The COVID-19 pandemic has caused schools and colleges across the world to close operations. More than 1.2 billion children globally have been out of the classroom for more than 1 year. The education system has seen a dramatic change in this period with a greater focus on e-learning and distance education. Teaching is now carried out remotely on online learning platforms.
This tragic pandemic has completely shaken the education sector. Schools and colleges have not been operational for more than a year, most schools, colleges, and universities have discontinued in-person teaching. As social distancing is preeminent at this stage, educational units are finding it difficult to find options to handle this challenging situation. Research shows that the online learning environment helps in increased retention of information and consumes lesser time. That means the changes brought by the pandemic may stay here for good.
The world has seen a sudden shift from classroom learning to online teaching with this, most people are wondering whether online learning will continue to persist post-pandemic, and what kind of impact will it have on the global education system.
The World Health Organization has stated in many reports and warnings that the coronavirus might be here to stay. They believe it would take years for the global population to build up sufficient levels of immunity. Presently more than 1.2 billion children in 186 countries are affected by school closures due to the pandemic.
Responding to the current situation, educators have introduced several methods to continue educating students. To ensure learning continues they have developed several online and offline learning materials; started using video conferencing tools to be able to meet students regularly and conducting face to face study sessions, sharing course material and notes online, conducting examinations and assessments online etc.
Virtual schooling is a new concept in India but is fast gaining popularity and it is expected to start a new trend of the blended learning model. Blended learning is expected to help to learn to continue beyond the four walls of the classroom, providing the students choice and flexibility to learn at their own pace, creating more opportunities for collective tasks and rethinking the approach towards assessments.
Virtual education has opened up possibilities for the way we are teaching and learning. The right usage of educational technology tools can help in transforming the classroom.
Distance learning during pandemic
The Coronavirus pandemic has forced a lot of experimentation in the education system. If online teaching is a success then there might be a permanent change in the outlook towards distance education. With most countries still battling the pandemic, universities are not expected to go back to in-person classes for some more time. Distance learning is the only approach that will ensure that students don’t lose a year and their education is not impacted severely. Below mentioned are some of the advantages of distance learning during pandemic
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Flexibility
Distance education enables the teachers and students to set their own learning pace. It offers the flexibility to set a schedule that is suitable for all the participants. Enrolling for distance education allows one to balance work and studies both. Online studies teaches important time management skills. Students can complete their course or studies uninterrupted without having to attend in person classes, not having to worry about contracting the virus during the pandemic.
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Affordability
Distance education courses and online studies are more affordable than attending a school or college. Students don’t have to spend on commuting and eating outside. Students don’t have to pay for hostel fees if the college or university is away from home. Online studies help save a lot of time, allowing them to take up additional work if required.
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Accessibility
Online education enables studying or teaching from any part of the world. One does not have to commute from one place to another or follow a rigid schedule. It helps save time and money. Web based learning is possible from anywhere where there is a good internet connection.
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Developing important skills
Studying online requires a student to be self-disciplined, self-motivated and good in communication. With online learning one can quickly hone and develop these skills which will be very useful for success in any workplace. Students will need to be self-motivated to complete their online course and submit their online assignments on time. Online courses do not involve much handholding as compared to in-person courses, hence the students have to be proactive always.
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Customized learning experience
As discussed above flexibility in distance education helps one to study at their own study pace. Online education can also be customized as per each student’s individual requirements and abilities. Online classes include a smaller number of participants as compared to traditional in person classes. Several times, online learning platforms allow one student at a time, this allows greater interaction between the student and teacher.
Distance education provides diverse study material in the form of videos, photos, and eBooks. The teachers may also integrate other formats like forums or discussions to improve their lessons. This content is available to the students and can be accessed anytime and from anywhere, which helps offer a more dynamic and customised learning experience
Learning during Covid-19 with CIIS
CIIS is a leading organization providing Distance Education courses to students in India. Over the years we have imparted education to thousands of students and working professionals in India. CIIS has collaborated with recognised Universities and Colleges across the globe. All the distance education courses offered by CIIS are from UGC, AICTE, Ministry of HRD Govt. of India approved national and internationally acclaimed Universities.
During these difficult times, we aim to offer students world-class distance education through excellent counselling, online student support, study material, web support, and quality evaluation and examination pattern to our learners.
