#OperationSaveTheYear
MIA students share their experiences of returning to campus - written by Lindo Mtsweni (3rd-year Aeronautical Engineering student)
We can all agree that online learning (as a result of the emergency teaching and learning plan in response to 雷速体育_雷速体育直播) was challenging. With contact classes now in full swing since the return to campus in Semester 2 (August 2022), we wanted to find out how students have been doing as they have been meeting and engaging more with their classmates, lecturers, and other Wits community members.
The students’ responses suggest that the students have been looking forward to being back on campus and that they have mostly missed their friends. Contact classes have been a catalyst to reignite the students’ inner urge to “Conquer the Wits edge" – a motivation that was rapidly dying due to the feelings of isolation experienced during online learning. The students have all been inspired to execute #OperaationSaveTheYear – which are the activities that will support them to successfully complete the 2022 academic year.
It is pleasing to know that more and more students are delighted to be back and have been reminded of the primary reason why they came to University. We wish everyone a successful academic year-end; it is good to have all of you back!
**POLL** Your turn to be involved: Which of the students' tips are key to #OperationSaveTheYear? Vote here for your favourite response. The tips with the highest votes will be featured on the School’s display screens as motivation to fellow students. Share your vote by Thursday 24 November.
Alfred Ntsizwa Bhembe
How have contact classes impacted you academically and personally?
Contact classes have brought back motivation to work hard and be disciplined. Online learning resulted in endless procrastination. But now, I know I need to attend lectures since they are not recorded for ‘catching up later’
What did you look forward to do once classes are back on campus?
I always looked forward to chilling on Great Hall stairs with my classmates after morning classes
What would be your tips on #OperationSaveTheYear?
The biggest tip is understanding that some modules can only be saved next year, I’m kidding. Well, don’t give up just yet. Take care of your mental health, talk to your friends, visit CCDU, and remember you need to save yourself before you can save the year
What excites you most about contact class?
I like how contact classes allow us to socialize easily, instead of being cooped up in the room alone staring at screen for hours; now we get to be out there and socialize. It is just so relaxing
Yogitha Sarah Baby
How have contact classes impacted you academically and personally?
Having contact classes allows me to interact with more people and expand my horizons on certain topics, as it is easier for everyone to communicate face to face when compared to online platforms. I can directly approach my lecturers to gain a better understanding of the lessons that are taught and get a more comprehensive answer to my questions. Being able to interact with my peers daily has allowed me to be more socially involved and aware of my surroundings. I can have a more open-minded view on topics as now I have other people’s opinions to consider
What did you look forward to do once classes are back on campus?
Having social life again, and the element of knowing that there is someone to help you in difficult circumstances and being encouraged by my peers who are going through similar issues that I am facing
What would be your tips on #OperationSaveTheYear?
Put you head down and study because it is the last push; once those Jacarandas (trees) bloom, it’s too late.
What excites you most about contact class?
Being on campus means that I have the freedom to choose building I want to study in and with whom I want to study with. This makes course a little bit more fun and exciting.
Goitseona Taukobong
How have contact classes impacted you academically and personally?
Personally it is not different, but academically it has helped reduce pressure that came with studying in the room always.
What did you look forward to do once classes are back on campus?
To be honest, to see my classmate regularly.
What would be your tips on #OperationSaveTheYear?
Start studying in the library instead of the room because you’re likely to be more productive when you’re in a library.
What excites you most about contact class?
Learning first hand because it is time efficient. Unlike recorded lectures which gave a room for a feeling ‘I can catch up later’.
Siphamandla Shange
How have contact classes impacted you academically and personally?
It has made learning exciting again. Online learning felt very generic. We can now do proper practical and can interact with our lecturers
What did you look forward to do once classes are back on campus?
I looked forward to meeting old friends whom we had disconnected with due to Covid, and all the de-stressing events at library lawns.