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Learning during the global crisis!
As the world grappled with the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, traditional education systems were forced to adapt rapidly. It is convincing that navigating education in lockdown was made possible by online education which emerged as a lifeline for students, offering a transformative and resilient solution to continue learning amidst the crisis.
In online education where screens became windows to a world of knowledge and connection. It offered a journey that unveiled the surprising joys and unexpected pleasures amidst the digital landscape of learning. Getting up in the morning just 5 minutes before the class started, sipping coffee in between classes, or sometimes even breakfast, moving tabs, and scrolling Instagram was such an amusement. Though it wasn't always the case, some classes were amazing, and I would immerse myself in the classes. And that's how my freshman year started, through Google Meet.
While physically distanced, it allowed my imagination to grow, discover my interest and follow my passion. But it was not just that, as the world grappled with the pandemic, the only hope to learn was through Online mode.
There were some moments of unexpected fun—a sudden laughter shared in the chat box or a classmate's unique background setting. These seemingly trivial moments become cherished memories that we still talk about among ourselves and laugh at.
Moreover, Online education provided the flexibility to customize schedules, fitting education around other commitments such as work or family responsibilities. During the lockdown, everyone became more immersed in technology than ever before. Online education undeniably served as a catalyst for developing technological skills and utilizing various online tools for research and collaboration.
However, a story of unexpected challenges and hurdles were also faced. Imagine sitting in frustration as the Internet connection fails, and here goes the line “You're not audible”. You definitely must have heard it in one of the classes! The student blaming the teacher for poor internet connection and vice versa. It happened a lot. The once reliable technology, becomes an antagonist.
As the online education platform grew, so did the issues related to health. An average teen spent more than 7 hours of screen time. Higher screen time leads to a higher level of depression, dryness in the eyes, obesity, and sleeping problems. In a research conducted by the International Journal of Innovative Research, the lack of physical presence has become a hindrance to peer collaborations and forming interpersonal connections. Navigating people through names and those pixelated faces to know the person behind the screen. Most students also yearned for the personal connections that once shaped their educational journey, leaving them now with a feeling of isolation and disconnected from their peers and teachers.
No wonder Japan had to take lessons on how to smile after the pandemic!
It also became difficult to be self-disciplined.
The lines between work, rest, and play blurred, and the boundaries of time dissipated. Without a structured routine of a physical classroom, distractions threatened to steal attention, the allure of social media, the comforts of bed, and the constant battle against procrastination. I used to see my sister who was still in elementary school attend classes sitting like an upside-down sloth.
Online education demands self-discipline and motivation from students. Without the traditional classroom setting and face-to-face interactions, learners must be self-directed and proactive in managing their time, completing assignments, and staying engaged with the course.
Online education has transformed the educational landscape, offering unprecedented accessibility and flexibility. However, it has also presents challenges such as technological disparities, self-discipline, and limited social interaction.
The benefits of taking online classes are beginning to outweigh the drawbacks as technological capabilities have advanced to new heights and many of the major concerns of students are been constantly addressed.
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