Romilshrivastava · Follow
7 min read · Jun 24, 2020
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The COVID-19 has resulted in schools shut all across the world. Globally, over 1.2 billion children are out of the classroom. As a result, education has changed dramatically, with the distinctive rise of e-learning, whereby teaching is undertaken remotely and on digital platforms. Due to the current pandemic, the idea of online teaching has been widespread. From middle school to colleges and not limited to that, even while those who are working from home are conducting meetings and work regarding their projects online only. Bringing in the idea of working online is needed to be highlighted as well because what children learn is what they see their elders or parents do. With this sudden shift away from the classroom in many parts of the globe, some are wondering whether the adoption of online learning will continue to persist post-pandemic, and how such a shift would impact the worldwide education market. So it leads us to think whether if this sort of education has any merits or demerits. The detailed study and discussion can be seen as follows:
• It has changed the way of teaching. It enables teachers to reach out to students more efficiently and effectively through chat groups, video meetings, voting, and also document sharing, especially during this pandemic. Students also find it is easier to communicate. The traditional offline learning and e-learning can go hand by hand
• Some research shows that on average, students retain 25–60% more material when learning online compared to only 8–10% in a classroom. This is mostly due to the students being able to learn faster online; e-learning requires 40–60% less time than in a traditional classroom setting because students can learn at their own pace, going back and re-reading, skipping, or accelerating through concepts as they choose.
• The online classes, whatever the enabling technology, are only as good as the teachers and the ability of the students to grasp the new teaching technique. One of the teachers felt students are actually more responsive and active in online classrooms, compared to when they are in physical ones. This could be because this is a new concept and they are excited to explore it with the teachers. They also don’t get distracted by their classmates, which frequently happens in a regular class.
• Most schools are sorting out the timetable according to subject weightage, spread across the entire week. They are also ensuring that everything starting from attendance to giving assignments to students is done in a similar manner as their regular classroom so students don’t have to struggle to cope up.
Students who miss classes are contacted instantly through WhatsApp and proper reasons are taken. Schools are constantly sending out circulars and SMS, conducting parent orientation and checking mechanisms where the senior teachers are reviewing classes and gathering feedback to improve them in the future.
• At BYJU’S, they received an overwhelming response from the student community, with over six million new students accessing the app in March alone. Earlier, students used to spend 2–3 days per week on the platform, but because of the lockdown, they are using the platform on a daily basis. There is a whopping 200 percent surge in the overall engagement on the app. This shows that with schools still shut and other learning sources being unavailable, digital adoption has increased. There is a big behavioral shift in the parents’ mindset towards learning online, as they witness their kids benefiting from it, and seen Ed-Tech serve as an enabler in their growth.
• Discussions during video sessions, interactive online games like Kahoot, screen sharing, tests conducted through customized portals and homework submission platforms, are some of the tools employed in favor of a seamless learning experience. While teachers adapt and evolve their methodology to the online world, parents must continue to be supportive to help pull out all stops.
• There are teachers and schools putting extra effort to engage students in classes by revamping timetables, shifting discussions online, taking feedback from parents, and monitoring students constantly. While there are some who are doing the bare minimum and using WhatsApp to stay connected with students. Some schools are trying out tools like SeeSaw, Google Suite, and YouTube videos to make online classes as engaging as offline ones. But there are also those that are failing miserably at this shift.
• While some believe that the unplanned and rapid move to online learning — with no training, insufficient bandwidth, and little preparation — will result in a poor user experience that is unconducive to sustained growth, others believe that a new hybrid model of education will emerge, with significant benefits.
• There are, however, challenges to overcome. Some students without reliable internet access and/or technology struggle to participate in digital learning; this gap is seen across the country and between income brackets within India.
• The effectiveness of online learning varies amongst age groups. The general consensus on children, especially younger ones, is that a structured environment is required because kids are more easily distracted. To get the full benefit of online learning, there needs to be a concerted effort to provide this structure and go beyond replicating a physical class/lecture through video capabilities, instead, using a range of collaboration tools and engagement methods that promote “inclusion, personalization, and intelligence”.
• Online class is a fairly new concept and children are pretty excited initially to be part of it. The virtual classes via Zoom are being conducted smoothly. There are some drawbacks such as the lack of a platform to submit assignments. Students are required to write the assignments, take a picture of it and email, which gets tough for the child as well as the teacher.
• The teachers send photos, often unclear ones, of notes in a WhatsApp group and expect the parents to note it down on behalf of the children. In today’s time, when both parents are working, it is difficult to do the tasks given by the schools. This shows how the school fails to connect with the child.
• Considering that theirs is a generation heavily dependent on gadgets, getting them to use the devices is not an issue but getting them to use it judiciously and in a manner that doesn’t drain them completely, requires a lot of planning and monitoring both by parents and teachers.
• Few schools have moved from Zoom to a TCL product which isn’t very interactive or easy to use. It only allows the teachers to record videos and uploads them on the platform; the students can connect with the teachers only via chat. There’s no one-on-one communication happening.
• Teachers do find the absence of a board a disadvantage and network connectivity a constant problem. They are kind of making do with the virtual whiteboard on Zoom.
• There are other concerns too. For example, our education system still expects children to write exams. It’s difficult to monitor actual writing in a virtual mode: they might get good at typing, but getting them to readjust to offline mode might be a challenge too.
• Too much screen time can be perilous for health. Prolonged online sessions can be overwhelming and may lead to problems related to vision, body posture, and sleep disorder.
• Although kids are widely held to be more tech-savvy than adults, there is always the exception. Assessment over a digital platform vastly varies from the physical assessment.
• Indian students are not trained to be taught online. Many don’t own a smartphone, especially those from economically poor backgrounds. Buying an Internet pack is a common hassle. Moreover, these students often struggle to get a proper Internet connection. Even teachers are not used to teaching online. They are trained to teach in classrooms using the blackboard. Teaching on a mobile phone gets very difficult as how to hold the phone, and it becomes a problem to concentrate on the topic they are trying to teach.
• This “forced” online learning has its issues! While learning still goes on, it does not take into account the learning, or for that matter the teaching styles/personality that takes place in the face to face classroom. There are technological options, but they are not the same as the face to face, and students with dated technology may find it difficult to keep up.
• It affects much especially in terms of time and hands-on activities in the part of the students. Online classes don’t support all the instruction to be given by the teachers because there are varied learners. Out of these varied learners, most of the learners want to learn by doing with the guidance and instruction of teachers. They are not totally confident to perform alone following what is in the video or audio, they prefer actual simulation.
There are some studies on remote learning suggesting that grades tend to be a little lower from students who learn remotely but clearly it is hard to control variables here. It probably depends on whether the parents are quarantined, the age and motivation of the child, and a host of factors. One would be surprised if, overall, student’s learning wasn’t impacted at least to some extent. It is clear that this pandemic has utterly disrupted an education system that many asserts were already losing its relevance. In his book, 21 Lessons for the 21st Century, scholar Yuval Noah Harari outlines how schools continue to focus on traditional academic skills and rote learning, rather than on skills such as critical thinking and adaptability, which will be more important for success in the future. Could the move to online learning be the catalyst to create a new, more effective method of educating students? While some worry that the hasty nature of the transition to online may have hindered this goal, others plan to make e-learning part of their ‘new normal’ after experiencing the benefits first-hand.
FAQs
What are the benefits of our current system of education? ›
Those who get an education have higher incomes, have more opportunities in their lives, and tend to be healthier. Societies benefit as well. Societies with high rates of education completion have lower crime, better overall health, and civic involvement. Lack of access to education is considered the root of poverty.
What are the pros and cons of working in education? ›Pros of Teaching | Cons of Teaching |
---|---|
Summer vacations and holidays | Salary |
Connecting with other teachers and staff | Lack of support from administration |
Always learning and continuing to grow | Continuous professional development requirements |
Over the long run, there is strong evidence that educational achievement is slowly improving all over the world. In America, including California, long-term measurable learning results have been improving for students in all subgroups. Graduation rates are improving. College-going rates have risen.
Should education be free pros and cons? ›Pro's of Tuition Free College | Con's of Tuition Free College |
---|---|
Reduces student debt | Increase in taxes |
Improved college graduation rates | College may not be taken seriously |
More freedom to choose a major you enjoy | College education could decrease in quality |
College graduates have lower smoking rates, more positive perceptions of personal health, and lower incarceration rates than individuals who have not graduated from college. Higher levels of education are correlated with higher levels of civic participation, including volunteer work, voting, and blood donation.
What are the pros and cons of higher education? ›Pros of Attending College | Cons of Attending College |
---|---|
Higher earning potential | High cost |
Access to more jobs | Opportunity cost of time spent not working |
More learning opportunities | The availability of high-paying, no-degree jobs |
Networking opportunities | Underemployed college graduates |
What are the disadvantages of work-study? Limited hours, relatively low pay and a lack of available positions at some schools are some disadvantages of work-study. You must also reapply for work-study each year to reassess your eligibility.
Is the US education system good or bad? ›The education system in US is considered the superior system in the world. This is because they offer a rich and wide range of choices for international students. The most enticing attribute of the US education system is its versatility.
Why the US education system is the best? ›What Are the Pros of the American Education System? The pros of the US education system are high diversity in its student body, universities that receive global recognition, flexibility when it comes to your academic education, and enriching experience as a student due to countless student-body organizations.
What are pros and cons examples? ›the advantages and disadvantages of something, especially something that you are considering doing: We're just weighing the pros and cons of moving to a bigger house. We looked at the financial pros and cons of the deal. Doctors should take the time to talk over the pros and cons of any treatment with their patients.
What are pros and cons briefly explain? ›
The pros and cons of something are its advantages and disadvantages, which you consider carefully so that you can make a sensible decision.
What is pros and cons in simple words? ›the favorable and the unfavorable factors or reasons; advantages and disadvantages.
