Covid-19 has brought sweeping changes to the way we teach in schools. This pandemic has forced education to go online without any prior warning, and teachers, students and parents were totally unprepared for this new model of teaching in schools.

For most of us, switching to digital media was not so difficult after all. We had the infrastructure for it. Till now education in schools has not suffered much because the summer vacation was around the corner by the time the lockdowns were announced. It’s in July when the schools reopen that certain issues will surely hit us in the face.

Universities and institutes of higher studies found it easier to switch to online studies. Many of them already had experience with it. Online sessions, video conferencing and online learning was not a new concept to them. But the real problem has risen in schools. Though we have the infrastructure, there is no plan or prototype to follow on how to teach the children. Board-year students are facing problems regarding their pending examination dates and results. 

How are teachers going to teach the next session that begins in July? They have to think of ways to make their online lessons interesting and engaging. There are technical nuisances to deal with. But for the kids, online learning has so far, proved to be fun. Nowadays, even a toddler is well-versed with all the functions on mobiles and laptops. So for kids it is a game.

Seema Saxena

Fortunately, most teachers have already been introduced to mobile-ubiquitous learning (u-learning) which is a learning strategy that integrates mobile technology and enables learning to be carried out without limits, anywhere, anytime and in any way. Of course, it is according to the context of the learner and is based on the characteristic need of the students.

Suddenly, Zoom has become a household name and synonymous with online teaching. There are other Indian apps coming up, such as Say Namaste.

As such, our 200-year-old education system needed revamping. The pandemic, and before that, the pollution and climate change issues had already forced schools to think of innovative ways to teach. With new futuristic tools already available, all that is required is their application in learning.

The best part of online education is that it promotes self-study. Students actually gain confidence when they do things on their own. Online teaching also helps students to learn at their own pace. Assignments will have to be done at home, and there is no scope for copying homework from classmates Though students can of course copy-paste from online sources, at least they have to read and search for the right answer. The best part is that students can rewind, pause and replay the recorded sessions as required. Teachers can use screen castify and graphics/animation to make their class interesting. Students are learning to browse for subject materials other than what is available in their textbook.

Education in India had become more of a corporate business. From school buses to uniforms, stationery, furniture, bags and shoes, everything has a profit tag attached to it. Already, small schools which had cropped up in every lane and local streets have had to shut down or merge with bigger school as there has almost been no earnings in the last three months. They are finding it difficult to continue.

However, only the expensive urban schools can boast of providing the best to students. But education should be free and for all. Only then can we ensure that we will have a skilled future generation. In the coming months, if schools do not open, these online studies will have to continue. In most of the schools, fees has been paid and books provided. Teaching has already started online in full swing.

The role of teachers is that of a facilitator now. Moreover, students need to be regularly tested for the knowledge imparted to them. Once again, online tests makes it simple. Students have to be self-reliant to both learn and study. 

Gradually things will settle down. Classes can be summoned once a week in rotation for a face-to-face meeting with due precautions taken. That way, the huge premises of the school will also not be missed. 

In the adolescent age, behavioural problems may arise due to peer pressure. Those will definitely reduce in the online era. If teachers and IT professionals join hands, they can come up with teaching programmes even for the kindergarten kids to read and write. As such, it is difficult to keep them away from the mobile. So why not provide them education on the mobile only. 

Presently parents are facing problems how to keep their kids engaged. But at the same time, the family bond is strengthening as everyone is working from home.

The challenge is in teaching the primary school kids who enjoy the school environment. For them, the whole routine is a picnic of sorts. Schools, in fact, are playgrounds where they prepare themselves for adult life. Studies come secondary. It is here that the metacognitive abilities are moulded for the future. Online teaching will deny them this opportunity to develop their personalities.

Once school kids understand that this is how they are going to be taught the whole year, they will turn serious and pay more attention. 

It is high time we realised that education is a noble profession and not a corporate business. Let us hope the online teaching will be an aid to all. The rich and the poor, all will get the best education.

Covid-19 has made us change in many subtle ways. It has taught us that if we are prepared, we can fight.

Seema Saxena is a teacher with spiritual insight

(Pic above: From Indian Express)