The nationwide lockdown that was imposed, in hopes to contain the virus, resulted in schools and colleges being closed across the country affecting over 500 million students.
The coronavirus pandemic has been responsible for millions of infections globally, affecting almost every sector across the world. Amid COVID-19 disrupted academic year, educational institutions are coming up with better methods, albeit as complementary to traditional classroom education. Caught in the vortex, the Indian education system is shifting the paradigm towards online education.
The nationwide lockdown that was imposed, in hopes to contain the virus, resulted in schools and colleges being closed across the country affecting over 500 million students. In order to continue with classes, institutions are focussing on e-learning methods of learning on digital platforms. This has, however, increased the workload for educators due to extended work hours. Especially for teachers and professors residing in rural areas facing connectivity issues. Nevertheless, statistics have shown that online has proven to enhance learning and the students' ability to retain information.
Huge demand rising in Online Learning
The orders of 'Stay Home' and social distancing has spared no one. Students have been caged at their homes since Lockdown 1.0. India has the largest population in the world in the age bracket of 4-23 years which presents huge prospects in the education sector. Most of the companies, schools and institutions have come up with online essentials as their primary mode of teaching. The teachers and instructors are gradually organising online webinars and meetings. Educational universities and institutions like Amity International Group, DIT University, Dehradun and many others have shown tremendous results in online teaching methodology. The institutions are promoting the concept of online classrooms and the resources are being provided to all the students digitally.
The demand for online courses and learning has seen a sudden surge since the lockdown. This clearly indicates the huge demand that is rising for online learning. Online learning has been adopted in various countries as the primary mode of education. The e-learning method requires only a good internet connection and a computer/mobile as essentials. The sessions can also be recorded for later use. Also, the commute time is reduced to zero, buying enough time to relax after the sessions. The retention power is also increased, as the students don’t feel tired due to travelling. The learning from home also provides a comfortable ambience to focus as students are flexible to choose the right environment for themselves. Moreover, the importance of virtual learning is increasing as the academic year has been drastically interrupted due to Covid-19. Students are left with no other choice rather than attending online classes.
Effective measures are taken by the Government to boost virtual classroom process
The government is taking effective measures to curb the negative implications. FM recently announced help for all the students who don’t have access to internet facility. This will consist of DIKSHA, a one-nation, one-digital platform facility for school students. The government also mentioned extensive use of radio services in the near future. The Ministry of HRD is also planning to open the schools after the consent from MHA. Though social distancing is not feasible in schools, the MHA has prohibited opening schools throughout the country. This leaves the schools and institutions to actively adopt virtual learning methods.
Online teachings are a potential model for resource crunched country like India, and we should look forward to adapting to newer learning methods. With everything going digital, we need to assure efficiency in learning methods too. Online teachings will promote self-development and effective teachers are being able to realize it. The positive prospects, however, outweigh the negative implications and we should be ready to acclimatize with the advancements.