COVID-19: Online schooling: Possibilities and concerns

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