Learning digitally is not only a new way to learn but, a better way to look, create and think out of the box.
The spread of this global pandemic has brought the world to a standstill. But find an optimistic viewpoint in every negative situation, they say. And as if the time walked on the line of the same.
Streets got emptied but hearts filled with old memories; social gap widened but misunderstandings shrunk. When the purpose and meaning of living changed, education wasn't too far to evolve. Styluses replaced pens and mac books replaced notebooks. Boards changed to screen-shares and lectures turned into zoom meetings.
But this wasn't all. The book worm turned into an active student. The lethargic ones are working hard now and the introverts are socializing. All due to sense of togetherness in the time of this crisis. Indeed, a shift is evident. An absolute shift in comprehending, discussing, sharing and tutoring of facts. This system of educating has turned into that of providing knowledge.
It makes us learn irrespective of the ambience, accumulating all our thoughts, perspectives and lives together and giving us a chance to strengthen our bonds with our loved ones. Most importantly, providing us a shield from exposure.
And if this wasn't THAT heroic, we wouldn't have been appearing in online lectures, exams, competitions, webinars and meetings. The fact that this is an e-competition is a witness of that. However, heroicness comes with loopholes too. The virtual world is exhibiting it's beauty to those who already have an access to it.
In India, 22% of the population still remains chronically poor i.e. below the poverty line. Not every slum student would have a 24 hours access to even smart phones. No malnourished, paper seeming child would have resources to fulfill his academic needs.
Virtual classes have led to theoretical concepts which is meaningless for those who are even devoid of basic necessities. The education they lack, paints their future with fog. And as virtual lessons provide room for procrastination, their subsequent times slyly turn blurry.
A big disadvantage to school students is the lack of one-on-one support. Many at-risk students who use online courses to “catch up,” find themselves faltering for further explanation when they don’t grasp a concept. Because the online classroom is not made up of a room of “real” bodies, it isn't likely for students to have a broader discussion.
To conclude, Online learning, which came as a panacea for the crisis, is seen as a new paradigm. Everyone needs to learn digital skills to improve the quality of education. The emphasis on online education has to be accompanied with changes in curriculum, textbooks, examination systems and pedagogy. Unless the screens become the students' windows, they won't be able to expose themselves to the global books.
- Garima