Sarika tells us about the many challenges of online education, for learners, including special needs children, and the rural-urban divide. An exclusive for Different Truths.
It is the first anniversary of remote schooling. Teachers, students, parents, caretakers, together we completed, across the globe, the historic academic year. We are not sure for how many years this situation will continue. A report says that 168 million children globally have been part of this remote school. Almost 190 countries are part of remote schooling. However, in 29 countries, schools remain fully closed, according to a UNESCO report. This pandemic undoubtedly affected the existing education system. Most of the schools are not in online operation.
The Covid-19 pandemic affected schools in many parts of the world. Later, online schools started with a lot of challenges.
The Covid-19 pandemic affected schools in many parts of the world. Later, online schools started with a lot of challenges. Most of the time, teachers are criticised, and a few parents have also demanded no fees, as learners are not using the school campus. A few others complained, teachers are not trained in teaching online. However, few parents also realised that a huge percentage of kids forgot basic counting, reading skills, ability to read the clock during this time, so, no matter what, whatever medium it is, school is a must.
This pandemic created innumerable issues for all, but it had a ripple effect mostly on young learners. It forced the people to shut down the traditional schools. More than billions of learners were deprived of education, which is the fundamental right. Digital transformation in the field of education shifted from important to the essential. The Internet is the only way to reach learners for education. Remote learning is only possible through computer, laptop, Tablet/iPad. It is difficult for many families to provide these for their kids. Especially in low-income groups.
In villages, almost all the schools are shutting down because of poor digital infrastructure.
In villages, almost all the schools are shutting down because of poor digital infrastructure. No blame game here, it is a situation that people face perhaps once in a century. No one was prepared for it. The government, NGOs and many others are coming forward to help the learners. Many educational innovators jumped into the field trying to make education simpler and affordable, within the budget. A variety of remote learning institutes offered free access to their services. Many educational tools are available at discounted rates or are free. Many online books are there for the readers. I believe that the shift to virtual education would create a long-term impact on the learners.
A special needs mother shared that her non-verbal son keeps looking at the elevator, and cries. It is even more challenging for special needs children during this pandemic. It is utterly challenging for teachers, therapists to conduct classes for them. Few parents even believe something is better than nothing. Educators are trying hard with different approaches to embracing the virtual environment so that learners can reach at least 50% of their IEP’s. Parents of Special Education Needs (SEN) like Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), hearing impaired and visually challenged must keep patience. Virtual learning is not designed for them; however, educators are trying hard to fill the gap, so that the best could reach the learners.
… the kids who are going to school for the first time this year would have had a completely different idea about school.
The first five years of life are important. Most of our brains develop during this period, but I am wondering, how the kids will cope with the pandemic? No physical school, no going out, children parks are deserted. Few months old are forced to wear masks when they must go out. Especially, the kids who are going to school for the first time this year would have had a completely different idea about school. What they are learning and how they are learning is a completely different discussion. Schools not only teach the academic curriculum. It provides knowledge about life skills, friendship, sharing, collaboration, co-curricular activities, leadership, and much more, which are difficult to learn in the house. But we know life is much more important than anything on earth. So, let them learn the way they can, as we know everyone is the master of their own lives.
Furthermore, e-learning is not at all a sustainable solution for the Covid19 education crisis in the system. Only 24% Indians have access to the internet, in that case, online education is not at all possible in a country like India. Our country has impacted almost 247 million children due to this cruel pandemic.
Online school is a little helpful in urban areas, but in rural areas, it is a complete failure.
The learning is hugely affected especially in primary and secondary sections of the school. Online school is a little helpful in urban areas, but in rural areas, it is a complete failure. We all aware that remote learning concept was taken in a hurry, without proper planning, however being a part of the global school, I know what quality of education is provided. Teachers and management are working extremely hard so that the best can reach the learners. In village areas that are practically not possible because of in availability of infrastructure, so government can take the help of TV and/or radio, which I think can help rural learners, so that they are not deprived of the fundamental right, education.
Please make a note. Here is something about schools:
1. Teachers have also faced this first of a kind of experience. They are trying hard, so please appreciate them and if you have any better suggestions which are doable, please be forthcoming.
2. In an online scenario many things are not possible but trust me teachers are working hard to find new ways every day so that the best can reach your child. Please appreciate that effort with a large heart.
3. Teachers may not be able to create a practical classroom, but they can provide a roadmap that will help you to navigate your child in an appropriate direction.
We should remember life is much more important than anything else on earth.
We should remember life is much more important than anything else on earth. Stay calm, your child will inevitably learn much more than academics. They will imbibe values like, compassion, kindness, family power, self-care, the importance of good health, hygiene, resilience, online safety, etc. The list is long. Be happy.
Education is a magic and can emancipate entire generations out of poverty. May this world be free from deadly Corona, so that every child can go to school.
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Very well written article!!
Thank you!