CORONA AND ONLINE EDUCATION

CORONA AND ONLINE EDUCATION

Schools were running smoothly. Students were prepared for their exam. Suddenly the name ‘Corona virus’ changed the entire situation. Willingly or unwillingly we faced the unexpected LOCKDOWN 1 for 21 days.

Considering the seriousness, the education department came forward with one important decision. Final exams up to std.9^th were cancelled and all the students were promoted to the next class. Most of the students were happy as they were promoted to the next class without contributing the efforts. Board exams (Std.10^th) were postponed for few weeks (which were finally conducted in June).

After the Lockdown1, improvement was expected in our country. But our hopes faded off and things became bitterer. Increase in the number of Covid infectants, resulted in the extension of lockdown for few more weeks with the hope of making a better and safer scenario.

All this happened in the month of March, April and May. These months are enjoyed as a vacation period every year by students’ class. This year, students got vacation but unfortunately, they didn’t get a chance to enjoy freely on the local streets or visit their native places.

As there was a hope of a safer picture with the end of Lockdown, the re-opening of schools was expected in June. But, again the increase in number of Covid patients, compelled education department to keep school closed for few more weeks. This was all done considering the safe health of the school going kids.

Appearance of the June month and continuation of school vacation raised too many questions in front of schools (teachers), parents and students. These 3 formed the three vertices of a big triangle. Students’ role was quite relaxed in all this. But there were too many unanswered questions going through teachers and parents.

Let us have a look at list of questions in parents’ mind

When the school of my child will start?

If the school won’t start in time, my child may forget all basic concepts.

If the situation won’t improve and school starts, will my child be safe in school?

If school won’t start, what about the academic year of my child?

Will my child suffer loss of one academic year?

If the school remain close, shall we pay fees?

Such type of questions were disturbing parents.

Now let us see what the schools were facing

For how long this lockdown will continue?

How long we will have to stay at  home?

Most of the educational institutes reduced the number working staff.

So this raised another threat, whether our job will continue or no?

What about the studies of our students?

How long they will stay away from studies?

How can we help them during this lockdown?

What different measures can be taken for different age groups?

Will this increase the expense part of the school?

How to pay the salary of the working staff?

Schools always aims to provide education to your children. As conducting regular physical classes was not permitted, schools came forward with alternate options. As precautionary measures opening schools was not at all possible.

With the only intention to help out the students and continue their education schools came forwards with one solution and that is ONLINE CLASSES

This created a great controversy among parents.

Too many questions were raised.

Would like to clarify few here –

Parent – Why online class?

School – Are you ready to send your child to school in such situation? Are you ready to sacrifice one academic year of your child? Don’t you want your child to continue his education?

Parent – How child will understand this online teaching?

School – If we make perfect lesson plans and make our lessons easier and enjoyable, why the child can’t understand.

Parent – My child won’t sit at one place for a long time. He is bit mischievous.

School – During regular school, we take care of your child for 4-5 hours at school. Our teachers take all efforts by using their physical and emotional energy to check that your child pay attention in class. So why parents can’t co-operate for few weeks? Sit with your child while the school classes are going on. Watch the lessons of teachers and appreciate their efforts in conducting online class for your child.

Parent – Online teaching may affect eye sight

School – Please check that they reduce time spent on TV and the extra hours spent on mobile or laptop apart from school lessons.

Parent – Why should we pay same fees when our child is not attending school?

School – All teachers are doing regular job for your child and we are paying their salary without any deduction. This is to take care that your child won’t suffer a loss of one year.

Parent – We have to pay for extra internet charges.

School – As we conduct online class, we too use internet and that too number of classes multiplied by number of divisions multiplied by number of hours.

Parent – How far this will help?

School – Parents of this today’s kids are well educated and are very well aware of the present situation. So, if parents cooperate and help child to create a positive approach towards this online teaching, it will definitely work.

Parent – Fine. But still bit difficult to accept

School – We use to walk long distances to meet our dear ones. Postal service made a new way to communication. Telephone brought smiles on our face when we use to hear voice of our dear ones. Mobiles brought the world closer. Video calls made our world still better and happier. When we accept all these technological developments, then what’s harm is accepting the online education as a time being solution.

I want all of you to think over it. Most of the private tutors like me too face this problem to some extent. We teachers know the value of face to face teaching in classrooms. Online teaching can’t compete with our traditional methods. But sometimes circumstances compel us to take some steps as per the need of the day.

         

In this bitter time responsibility falls on both, the teachers as well as parents to help your child focus on school academics along with being safe. In such case, greater responsibility falls on parents as the children are at home. So guide them positively and check that they won’t lose their patience.

So let’s accept it in a positive manner. Let us explore something new, let your children come to know that mobile and laptops are not just meant only social media and other entertainment apps. These gadgets can work at its best for you.

          So let’s work together and contribute in making safer environment for our school children.

          [This article is an attempt to create a positive approach towards the few technological changes in education of children.]

         

                                                                                       By....Vrushali S. Narasgouda