As the implications of the Covid-19 pandemic became unavoidably clear, first, in line with the health experts’ directives, Institution of higher learning, Secondary and Primary schools as well as other business environment were permitted to observe social distancing. Secondly, the National Universities Commission (NUC) issued a circular for all Nigerian Universities to suspend classes. Skyline University Nigeria had suspended classes and declared that second semester will be completed online via online virtual learning platform, engaging students with technology-mediated learning on an unprecedented scale.
This shift in operations in the university forced widespread training on faculty, non-faculty as well as students to be ready for the digital world around the new idea. Professors, in particular, sought to rethink their classes for virtual learning, an indication that the crisis is going to transform many aspects of life, including the educational sector. As this crisis-driven experience launches in Skyline University Nigeria, the university’s management has been collecting data and paying attention to how virtual learning has helped to improve the students of the university in all respect.
The potential for the university to provide innovative learning approaches such as virtual learning is already being widely explored by the students of the university in both traditional and non-traditional educational settings. There are potential benefits of virtual learning technologies amongst students of the university which meets the expectations of the diverse student’s body, challenging students’ in this global age.
Virtual learning at Skyline University Nigeria is carried out through online, web-based training and technology, allowing interactions and encounters with other participants and providing access to a wide range of resources, customized for education expected to have a greater focus on meeting students expectations, widening students’ participation in ICT, which in turn has necessitated the development of lifelong learning skills for students of the university.
In terms of students competencies, students of Skyline University Nigeria is already aware of what it entails to motivate their learning instinct because of the robust supports provided to the students such as ICT implemented technologies, sufficient training on the virtual learning technologies, learning support materials, etc. Students’ engagement in virtual learning has therefore complemented the efforts of the lecturers at SUN, acquiring practical skills and learning to solve complex academic problems.
Based on testimonials gathered from students on the virtual learning experience, virtual learning has increase their skills in ICT, that will allow participation in the global platform which is vital for sustaining students’ competitiveness.
The awareness of virtual learning amongst the students of the university has determined to a greater extent, more flexible learners who are problem solvers and who can contribute positively in improving the way things are done in the country and other nations of the world. Students already possessed sophisticated knowledge of Digital skills with information-based technologies.
Virtual learning has become an integral part of learning in Skyline University Nigeria equipping student’s with the necessary skills and knowledge to foster the growth of flexible, creative and lifelong learners.