UPSC Articles
EDUCATION/ TECHNOLOGY
Topic: General Studies 2
- :Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Education
COVID-19: Online schooling: Possibilities and concerns
The lockdown imposed by authorities in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the learning curve of millions of children in India (& across world). This has led to renewal of interest on online learning
Do you know how Technology is aiding the three aspects of schooling?
- Information –Google has revolutionised access to information
- Interaction – free apps (like Google class rooms, Zoom, Skype, Electa) and customised learning management systems has enabled teacher-student interactions to continue even during these times of lockdown
- Self-study – Students now have access to various sources for self-study Ex: Swayam Prabha by GoI, National Digital Library (even IASBaba for UPSC-CSE preparation)
Concerns w.r.t Online Schooling
- Job Losses: There is a fear that school managements would use online learning system in downsizing the number of teachers once the Corona-scene is over
- Digital Infrastructure: Teachers need to be provided with laptops/tablets and a steady internet connection for such exercises
- Digital Capabilities: Teachers should also be equipped with basic operating skills in computers and good typing speed
- Integration with Learning: Online schooling process can become ineffective if technological process is not integrated with learning. Thus any online schooling needs to have proper schedule, Lessons, notes, interactions and online tests
- Digital Access: School children (especially in rural areas) don’t usually have phones, social media accounts or even e-mail IDs and thus require parental guidance.
Way Forward
- Technology should be used to improve the conversation between teachers and students, not to abandon it altogether
- Technology has to be seen as an aid to schooling, not a substitute to it
Connecting the dots:
- New National Education Policy
- Teacher Education
- Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan
