Covid-19 Vox Pops
6 April 2020 · 7 min · as at 2020-04-06
Emma (intro voice or played clip)
Listen to the episode on iono.fm · MP3
Episode analysis
Analysis by AI, drawn only from this episode; every point links to the moment it rests on.
This short vox pop episode from Education Incorporated, a mainstream independent school in Fourways, Johannesburg, gathers brief reactions from pupils and teachers to learning from home during the Covid-19 lockdown. The voices are mostly unnamed. Pupils describe working at their own pace, gaining independence and responsibility, and enjoying extra sleep. They also name the problems: slow Wi-Fi and laptops, and missing their friends. Teachers describe learning new online platforms and needing more preparation. They say most learners are embracing online teaching. Several speakers frame the period as uncertain but historic.
Key ideas
- Several pupils say learning from home lets them work at their own pace and in their own time, and some say they get work done faster. [00:11]▸ [00:44]▸ [01:40]▸ [03:19]▸
- Pupils say the arrangement builds independence, responsibility and time management, while one admits it is uncomfortable to be accountable for doing the work yourself. [02:37]▸ [04:02]▸ [04:54]▸ [05:13]▸
- Missing friends and social interaction is the challenge most often named by pupils. [02:42]▸ [04:14]▸ [04:35]▸
- Connectivity is a recurring obstacle. One speaker says learners are always able to catch up thanks to technology. [00:22]▸ [03:04]▸
- Teachers describe learning new online platforms and needing greater preparation, and they report that most learners are embracing online teaching. [05:07]▸ [05:23]▸ [05:35]▸ [06:00]▸
- One speaker argues that what makes school beneficial is not where or when it takes place but a willingness to learn. [01:29]▸ [01:36]▸
- Speakers frame the lockdown as both scary and exciting, and as a period of history they are part of. [01:11]▸ [06:41]▸ [07:10]▸
Lessons
- Pupils report that asynchronous help works: one leaves a message for the teacher in the group and gets a reply when the teacher can. [00:22]▸ [02:23]▸
- A teacher notes that online classes move quicker, so they require more preparation than a usual class. [05:07]▸
- Reliable connectivity and devices matter. Speakers name slow Wi-Fi, slow laptops and lost connections as their main practical difficulty. [00:22]▸ [03:04]▸
- Pupils say social contact is the hardest thing to replace when school moves online. [02:42]▸ [04:14]▸ [04:35]▸
Who it's for
Parents, pupils and teachers curious about how pupils and staff at Education Incorporated experienced moving lessons online during the 2020 lockdown, and anyone weighing the benefits and difficulties of remote learning.
Facts stated in the episode
- Emma, one of the speakers, says she is in grade eight. [00:11]▸
- One pupil says learning from home means waking at half past six instead of quarter to five. [01:00]▸
- One speaker says they belong to a university that specializes in distance learning. [06:54]▸
Questions this episode answers
- What did pupils like most about learning from home during lockdown?Pupils mention working at their own pace and in their own time, and getting work done faster. They also mention waking up later, fewer distractions and more sleep. [00:11]▸ [01:00]▸ [01:05]▸ [03:19]▸ [05:51]▸
- What were the biggest challenges of online schooling for pupils?Pupils mainly name slow Wi-Fi or laptops and missing friends. One says their biggest challenge is not getting hugs from friends. [00:22]▸ [02:42]▸ [04:14]▸ [04:35]▸
- How did teachers find teaching online during Covid-19?Teachers describe learning new online platforms and finding a relaxed atmosphere with fewer interruptions. They say it requires more preparation. One says most learners are embracing it. [02:04]▸ [05:07]▸ [05:23]▸ [05:35]▸
- Does remote learning help pupils become more independent?Several pupils say it taught them independence, responsibility and time management. One says it will help them in the future workplace. [02:37]▸ [04:02]▸ [04:54]▸
- How did pupils get help from teachers when learning remotely?One pupil leaves a message for the teacher in the group and gets a reply when the teacher can. Another says video calls let them interact with teachers. [00:44]▸ [02:23]▸
- Were pupils worried about the lockdown?Some were. One found it getting worrying that the whole world was going on lockdown, one was worried about the matric dance, and another found the unknown scary but exciting. [01:11]▸ [06:33]▸
- Do pupils prefer typing to writing by hand?Two pupils say they prefer computers. They find working on laptops easier and neater, and say they can type faster than they write. [04:20]▸ [06:09]▸
In their own words
Longer stretches of the conversation, word for word from the transcript, turn by turn.
