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Due to the corona pandemic, most schools have resorted to online classes as a de facto method of teaching at least until there is a clear mandate from government authorities to open the school.The online classes are a makeshift arrangement to deliver on the academic aspect (although with lesser efficiency) by engaging all three stakeholders :
1. The service provider (school),
2. The customers (parents) and,
3. The end consumers (students themselves).
The advent of online classeshas caused massive disruption in the education ecosystem. It poses significant challenges to all concerned.
Challenges of online classes ...
The online classes are currently the only viable way for the schools to push ahead with their academic calendar. In a move to cover up for the lost days, the schools have started aggressively scheduling online classes with a frantic pace. Apart from the operational issues such as poor internet connectivity and staff availability, the schools do not have enough time to train the staff adequately. Most teachers are not well equipped to handle teaching online or to receive and assess online tests/assignments.
On the other hand, the parents are also struggling to reorganize their daily schedulesto accommodate online classes. This pandemic had not given them the chance to procure books/stationeries/a dedicated gadget for each of their children. After a prolonged lockdown period, the parents are pressed for time. On the one hand, they have to tend to their jobs, and on the other hand, they have to tend to their children and challenges that come with their online classes.
The students, especially pre-primary kids, have their own set of challenges. Apart from learning to manage gadgets, they are coping up with this new way of pedagogy. Due to the inherent nature of online classes, there are bound to be barriers to communication such as poor internet speed, one way of communication, lack of effective feedback mechanism, etc. which leads to lack of engagement and poor concentration amongst kids.
The way forward...
Specific steps could be taken by all three stakeholders (The school, the parents, and the students) to make the online classes more beneficial.
The school may:
1. At their discretion decide not to opt for online classes at least for lower classes(say till Grade-
3).
2. Curtail the syllabus to maintain the speed and quality of delivery.
3. Lay less emphasis on theories and more emphasis on concepts.
4. Schedule doubt clearing/ Re-cap sessions after each topic.
5. Resort to pre-recorded sessions for Parents, which they can watch at their convenience and teach the concepts to their younger kids (say till Grade-3).
6. Make it mandatory to record all classes and make it available to middle and higher classes students
Parents may:
1. If possible, be present with their kids at least for the first few sessions.
2. Try to be a role model for their kids. Familiarize themselves with internet/typing/syllabus/pedagogy.
3. Support their kids in their assignments and projects. Create an environment at home, which is conducive to learning.
4. Try to be more empathetic towards school as well as children. The online classes are uncharted territory for all concerned.
The students may :
1. Try to be present, not just physically but also mentally. Keep all resources (stationary/books, etc.)handy just in case.
2. Complete your assignments/projects/ required readings on time.
3. Avoid any further screen usage.
4. Ask questions in case of any doubt.
Since this pandemic is not going to end anytime soon, and due to lack of any other viable alternative, the online classes are here to stay.The online classes can be proved beneficial if all the three stakeholders keep their side of the bargain, remembering that the online classes are a temporary solution and can only help teach and not impart education.
NeerajPurohit
neerajpurohit@gmail.com
