COVID-19 Pandemic: Education sees a new revolution amidst Lockdown.

Education is the pillar of every country and society of the world, without which the future might appear even bleaker than the present, with the world surrounded in the COVID-19 pandemic. In countries like India, where a lockdown means meager incomes and an employment cut off, most of them would probably roll off their children from schools because education shall be really low on their priority list of survival. The necessity to provide education even amidst lockdown has encouraged novel ideas to execute learning to students so that they possibly do not waste half of their academic year.

“Necessity is the mother of Invention”, Plato’s age old words ring true in an era where sustenance is proving to become difficult. Education is being revolutionized from the age old system that India has been following from centuries. The NCAER Skills Report 2018 discussed the immense potential of online learning, albeit as complementary to more traditional methods. As these traditional methods can no longer be practiced for the time being, online education has proved to be the biggest tool towards learning.

Numerous online portals have been providing interactive learning through their resources using applications and paid services. Companies like Byju’s, Unacademy, Toppr, Khan Academy, Vedanta etc. have decided to offer free classes to students. This initiative has increased the number of participation of students in online learning. Other than this, individual institutions have taken measures to educate students that are enrolled in their respective schools or universities.

KIDS

Young minds need a proper start to their education to ensure a smooth transition step-by-step. In the current situation, it’s a great responsibility upon the parents to teach the kids using all available resources. Numerous educational games, interactive apps and videos are available to ensure learning.

In his Twitter live, Ramesh Pokhriyal answered a question by a person from Jammu and Kashmir regarding online education of little kids who wouldn’t be able to use the complex online websites that older students are using for e-learning. The HRD Minister said that the government was trying its best to come up with a game-based curriculum for little kids from 3 to 6 years old to fully engage their curious minds.

SCHOOL STUDENTS

Various schools have organized video conferencing classes with teachers who take lectures for students from their own homes, teaching and providing knowledge while abiding with the laws regulated by the government. Interactive learning tools and face to face attention is the most important necessity that perhaps only traditional methods could’ve provided. But video conferencing has up till now proved to be an essential asset for education amidst lockdown.

UNIVERSITY/COLLEGE STUDENTS

These groups of students are although self capable in educating themselves, still e-learning portals and online content has been provided for them. Assignments are being given and submissions are done online. All major government universities have been providing study material on their website, reassuring the students about conducting upcoming exams as soon as the threat surpasses.

RURAL STUDENTS

It is important to note that a large number of Indian populations are yet to have access to internet. Without internet all the above devised solutions for learning hold no importance. Knowing this the government of Uttar Pradesh came up with an innovative idea where they are planning to use Doordarshan, All India Radio and community radio to promote audio-based learning among students.  Certain states including Uttar Pradesh are planning to launch high-quality education-tech applications along with using e-resources suggested by the MHRD including e-pathshala etc. Ramesh Pokhriyal also suggested that for students who lack access of internet, online classes shall be available on 32 DTH channels on TV along with Tata Sky and Dish TV.

These alternate methods are hoped to prove fruitful in their task to not hamper the studies of students that are the future of the country. With the pandemic and lockdown, the country might possibly face recession; we need an educated work force that leads the country out of it. This hiatus in daily lives is proving to be a catalyst to enforce revolution in learning and education in the country.

We at Indore Talk have initiated social distancing by practicing work from home and support the government and all the authorities in their endeavor to fight this pandemic in the country. We urge all our viewers and followers to not panic and stay positive and kind to all those who are battling with this virus, stay aware and safe and assist the authorities in any way you can to prevent further spreading of this virus.

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