The COVID-19 pandemic transformed a lot of things, but most of them were certainly not for any good. We are still in the process of unravelling the question of how and why this eruption of economy, emotions, and human lives happened, and what it is taking from us.
This article focuses on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the education system of India. Education is considered to be one of the quintessential requirements for building one’s future. We learn, test ourselves, get promoted, and take a step ahead towards a brighter future. The year 2020 held something distinct with regard to education; the unthinkable is now a reality. The idea that teaching and imparting education can take place from the comfort of our homes was unbelievable until now.
The Coronavirus affected the education system in almost every part of the world, as soon as it was confirmed to be a pandemic by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Schools, colleges, and other educational institutions decided to close down before any further announcements. The debates on the same have not taken a break. There were varied opinions and arguments that if this “new education system” was of any good to the student population.
We cannot deny the fact that digital media and the internet made the inconceivable idea of tutoring and schooling possible in these tough times. The Coronavirus gave a distinctive rise to e-learning in India, and around the world. Not only college graduates, but kindergarten and primary kids have also been learning a lot of new things using diverse and creative methods.
It was a unique way of exploration and absorbing education through clicks by being a part of the virtual world, i.e. to study in an online mode. Things were effortless in some cases, while they became extremely complicated and tiresome when one was unable to decode the technology. The big debate revolves around the challenges of online education, along with untangling the question of if this was worth it at all.
The Online Mode Is Not Without Its Challenges:
The student as well as the teacher population faced a lot of difficulties while using the online method of education. Let us understand some of the challenges they faced.
- E-learning has come up with its own hassles, the biggest one is the inability to comprehend what is taught to the students through the internet. The idea of education goes vain if kids are not able to do justice to what they are learning. Online education requires the support and efficiency of tutors and teachers as well, as it is their duty to make sure that every child attains the benefit from the new learning methodology.
- Along with understanding the complexities of the subject, both the teacher and the student have to deal with advanced technological algorithms. Submitting assignments, creating projects, giving presentations, and teaching through presentations- all of this has become a tedious task for both parties.
- India is diverse with respect to the economical aspect as well. There are certain sections of society which are not privileged enough to buy and use the computer and internet for the purpose of education. For them, education in the offline mode is way more effective and affordable. Hence, it was a challenge for them to study through the digital world.
- The physical mode of education ensured that students would learn together, solve their doubts with the teachers and other classmates at the very moment. This practice guaranteed that students had understood the concepts taught to them in class. However, with education changing to its new form, kids were not able to interact well, neither with their teachers nor with their other batchmates. Their attention was divided to multiple tasks, which was a hindrance to productive learning.
The Online Mode Is Still Effective For Some:
E- learning was tough for some sections, while the others highlighted how it was effective and satisfactory for them.
- The unimaginable idea of learning and teaching from the comfort of our homes was a dream until now. Students and teachers could schedule classes as per their convenience and save a lot of travelling time and money.
- Some of them believed that working according to their own pace increased their productivity in less time. They could deliver better work, become more professional, and save time for other activities as well.
- The dissemination of knowledge never stopped. So many people were lucky enough to continue their studies just because of the internet. Education in a way travelled across all parts of the world, just with the use of electronic gadgets and internet facilities.
- The availability of study material was in abundance. Students and teachers could both refer to resources which were not utilized earlier. Understanding through presentations, videos, and animated series became prevalent and students retained their lessons better through these activities.
The discussions regarding the feasibility of the online mode for education has still not ended. People have their own perspectives and opinions to share. There is still room for improvement as far as managing and conducting online classes are concerned, with the hope that everything will soon resume back to normal. Till then, stay safe and healthy!