Tobago teachers accustomed to internet problems

Virtual classes in Tobago were badly affected on Monday after an island-wide internet outage owing to a disruption of an international cable link via Curacao, which affected local service providers.

But internet woes are nothing new for Tobago students and teachers, who grapple with connectivity issues almost daily.

TT Unified Teachers Association, Tobago officer Bradon Roberts said the teachers worked around internet issues on Monday, just as they have every other day since virtual classes were introduced to the education system.

He told Newsday six teachers were forced to cancel online classes and many others utilised alternative arrangements to get the work to the students.

He said, “Connectivity issues were already prevalent on the island. There are areas on the island that is considered a black spot where connectivity is almost non-existent. However, we have internet providers who have signalled their intentions to upgrade.

“Teachers upon learning what the challenge was this morning, because persons were asking around to see if others had internet issues, would have had other things in place. Fortunately, teachers would have been using a method where work is sent for children to do on their own timing."

He added, “Teachers had children use their textbooks so work would have continued to some extent. However, the plans that the teachers had for the work they hoped to cover for the day would have been altered.

“Most of the communications continued on the WhatsApp chat because the Zoom sessions weren’t functioning well and also some teachers called or text the parents… I’m am certain there would have been a particular group of persons who were unable to get anything done but generally, there was a plan B.”

Secretary of Education Kelvin Charles told Newsday the disruption affected teachers differently.

He said, “Some experienced more challenges than others. However, the providers intervened when contacted and provided help where needed.”

He said one teacher reported there were no major impact and teachers were able to connect with students in most classes. A number of other teachers experienced difficulties connecting while others complained of connectivity issues during the morning time.

Roberts said "...the division needs to remember it is the employer and it is its responsibility to treat with issues. Until then, the teachers have been trying to bridge the gap.

“We didn’t reach out to the division on Monday’s issues because for Tobago, this particular issue has plagued teachers and it has been affecting online learning. We would have been having several challenges of power outages quite frequently and recently the Chief Secretary would have spoken on it."