Opening voices: working quickly, Wi-Fi and sleep
Note (AI): Pupils give their first reactions to learning from home: working in their own time, Wi-Fi trouble, video calls with teachers and extra sleep.
Emma, intro voice or played clip · [00:10]Hi, my name is Emma. I'm in grade eight and my workday about studying at home with our consumer friends and my favorite thing is that I get my work done quickly and in my own time. …
Read the full passage (168 words, 00:10-01:10)
Emma, intro voice or played clip · [00:10]Hi, my name is Emma. I'm in grade eight and my workday about studying at home with our consumer friends and my favorite thing is that I get my work done quickly and in my own time.
Unidentified speaker, speaker, role not identified · [00:22]My biggest challenge was my Wi-Fi. You can work individually and it's actually easier to get teachers help.
Unidentified speaker, speaker, role not identified · [00:32]I'm grateful for this opportunity to be exposed to this type of teaching. One only reads about this. Now we are doing it. I'd say this sort of self-studying thing
Unidentified speaker, speaker, role not identified · [00:41]has assisted me very well.
Unidentified speaker, speaker, role not identified · [00:44]Also the video calling is cool because then you can interact with the teachers and you can actually get work done faster when you're on video calls. My worst challenge is that I can't see my friends in Oxford teach us questions personally. But the greatest thing about it is waking up late at half past six instead of quarter to five.
Unidentified speaker, speaker, role not identified · [01:05]I have never had this much sleep in my whole entire life and I love it.
Uncertainty, willingness to learn and self-paced work
Note (AI): Pupils and teachers weigh the fear of the unknown against the chance to learn at their own pace, take responsibility and ask teachers for help.
Unidentified speaker, speaker, role not identified · [01:11]It's scary because of the unknown and not knowing what to expect for the future of the students and for the teachers. But it's also exciting because being a part of amazing change in society, education and simply the way of thinking about things. …
Read the full passage (254 words, 01:11-02:41)
Unidentified speaker, speaker, role not identified · [01:11]It's scary because of the unknown and not knowing what to expect for the future of the students and for the teachers. But it's also exciting because being a part of amazing change in society, education and simply the way of thinking about things.
Unidentified speaker, speaker, role not identified · [01:29]School is important and what really makes it beneficial is not just where or when it takes place, it is you being willing to learn and that's what matters.
Unidentified speaker, speaker, role not identified · [01:40]I'm getting a lot more done, like things are going a lot faster than they usually would. I can't wait to see everyone when we are back.
Unidentified speaker, speaker, role not identified · [01:51]I can eat and do whatever I want when and where I want as long as I'm online. I enjoy being alone a lot, so if I'm wanting my personal space, I can just leave the call or chat or whatever.
Unidentified speaker, speaker, role not identified · [02:04]I'm enjoying it. it's, it's a wonderful relaxed atmosphere in which to work. We have limited interruptions, which makes it great. discipline is, is definitely a lot easier.
Unidentified speaker, speaker, role not identified · [02:17]It's just nicer for me. Some lessons, most of my lessons, I have music playing around in the background. If I have no work and I'm all caught up, I watch some educational videos on how to do art or everything I didn't know. If I don't understand something, I leave a message for the said teacher in the group, and they get back to me whenever they can.
Unidentified speaker, speaker, role not identified · [02:37]It allows me to take responsibility for my work and work on my time management skills.
Connectivity, pace and missing friends
Note (AI): The trade-offs are set side by side here: connectivity loss, freedom to work at their own pace, fewer distractions, and the lack of social contact.
Unidentified speaker, speaker, role not identified · [03:04]Most of the challenges are basically to deal with the loss of connectivity especially on the side of the learners from time to time. But again thanks to technology the learners are always able to catch up. …
Read the full passage (240 words, 03:04-04:40)
Unidentified speaker, speaker, role not identified · [03:04]Most of the challenges are basically to deal with the loss of connectivity especially on the side of the learners from time to time. But again thanks to technology the learners are always able to catch up.
