Online learning is in the driver’s seat today. But that doesn’t mean that the current system should be replaced completely. It needs to be understood that the new protocols will be a supplement and not a replacement of the earlier practises, says Manu Gupta
The education of an estimated 1 billion students in 130 countries is at a standstill due to the temporary closure of schools to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. In India, with the Government considering reopening schools after August, hybrid offline-online learning, minimal contact games, alternate days school, maintaining of social distancing, using of masks and sanitisers, tie-ups with local hospitals will be the new normal.
Institutions need to work with parents, teachers, education departments and local governments to ensure a healthy environment. Due to Covid, teaching has shifted online in the blink of an eye. But finding the right online teaching platforms, using effective techniques and tools is a challenging task for students and parents. It is also true that while remote learning may be suitable for some students, but many more living in rural areas are not as equipped and stand at a disadvantage.
The pandemic is far from being over. As schools reopen, briefing and sensitising parents about the new normal will be essential. Formulation of protocols, division of curriculum needs to be monitored strongly. While the academic alignment between teachers and students is being managed through digital tools, physical presence and interaction in school environments is the key to holistic development.
Anxiety, apprehension and anticipation
When it comes to dealing with psycho-social issues, each one is fighting a different battle. Children are scared and stressed, with low motivation levels, even for online studies. Teachers are striving to remain positive but the challenge to maintain the same level of connection with the students is apparent, and parents are worried if the disruption in children’s education will push them a year behind.
The institutions along with health experts must brief the parents, teachers and management bodies about the hygiene protocols, physical screening and physical distancing to gain the confidence. Schools must incorporate some behavioral change practices in their curriculum such as washing and sanitising the hands even before getting on the online class to instill a habit and making children understand the importance of taking such safety precautions. Teachers need to be trained about the transition to virtual classrooms with the help of the right online teaching strategies and techniques in order to keep their students engaged in a positive manner. To achieve this goal, teachers and school management will require the active involvement of the parents along with the students.
The way forward and beyond
There is a definite need to create systems that are convenient for students and educational institutions to implement while ensuring safety for all. This does not mean that the current systems should be replaced completely. It needs to be understood that the new protocols will be a supplement and not a replacement of the earlier practices. Classroom teaching is still the ideal way of learning, and this is the best time to evolve innovative ways on how best to welcome children back to schools without compromising their safety. Most schools are likely to open in September, which is a forward-looking step. The school authorities will have to be aware that expecting students to immediately adapt to the new normal is an unreasonable ask. There should be efforts to introduce exercises that ensure good psycho-social health and a happy emotional state for them. Burdening them with loads of syllabus to catch up on will only make them reluctant, anxious and unwillingness to adapt. Prevention of bullying amongst the vulnerable weaker or younger students is another aspect we should plan to focus on.
Administrators, educators, and teachers must realise that the present situation does not warrant a complete overhaul of the education system, rather a few critical parameters, especially on the technological front. While students staying at home and attending virtual classes may currently be the best option, absence of friends and conducive school environments will deprive them of a very vital aspect of their learning and upbringing process.
The pandemic has taught us that many unique lessons. India, where education has predominantly been provided by the Government, the need to build resilience into our education systems is being felt stronger than ever before. School has always been more than a building. It is a place for children to learn, to play, to be inspired, and to be safe.
The writer is PhD, Co-Founder, SEEDS,
