The Covid-19 pandemic has affected millions of lives as well as the global economy. This has also been successful in shaking the roots of the education sector. In the light of this global crisis and subsequent national and provincial lockdowns, educational institutions like schools and colleges had been shut down temporarily. Though, it does not seem that they will re-open anytime soon. Therefore, educators across the globe discontinued the traditional classroom system for teaching, as the Covid-19 virus spreads with physical contact. Thus, social distance is vital during these hours of crisis. This scenario opened up the doors and possibilities for online education – both learning and teaching to flourish worldwide.
Online Education, which is often executed through online classes apps, has been met by both receptions as well as criticism. Though there will always be two sides to the coin, we do not have any better option presently than online education, especially when both teachers, as well as students, do not find it sensible to come under one roof in order to teach and learn. This new mode of teaching and learning on the internet, with the use of various available online teaching apps, education has become accessible as well as economic, especially in the rural areas. Furthermore, the flexible nature of the new teaching methodology allows teachers as well as students to work in elastic hours. This has only empowered both the parties to jiggle between various jobs or study courses. Further, time is not a barrier in this method of education. In addition to this, the facility to face-time has further bridged the gap for lack of physicality in education.
Through online education, students can study their favorite courses from anywhere, at any time from the comforts of their homes. It helps them to develop new skills in a small duration of time. This has also provided people with new employment opportunities to teach in remote set-ups on their own terms.
In today’s world, an online teaching methodology is no more an option, rather it is a necessity. This change must be accepted without resistance, or else our education system will collapse under the pressure of this pandemic. Hence, the shift from physical face-to-face classes to online education is the only safe option left with us. Further, the online spectra of education have only widened its scope rather than narrowing it down the pipe. It has created an inclusive and unlimited space to gain and share knowledge at the tips of our fingers.
Alike all other methodologies, of course, online education is not perfect. It has its share of flaws as well. However, it is undeniably the best option in today’s scenarios. But if executed well, it is an apt match. Technical disruptions can be easily solved by preset checking, tutorial lessons, testing the content of the study material, etc.
At the end of the day, communication is the way to solve all the problems faced during an online lecture. Thanks to the ever-blossoming online teaching which enables teachers and students to interact in different ways. This includes telephonic conversations, face timings, chatbox facility, e-mail, social media, SMS service, etc.
Education is a dynamic process and it is important to take all the necessary steps to improvise it at every possible step. The quality of the lectures, as well as study material, must be updated timely as the information keeps changing rapidly in this digital age. Education must always be based on enhancing the skills of each student, rather than a formality for doing sake. To reinforce the same, regular feedbacks must be entertained by the teachers either from the concerned parents’ side or the students’ side. Constant development to broaden the horizon of education is a must in these tough times. Online education just is a perfect match in this puzzle. In the same light, educational setups must focus on their teaching approaches and give emphasis on collaborative growth and learning. Institutions must facilitate digital literacy as well so that the digital divide in this country could be covered, opening doors for many more students as well as teachers.
Online education is the way, the only one!
Laila Azzahra is a professional writer and blogger that loves to write about technology, business, entertainment, science, and health.