Learning with pandemic

 PANDEMIC AND EDUCATION

 

The COVID-19 has resulted in schools shut all across the world. Globally, over 1.2 billion children are out of the classroom.

As a result, education has changed dramatically, with the distinctive rise of e-learning, whereby teaching is undertaken remotely and on digital platforms.

The pandemic has created the largest disruption of education systems in human history, affecting nearly 1.6 billion learners in more than 200 countries. The closures of schools, institutions and other learning spaces have impacted more than 94% of the world’s student population.

Pandemic introduced new technologies into education system. It affected students unequally, as not all students had the opportunities, tools, or access needed to keep on learning during the pandemic. During the pandemic period, around 15.47% of learners were involved in e-learning. Most of the learners were used mobile or laptop for attending e-learning. The present study revealed that around 60% of students were seen to involve in farming during pandemic instead of online classes. In addition to this, 45% of students never joined an online class during the entire session. Further analysis demonstrated that 13% of students do not have their own mobile phone or laptop, nearly 18% could not join due to poor internet connectivity, 21% of students faced unfavourable study environment at home and 3% of students have other reasons. Students with disabilities are among the most dependent on in-person education and hence least likely to benefit from e-learning.Other than learning, the absence of schooling would also have a long-lasting effect on the health and nutrition of children. 

However, e-learning overcomes geographical barriers and ensures equitable access to education. It also facilitates convenient, quick, on -the- go and 24×7 access. Numerous ed-tech firms have leveraged this opportunity to offer lessons in an interesting and interactive way to students. E-learning seems a viable solution at the moment to fill the void created due to the absence of classroom learning. Courses are conducted online, examinations are conducted online, assignments are submitted through email. For countries like India, this is a good opportunity to strengthen internet connectivity across rural India. Every village and town in India should be digitally connected for better interaction between the students and teachers.

Despite favourable conditions, we find that students made little or no progress while learning from home.

E- education opens up a lot of possibilities for students and teachers alike. Yet, it may also widen the inequalities in the socio-economic fabric of India. All our policies and interventions with regard to online education should strive to be inclusive.