Unidentified speaker, speaker, role not identified · [03:19]What I really enjoy is being able to work at my own pace. Being able to stay at home it's very relaxing. You can wake up a bit later.
Unidentified speaker, speaker, role not identified · [03:28]What I like about it is definitely being able to take responsibility and having the independence.
Emma, intro voice or played clip · [03:35]If my laptop's slow or the internet's slow it's quite difficult.
Unidentified speaker, speaker, role not identified · [03:42]So far, online schooling has been amazing for me. I do miss students
Unidentified speaker, speaker, role not identified · [03:48]chatting at break time, listen to snippets of different conversations, and do admittedly miss the excited gamers.
Unidentified speaker, speaker, role not identified · [03:57]I feel like I, I get less distracted from other students.
Unidentified speaker, speaker, role not identified · [04:02]It's taught me independence and how to manage my time quickly.
Unidentified speaker, speaker, role not identified · [04:07]It's challenged myself to do things that I wouldn't normally do, and I'm actually really enjoying it.
Unidentified speaker, speaker, role not identified · [04:14]For me, the, the largest challenge has been the lack of social interaction with the students.
Unidentified speaker, speaker, role not identified · [04:20]I like working on laptops, it's much easier than, wr- than writing, and it's also a lot neater, so it helps.
Unidentified speaker, speaker, role not identified · [04:26]I do enjoy the freedom of it. I feel like I can work at my pace. But I do miss seeing my
Emma, intro voice or played clip · [04:32]friends, like I, I do miss them.
Unidentified speaker, speaker, role not identified · [04:35]My biggest challenge right now is not getting hugs from my friends.
Closing reflections: making history with Education Incorporated
Note (AI): Teachers and pupils close with reflections on new ways to teach, worries about the lockdown, and seeing this period as history.
Unidentified speaker, speaker, role not identified · [06:00]We have taken learning to a whole new level. It has been fun and exciting learning new ways to teach, learn, and be in contact. …
Read the full passage (199 words, 06:00-07:15)
Unidentified speaker, speaker, role not identified · [06:00]We have taken learning to a whole new level. It has been fun and exciting learning new ways to teach, learn, and be in contact.
Unidentified speaker, speaker, role not identified · [06:09]You know, I really do like this, cause I'm better with computers than I am with writing, and I can type much faster than writing.
Unidentified speaker, speaker, role not identified · [06:17]It's kind of getting a bit worrying that the whole world's going on lockdown.
Unidentified speaker, speaker, role not identified · [06:22]The fact that we're having a lockdown doesn't really affect me that much, because I'm normally in my room anyway.
Unidentified speaker, speaker, role not identified · [06:30]We will get to the end of it, just like everything else.
Unidentified speaker, speaker, role not identified · [06:33]I'm worried about our metric dance at the moment, but other than that, it's been really nice.
Unidentified speaker, speaker, role not identified · [06:41]I must say that I am glad to be part of this period of history with Education Incorporated. Embracing the challenges and the unexpected, viva la mathematics.
Unidentified speaker, speaker, role not identified · [06:54]I have been fortunate that I belong to a university that specializes in distance learning and have now been fortunate to be accommodated by a school such as Education Incorporated that has dealt with this situation in such an efficient manner. We are all making history. You'll remember this for your children one day because they're gonna ask you.
Quotes
“I have never had this much sleep in my whole entire life and I love it.”
“it is you being willing to learn and that's what matters.”
“It's taught me independence and how to manage my time quickly.”
“My biggest challenge right now is not getting hugs from my friends.”
“I don't pack lunch at school, and now I'm constantly well-fed.”
“You are accountable for your actions.”
“In a way, things are less stressful, simply because there are less distractions.”
“We will get to the end of it, just like everything else.”
“We are all making history. You'll remember this for your children one day because they're gonna ask you.”
What was said, by topic
Learning from home in lockdown
“I'm in grade eight and my workday about studying at home with our consumer friends and my favorite thing is that I get my work done quickly and in my own time.”
