When I first heard that my master’s degree studies will be online, I got a little sad. I was only used to the traditional physical learning experience I have had all my entire life. I was also excited to visit new country, new culture and new international friends. I was truly misinformed about online learning. Of course, it makes sense that online is ideal for now. COVID-19 has redefined the way we know and understanding learning. Travel is restricted across the world and COVID-19 demands that we all keep social distancing, we cannot travel, but learning has to continue. It makes perfect sense that one has to now study from the click of the computer. I have been attending my online classes since September 2021.

I first experienced technical issues with stable internet connection which is to be expected until I bought network cable and wow problem solved. It has been such an amazing experience to say the least. I am amazed at the level of preparedness SNAI made to ensure we have smooth online learning experience. First through zoom, we are able to able to have productive class discussions, just raise a hand and the professor quickly recognizes, you are able to get clarification at fingertips and are also able to easy provide feedback to professors in real time. Zoom gives you that feeling of one-to-one teacher student relationship rather than professors having to spread their attention among over 20 students as we see in traditional learning.

SNAI has also went a mile to ensure we always have course materials every time before class thanks to our awesome TA’s through QQ mail which is able to send and receive large files.

SNAI has also insured that we have timely and flexible information exchange tool in WeChat, which is very brilliant; this is the main channel of communication where we exchange information with professors and also for easy student affairs management. The TAs are always available and ready to assist.

Moreover, what impressed me was the use of Gensee online learning tool. Here one is able to watch playbacks of the lectures recorded anytime. It makes one understand the course better and in cases where you miss classes due to approved circumstances beyond your control, you are able to access the videos it’s like attending the class you missed.

SNAI has also ensured we have access to online library and course textbooks are always sent to us through bookshelf.

There are takeaway lessons from my experience with online learning. First for you to successfully study online you need to be self-disciplined and adhere to SNAI regulations as well being able to work on your own, no one will be there to force you to study. Due dates will come and if you don’t meet them you will fail, and it really is up to us, you have to overcome procrastination at all times.

It is clear my online experience has been wonderful; I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to any future students. In addition, it is where the world is going with respect to the ever-changing pandemic.

2020级发展中国家会计硕士专业学位项目留学生   博茨瓦纳审计署 Kennedy Masilo 马思迪