It has been more than 4 months since the central government announced a countrywide shutdown of educational institutes of all kind, as a measure to contain COVID-19. As per UNESCO estimations, over 154 crore students are severely impacted by closure of educational institutions across the world amid the COVID-19 outbreak.
In India, the Ministry of Human Resource Development (HRD) is formulating safety guidelines to be followed whenever classroom learning is resumed. New seating matrix, staggered classes, different mess and library rules, revamped hostels and canteens, could be part of students’ socially distant lives in schools and colleges when they return.
However, until then most educational institutions have transitioned into digital platforms for education. Parents are also trying their best to cooperate with their children’s online studies, some schools are providing online classes through apps such as Google Meet, Zoom, Instagram Live, Facebook Live, WhatsApp etc. and also conduct meetings with parents and students on a regular basis.
But there is still a huge disparity between attending school and online class, one of them being lack of facilities for students to attend the aforementioned online classes, particularly for the most marginalised children who rely solely on schools for their education. There are various resources which are required for students to attend online classes such as stable internet access, an electronic device (mobile, laptops, etc.) and so on, which some underprivileged students may be unable to afford.
My Gov Arunachal seeks your opinion on whether online classes option would truly be a fair alternative to regular classes for the students or should there be another form of education introduced in such circumstances?
Bhawna 3 years 8 months ago
Many online university courses are even self-paced so you can start completing targets at the time that is best for you. This is ideal for those who are involved in seasonal work or have children who have school holidays. It’s also beneficial if you suddenly face a personal crisis of some kind, like a bereavement, for example, and have to postpone studying.
Bhawna 3 years 8 months ago
Work at your own pace
Online classes often allow a greater degree of flexibility for students. You can adapt deadlines and schedules to meet your particular needs. This means you can fit studying around other things in your life, and if something unexpected comes up, you can push back a deadline or come to an agreement with your supervisor.
Bhawna 3 years 8 months ago
Broaden your horizons
Maybe you already went to university and have embarked on a career. But since then, technology has developed and advanced, and you’re beginning to realize the imperative to have an understanding of the digital landscape. Why not sign up for a course on digital innovation?
Bhawna 3 years 8 months ago
Plus, working with computers in this way, you will develop your technical skills, learning to navigate various different systems and programs. These skills are transferable to many other disciplines and will likely be useful in your career at a later date.
Bhawna 3 years 8 months ago
Learn with new technologies
Studying online means access to a whole range of digital tools like video calls, animations, storyboarding, and social media—as well as games. Teachers are able to be more creative in their lessons and the result is a more compelling learning experience for students.
Bhawna 3 years 8 months ago
Or perhaps you are currently working in a position that you no longer enjoy and fancy a change of career. Online education offers you the opportunity to begin training for another job and to fit your studies around your existing schedule, creating a safety net of continued income.
Bhawna 3 years 8 months ago
Earn money at the same time
Perhaps you are considering taking on a part-time job to help finance your studies? Many students take online courses while still working in other jobs.
Bhawna 3 years 8 months ago
In an online setting, it’s also easier to engage one-on-one with your teacher, who can give you the attention lacking in a large class. Indeed, according to a recent survey, 90% of online instructors reported that teaching online helps them to stay more connected with students and gain a better understanding of their capabilities.
Bhawna 3 years 8 months ago
A comfortable environment for learning
Online classes are great if you find a classroom full of students intimidating. Not everyone is comfortable speaking up in front of lots of people. Instead, you can contribute to discussions on a forum, which is far less daunting.
Bhawna 3 years 8 months ago
This also means students are likely to come into contact with people from a wide variety of backgrounds through their online classes, which enriches the learning process. You can collaborate and network with people with diverse life experiences from all over the globe.