-Kavita Bakshi
Covid-19 Pandemic has made the whole world shut all across the globe. Schools are also closed worldwide to prevent the spread of the virus and resultantly, given the way to online classrooms. As a result, the drastic change in teaching and learning has become a challenge for teachers as well as students. Millions of children have had to adopt new ways of learning. With the rise of e-learning, almost all schools have shifted their base to conduct online classes. To cater the needs of education from Montessori to a higher level, online teaching is the sole alternative solution.
NOW, Thousands of students and teachers in cities and towns are glued to their computers and smartphones screen for this virtual learning process.
Students and teachers also have their own struggles while accessing these online platforms. Sometimes the non-availability of the device, internet connection or network becomes a barrier in the smooth flow of classes.
The viewpoint of students for virtual learning:- “We cannot engage online in the same manner as we would in a class. Viva, ASL, debates, and classroom discussions on polarising topics require detailed perspectives — these lose their flavour when done online,”
There are certain MERITS of Virtual education for students:
* The ability to learn using different online tools and methods
* No disruption in learning because of the pandemic
* Listening to recorded and live conversations and working at their own speed
* Students get the leverage to attend the classes without being tired.
Certain DEMERITS which students face are:
* Lack of free-flowing conversations, debates, and discussions
* Technological difficulties related to weak network & access to the internet
* Studying while living at home, with family and other distractions does not feel the complete environment of the classroom.
* Increase in the screen time has a huge ill impact on their eyes.
As per the teacher’s view, “Education is not just about classes. It is about interactions, broadening of ideas, free-flowing open discussions, debates, and monitoring of each student.
In order to create an engaging learning experience, the role of the instructor is optional but the role of the learner is essential.
* With the help of technology and online tools, teachers are more aware of innovative methods of teaching. But every coin has two sides. With the benefits of technology, there are some challenges too…
* Students ask fewer questions online.
* There is little consensus on how students can be evaluated in a fair manner.
* Inability to have a free-flowing face-to-face connects with students and facilitate free conversations, discussions, and mentoring.
* Inability to reach all students because of technological limitations.
Teachers use virtual classrooms to teach from home with all the necessary tools at their disposal. This renders their online sessions to be just as effective as old ones and even more advantageous since they offer a great deal of content, interaction, reinforcement, and real-time feedback during virtual sessions.