It’s crystal clear that the lockdown and study may not go parallel where the new education model during the COVID-19 crisis is moving from classrooms to the online classes. Be it an institute, college, university, school or coaching centre almost every educational organization have shifted to online as the Covid-19 pandemic has reached nearly every corner of the earth which compiled to shut offices and educational centres across the world.
In the studies, before the COVID-19 pandemic, it was found that online classes are much more effective as compared to the regular classes, whereas, the students learn and perform better in online classes. So, there should not be any problem with the new modal of education, right? No, that’s not true! Lots of issues have been found with the new online teaching model that we have discussed in detail in this article. Also, read the 10 Software and apps to conduct and host live classes in India for free.
Not just because of the COVID-19, but from an extended period, the online education system was there. It was provided by a limited number of companies with the purpose of preparation of the competitive exam, entrance exams and add-on courses for students at a very expensive cost and subscription. But, the new education system will bring almost all the educational institutions online, whether it’s small or large. As everything has some pros and cons, the online classes also have several pros and cons which should be carefully considered.
Pros of online classes:
The online classes are convenient and available in this lockdown period with social distancing maintained and can be personalized for every individual as per the need. It is is easy to access and affordable since one teacher can manage lots of students at once, while investment in the infrastructure and transportation is not required.
Cons of Online classes:
Cons of online classes include lack of social interaction, and in the cases when a student needs guidance or help with their studies, they can’t go out to their teacher in the school or tuition/coaching during the lockdown period. Also, we should not forget that all the courses aren’t available or not possible to provide online like music, dance classes, extracurricular classes, sports and games. In fact, the classes which are available online are very limited in numbers of courses and contents for the students.
Let’s discuss some pros of the online education system briefly:
1. Students can do a job along with their studies
If you want to earn while you learn, so it’s a chunk for you. Online education comes as a blessing for such students who want to learn more but along with their job. You can study when you’re back from work or whenever you get time. You get to learn while you earn!
2. You can save money
Online Education or Distance learning is much more affordable than regular on-campus courses. And you will save travelling expense directly.
3. You save time
There’s no time wastage in going and coming back home and college, no time wasted waiting for a bus or taxi. In a distance education program, your classroom is right in your living room or the pocket on your phone. Students who don’t have enough time to join regular college can choose to distance learning as an option and pursue it from their homes.
4. Save you in many hidden ways
The Idea of going back to the classroom can be intimidating for many of us. Asking doubt questions or revealing that you are unable to grasp a concept in class can be quite embarrassing for many of us. Distance learning comes to your rescue here, you can learn at your place!!
Let’s discuss some cons or disadvantages of the online education system briefly:
1. Technology is Complicated:
Over-dependence on technology can be a significant drawback in the distance learning model of education when learning is taking place in an online environment. Any malfunctioning software or hardware can interrupt the learning process. Similarly, if a student is not computer savvy, his/her learning experience can be dissatisfactory.
2. High chances of distraction:
With no teacher/faculty around for face- to- face interaction or who can help with continuous reminders about pending assignments or classwork or homework, the chances of getting distracted from assignments and losing attention towards studies are high. You need to keep yourself motivated and focused if you want to complete your distance education course. Distance learning is not a good idea and can be proved as a really bad one if you tend to procrastinate and can’t stick to deadlines.
3. Hidden costs:
Though the cost of a distance learning program is usually cheaper than a regular program, there are some hidden costs involved. For example, if your distance learning course is offered online, you might have to spend some initial expenses like installing a computer and getting reliable Internet access. You may need to buy additional resources such as a printer, web camera, etc. Some expenses might be like maintenance and electricity costs.
- “The boundaries between Study time, playtime and my time have merged.”
- Children, do nothing but have merged their routine and with no specific study time. There are very few students who can and are doing online classes organized by their school or college.
- Online classes in a country like India where access to the internet is distressing low, the new education model may fail. ( i. e Online classes)
The 75th report of the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) for 2017-18 argues some major issues that the new education model would have to face. All India’s percentage of households having internet facilities stands at 23.8% with rural availability at 14.9% and urban at 42%. Access doesn’t mean that the household has an internet connection. Less than half of the households that have internet connectivity own a computing device.
After the schools and colleges are shut because of the COVID pandemic, students from different-different places went back to their homes. Around 55% of university students belong to Urban, and out of 55%, only 41% are likely to have internet access at home. 28% of students from Rural have access to the internet.
Percentage of online classes and students are low:
Indian education can’t go online with this percentage at least. Education is a fundamental right of every child, and the situation made this challenge. Loss in the education of this entire generation is a challenge for the Education Board of the Country now because the online education model will not in India so, they can’t rely on this modal for very long, they need to find an alternate idea or solution to tackle this issue. And moderate the environment.
As of now, we all have to learn to leave with this environment until something good happens, i.e. Vaccine/Antidot of coronavirus. Till then, students all over the world need to concentrate on their studies by themselves.
Here are some tips that student can follow and concentration towards studies in lockdown period:-
- Be Self-disciplined:- This is one of the most important things that a student should do to focus/concentrate on his/her studies. If no one is there to monitor whether they are studying or not, then also it’s their responsibility.
- Utilize this time as much as possible:-no doubt that the world is dealing with a pandemic, but parallelly this also can’t be ignored, each one of us has got the time- we’ll never get ever after, Utilize it as much as you can. Do something worthy and fruitful in this quarantine.
- Stay Focused:-We Indians have a habit of going with the flow. Due to this shutdown somewhere we all have lost our focus, and “Quarantine and chill” is the new slogan.
