How Pandemic Changed Indian education

It has been 17 months since the virus took over the entire mind of the country and created chaos in every aspect of society, from public health to business and overall development every sector took a sharp hit and completely changed the lifestyle of people. A culture previously enjoyed by digital nomads of working from their comfort was the new norm for many industries, with a different name; work from home. Health industry and banking industry are among few industries that couldn’t change to work from home culture stuck with old ways, with more attentiveness to their hygiene. There was confusion regarding the Education industry, how it could perform during a pandemic. It wouldn’t be good to open schools and colleges and expect childrens to take responsibility for their cleanliness, and it wasn’t safe for them to travel and public transport systems were also down. Only way was to seek help from the emerging e-learning industry, which started a few years before the pandemic. Pandemic Changed Indian education

How e-learning changed the education

E-learning simply can be said as a method of teaching and studying without a classroom space. Schools and colleges created their own apps with live online teaching for students. Some schools used google meet and zoom for their classes, with many free video apps available, it was quite easy to switch. Students were able to record and rewatch the classes, more interactive learning took place, parents could also monitor the teaching style of tutors which was not possible early and schools had to keep in check regularly regarding the quality of teaching they provided. 

Benefits of E-learning

Students studying for competitive exams also started using e-learning apps like Entri that provides Synchronous e-learning with live-online training, online learning, 1000’s of videos, and mock tests in their local languages. 

● One of the benefits I think that many schools and colleges haven’t tapped yet is bringing world-class teachers in their field from different countries to join online and teach students. This would be a big game-changer, imagine a world-class scientist in physics from some top university giving a lecture to you. 

● With the changing structure of learning from classroom to E-room, we saw learning become less expensive and high-quality teaching was possible. 

● Students had to take responsibility of their own education and self discipline was increased 

● Many students in rural areas of India had to travel a lot to reach school or colleges, E-learning made location or travelling not needed to learn.

● Not Everyone is a fast-paced learner and it was easier for slow learners to study at their own pace. 

How pandemic is affecting education system in India

E-learning surely has helped many, but still, there are issues faced due to lack of overall development in the country. A few issues that need to be addressed asap are, not everyone has access to the internet, and many rural areas in India still have no telecom access, many childrens in rural villages are finding it hard to get education. 

Students from lower-income groups who benefited from midday meal schemes for food and nutrition are finding it hard without school. 

Loss of jobs for many teachers and it is said that many teaching professionals are looking for alternative jobs. 

Parents are also little worried about their childrens getting glued in front of smartphones and laptops.