Major Challenges of Online learning in India After COVID-19
Online education, which was once supplementary has now become the mainstream after the COVID-19 pandemic and the extended lockdown. The digital world has enhanced learning at all levels beginning from preschool up to higher-level institutions. With the development of information and communication technologies in education, online video-based micro-courses, e-books (replacing the school books – a real concern for school book publishers in India), simulations, models, graphics, animations, quizzes, games, and e-notes are making learning more accessible and engaging.
Below are the risks and challenges of online learning in India after COVID-19.
• Distance learning may make the teaching and learning process dull – As many countries are shifting to modern learning approaches, whether through distributing books and materials or online learning, the risk is of this online learning is it can be very solitary when students are asked to sit and quietly watch videos, read documents online, or click-through presentations. For example, the real hands-on experience students got in math labs for schools will not be the same in virtual labs.
• Educators will be overwhelmed and unsupported – Teachers are overwhelmed with all sorts of materials and products and are struggling to find quality resources. At the same time, teachers are just like the rest of us trying to deal with their individual lives, taking care of their kids, and finding new ways to make sure that learning continues.
• Protection and safety of children – Once children move to online learning in a home setup, safeguarding children against internet threats is challenging. People have to be mindful of the design of online learning so that children are safe online.
• School closures will widen the equity gaps – Not every child has access to digital devices or internet connectivity at home, and we need to ensure those kids get access to learning resources as well. Learning resources need to be available on every kind of device and we need to find a way to reach out to the kids who don’t have access.
• Poor experiences with technology – Some students may have a poor experience with technology because they are not used to it. Student’s test scores will be impacted due to poor knowledge of technology irrespective of the subject knowledge. Students may find it dull and boring doing experiments in the virtual world which they enjoyed doing in math labs for schools.
The above risks and challenges are not something that cannot be overcome. With a proper approach and a planned strategy, distance learning can be successful. Also, as far as school book publishers in India, the books never go out of fashion and will still be the primary material to acquire knowledge apart from online learning.
Below are the risks and challenges of online learning in India after COVID-19.
• Distance learning may make the teaching and learning process dull – As many countries are shifting to modern learning approaches, whether through distributing books and materials or online learning, the risk is of this online learning is it can be very solitary when students are asked to sit and quietly watch videos, read documents online, or click-through presentations. For example, the real hands-on experience students got in math labs for schools will not be the same in virtual labs.
• Educators will be overwhelmed and unsupported – Teachers are overwhelmed with all sorts of materials and products and are struggling to find quality resources. At the same time, teachers are just like the rest of us trying to deal with their individual lives, taking care of their kids, and finding new ways to make sure that learning continues.
• Protection and safety of children – Once children move to online learning in a home setup, safeguarding children against internet threats is challenging. People have to be mindful of the design of online learning so that children are safe online.
• School closures will widen the equity gaps – Not every child has access to digital devices or internet connectivity at home, and we need to ensure those kids get access to learning resources as well. Learning resources need to be available on every kind of device and we need to find a way to reach out to the kids who don’t have access.
• Poor experiences with technology – Some students may have a poor experience with technology because they are not used to it. Student’s test scores will be impacted due to poor knowledge of technology irrespective of the subject knowledge. Students may find it dull and boring doing experiments in the virtual world which they enjoyed doing in math labs for schools.
The above risks and challenges are not something that cannot be overcome. With a proper approach and a planned strategy, distance learning can be successful. Also, as far as school book publishers in India, the books never go out of fashion and will still be the primary material to acquire knowledge apart from online learning.
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