend itself to learning. Others may just not take to online learning. We have therefore made provisions for a traditional learning mode in a restructured calendar.
@tessie18 @atkinsmike1 @HintsaKa @Nkanyiso_ngqulu 16. The university has gone out of its way to mitigate the inequality challenge. But we have also said that students must take on some agency for their own learning. Yes, poor students must be supported,but they too must use this assistance to work at overcoming their challenges.
@tessie18 @atkinsmike1 @HintsaKa @Nkanyiso_ngqulu 17. Will all of this happen without a hitch? No! There will be problems along the way & we will address these. But it is important that all roleplayers don’t use the problems to simply criticize. They should roll up their sleeves & assist with solutions in trying circumstances.
@tessie18 @atkinsmike1 @HintsaKa @Nkanyiso_ngqulu 18. Finally, a lesson for our beloved critics: progressive change happens not only through critique, but also by finding pragmatic progressive solutions to our challenges. Don’t simply criticize what others do. Become a part of the solution. Give suggestions, build & inspire. 🙏🏿