“Also the video calling is cool because then you can interact with the teachers and you can actually get work done faster when you're on video calls.”
“But the greatest thing about it is waking up late at half past six instead of quarter to five.”
“I can eat and do whatever I want when and where I want as long as I'm online. I enjoy being alone a lot, so if I'm wanting my personal space, I can just leave the call or chat or whatever.”
“I love working from home even though that we're in lockdown and we've been forced to stay at home. I'm actually fine with it because then also I get to spend time with my dog.”
“I like working on laptops, it's much easier than, wr- than writing, and it's also a lot neater, so it helps.”
“I actually kind of think more than I do in, like, actual school, and I kind of get things more than in actual school.”
“You know, I really do like this, cause I'm better with computers than I am with writing, and I can type much faster than writing.”
“The fact that we're having a lockdown doesn't really affect me that much, because I'm normally in my room anyway.”
Connectivity challenges
“My biggest challenge was my Wi-Fi. You can work individually and it's actually easier to get teachers help.”
“Most of the challenges are basically to deal with the loss of connectivity especially on the side of the learners from time to time. But again thanks to technology the learners are always able to catch up.”
Teaching online
“I'm grateful for this opportunity to be exposed to this type of teaching. One only reads about this. Now we are doing it.”
“I'm getting a lot more done, like things are going a lot faster than they usually would. I can't wait to see everyone when we are back.”
“I'm enjoying it. it's, it's a wonderful relaxed atmosphere in which to work. We have limited interruptions, which makes it great. discipline is, is definitely a lot easier.”
“So far, online schooling has been amazing for me. I do miss students”
“I really enjoy working from home. I feel this approach to teaching really accommodates not only the children's individual needs and pace, but also the educators.”
“It requires greater preparation, more than a usual class, because things go a lot quicker.”
“Most learners are embracing the online teaching, therefore making this a positive experience for me.”
“It's introduced me to a whole lot of new online platforms that I can use to teach my lessons.”
“We have taken learning to a whole new level. It has been fun and exciting learning new ways to teach, learn, and be in contact.”
“I must say that I am glad to be part of this period of history with Education Incorporated. Embracing the challenges and the unexpected, viva la mathematics.”
“I have been fortunate that I belong to a university that specializes in distance learning and have now been fortunate to be accommodated by a school such as Education Incorporated that has dealt with this situation in such an efficient manner.”
Uncertainty about the future
“It's scary because of the unknown and not knowing what to expect for the future of the students and for the teachers. But it's also exciting because being a part of amazing change in society, education and simply the way of thinking about things.”
“I'm worried about our metric dance at the moment, but other than that, it's been really nice.”
Independence and time management
“School is important and what really makes it beneficial is not just where or when it takes place, it is you being willing to learn and that's what matters.”
“If I have no work and I'm all caught up, I watch some educational videos on how to do art or everything I didn't know. If I don't understand something, I leave a message for the said teacher in the group, and they get back to me whenever they can.”
“It allows me to take responsibility for my work and work on my time management skills.”
“What I really enjoy is being able to work at my own pace. Being able to stay at home it's very relaxing.”
“It's challenged myself to do things that I wouldn't normally do, and I'm actually really enjoying it.”
“So far, I'm really enjoying the independence and being able to work on different platforms, and I think it will really help us in the future in the workplace.”
“It's quite uncomfortable because you have to actually do the work yourself. You are accountable for your actions.”
Missing friends
“I do miss my friends a lot, and it, it, it's It's a little bit hard knowing that I may not be able to see them for longer than expected cause we don't know what might happen.”
“For me, the, the largest challenge has been the lack of social interaction with the students.”
Episode notes (as published)
From the episode notes published with the podcast.
We spoke to teachers and pupils about their experiences of school-at-home Edu Inc website · Facebook (Public) · Facebook (closed group) · Twitter (closed group) · YouTube · Review us on Google
Every quotation and passage on this page is copied word for word from the episode audio transcript and linked to the moment it was said. Quotations are never written or altered by AI; topic labels, passage notes and the episode analysis are AI-generated. Guest details come from the published episode notes or the guest's own words.