Covid and the virtual classroom: the new normal?

Virtual learning can be defined as software systems created to support the teaching- learning process that allows teachers and students to communicate in an integrated manner through cyberspace. The rapid developments in technology over the past few years, have led to the innovation of systems through which information can be delivered independent of location. The current COVID-19 climate has resulted in the restructuring of the educational system and the adaptation of technology globally, so as to portray didactic ideologies. Investigation of efficacy of the use of design software platforms in a virtual learning environment is paramount as digitation has become a significant  factor in the synthesis and dissemination of learning materials within the educational system. The use of virtual classrooms is deemed advantageous as it enables the incorporation of learning styles, decreases the incidences of learning barriers, allows for adherence of  Covid-19 restrictions, and enhances mental encoding and information retention. It also comes with certain disadvantages, which are  attributable to the technological divide, economic and technological infrastructure, the user’s knowledge, perception and usage of these technological advancements, and its possible alienation and educational dissatisfaction. What and who benefits with these learning platforms; Is this the new normal going forward

In vitro

The in vitro antimicrobial and in vivo heavy metal abatement properties of aqueous extracts of Garcinia kola Heckel (bitter cola) were investigated using opportunistic pathogens and Wistar rats as experimental models. A marked inhibitory activity against Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus and Candida albicans was recorded at 100 mg/ml of the crude relative to ketoconozole and fluconazole drugs. Similarly, different concentrations (25 mg/ml, 50 mg/ml and 100 mg/ml) of the crude extracts of bitter cola inhibited species of Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa almost as effectively as the control drug of streptomycine used. Chronic lead acetate poisoned wistar rats in groups B, C, D, E exposed to G. kola supplemented feed and water ad libitum showed variable decrease in the serum alkaline phosphatase level while aspartate and alanine aminotransferases level reduces in C and D groups compared to the negative control group. The kidney biomarkers; serum creatinine and urea concentrations were not significantly different at P â¤Â 0.05 for rat groups C, D, E when compared with the positive and negative control groups respectively. Mild infiltration and cell distortion were observed in the liver and kidney sections of the rats exposed to uncoated bitter cola supplemented feed while suggesting an overriding effect from the nut coats. The study reaffirms the medicinal potential of coated and uncoated bitter cola to act as abatement of lead toxicity and alternative antimicrobial. Furthermore, G. kola could be a double-edged drug for the spontaneous amelioration of lead toxicity and secondary infections due to lead poisoning. Keywords: Garcinia kola, Antimicrobial, Lead abatement, Histopathology, Opportunistic pathogen