The COVID 19 pandemic has turned the world upside down and the lifestyle we enjoyed just a few months ago has gone. Even after the pandemic is over, it will be overly optimistic to expect that everything will return to the way it was earlier. The internet was a major part of our lives before COVID 19 and it has now entered even more areas. Studying is one of them. Even after schools fully reopen, the various positives from online study will mean that is will continue to be a major aspect of education. However, the haphazard way we have entered into it in such a rush means that as it stands today there are as many cons as there are pros.
The Challenges
The practical implementation of online schooling is far from easy. The hurdles to be overcome include:
- Limited access to the internet. Outside of the urban centers, large parts of India still do not have internet access or if it is available the reliability is doubtful and the speeds are too slow for effective online interaction.
- To effectively benefit from online learning, each student should have his or her own computer. This will allow for data, lessons, information, tests, etc. to be stored on the PC for future reference and to use for refresher courses and revision. The problem is that even today, many homes do not have even one computer. With the cost of computers still being high, it will be difficult for families with limited budgets to buy one, let along one for each child in the family.
- Maintaining discipline and focus while learning online takes getting used to. Children are comfortable with the school routine that gives them a framework for their studies. When sitting at home the atmosphere is not the same and children need to be guided into the right approach to online study.
The Opportunities
Daunting though the challenges may be, the opportunities available are even greater.
- For children adapting to electronic media comes naturally so online study is not a challenge.
- Study material is available online which means that children may study and revise at their own pace.
- The time and energy wasted on the school commute are saved to be put to more productive use.
- For younger children, the risks associated with traveling to school are removed.
- The need to revise and update teaching methods and systems to suit the online process will give teachers a chance to update and enhance their teaching skills and knowledge.
- Parents will be able to be more involved in their children’s studies and this will increase their appreciation of the stresses that children are subjected to today. This understanding will help to improve parent-child bonding and understanding and reduce the tensions that are a common part of home life today.
The traditional school will not disappear, but the future of study is online and the sooner parents and children accept this fact and adapt to it, the better they will be placed to use this new medium to their benefit. From supplementing primary school learning to preparing for competitive examinations and everything in between, children who have access to online study are those with the scholastic advantage.