Why should everyone get education? ›It helps people become better citizens, get a better-paid job, shows the difference between good and bad. Education shows us the importance of hard work and, at the same time, helps us grow and develop. Thus, we are able to shape a better society to live in by knowing and respecting rights, laws, and regulations.
Is education worth the cost? ›Despite the high costs associated with going to college, it can be worth it for many people. You may very well find that your investment pays off in the long run, by allowing you to build a well-paid, successful career. Not to mention the invaluable life experience and connections you gain at school.
Why should education be free? ›Free College Increases Graduation Rates and Financial Security. Free tuition programs appear to improve students' chances of completing college. For example, Harris noted that his research found a meaningful link between free college tuition and higher graduation rates.
Do you think higher education is important why or why not? ›People with a college education are more likely to get involved in their community. It is also true that a degree informs on more than just one's major. Higher education explores complex issues regarding health, the environment, business, and politics.
What are the economic benefits of education? ›Decades of research confirm that increased investment in education leads to increased economic growth. This includes higher salaries for individuals, greater workforce effectiveness, and higher gross domestic product.
What does having a good education mean? ›Students learn better, and score better on tests, when they feel supported in school, and have explicit guidance and skills on regulating their behavior and recognizing how it affects themselves and others. They're less likely to get distracted or to distract others, and that translates into academic gains.
Is higher education more healthy? ›Higher education helps people secure better-paying jobs with fewer safety hazards. Income from these employment opportunities may improve health by increasing people's ability to accrue material resources, such as higher-quality housing, as well as psychosocial resources, such as higher social status.
What are the cons of large school? ›Larger schools and campuses tend to have more students, meaning you could easily be lost in the crowd. Lecture classes, for example, could have up to 300 students! Even with 100 or 50, it's hard to stand out to a professor and make an impression. You could lose out on some beneficial relationships with your teachers.
Does higher education lead to a better life? ›
Individuals with higher levels of education are more likely to live longer, healthier, and happier lives. Their choices can also influence family members in creating positive habits and healthy lifestyles.
What are the pros and cons of scholarships? ›Pros of College Scholarships | Cons of College Scholarships |
---|---|
Scholarships look great on your resume when applying for jobs. | There are often more conditions and requirements for maintaining the scholarship funds. |
Time-Consuming: On-the-job training can be a time-consuming process. Depending on the complexity of the job and the number of skills one needs to teach, a certain amount of time is necessary for the trainer to teach the trainee effectively.
What is the main disadvantages of off the job learning? ›Disadvantages of off-the-job training
Course content is more likely to be generic rather than specific to an individual organisation, which may pose problems when trying to transfer skills to real-life work situations.
Working from home comes with the benefits of no commute, your own personal space, increased flexibility, and more money saved. The downsides of working from home include social and professional isolation and lack of innovation from in-office interaction.
What is the negative impact of technology in work? ›Distraction is one of the most harmful impacts of technology at the workplace. The result? Cognitive scientist Gloria Mark says, is, people compensating for interruptions by working faster, leading to stress, frustration and pressure. All of this leads to poor productivity.
Who has the best education system? ›United States. The United States takes the number one spot on the list due to its large number of prestigious universities and well-developed higher education system.
How can education be improved? ›- Technology Usage. ...
- Teacher Training. ...
- Cultural Activities. ...
- Motivational Guests. ...
- Student Counseling. ...
- School Maintenance. ...
- Parent-teacher Communication. ...
- Activities Outside Classrooms.
Students normally attend 12 grades of study over 12 calendar years of primary/elementary and secondary education before graduating and earning a diploma that makes them eligible for admission to higher education. Education is mandatory until age 16 (18 in some states).
Does the United States have the best education system? ›For the most part, these publications and organizations agree the U.S. does, in fact, have the best system of higher education in the world. Almost all rank the U.S. system highest based on numerous factors, and American universities dominate the top 20 on every list.
Is US education the best in the world? ›
The U.S. repeats as the No. 1 best country for education in 2022. The public education system in the country is funded largely through state and local taxes, with students required to begin compulsory education as young as age 5 and progress through at least age 16, depending on the state.
What is the biggest education problem in the world? ›“One in six adults on the planet cannot read or write. Some 600 million women and 300 million men, 99 percent of them in the developing countries, remain illiterate. Some 115 million children between six and eleven—one in five—are not in school.
What is the greatest challenge that students face today 2023? ›- Introduction. ...
- Climate Change and Sustainability. ...
- Increased Focus on Applied Learning and Graduate Employability. ...
- Falling Enrolment Rates.
- Are private schools better than public schools?
- Should schools be allowed to teach critical race theory?
- Are standardized tests effective?
- Should schools teach abstinence instead of sexual education?
- Should schools make condoms available to students?
- Ask yourself a clear question! There are a variety of decision-making techniques. ...
- Find pros and cons! ...
- Assess the importance of the individual points! ...
- Evaluate the probability of the pros and cons items. ...
- Determine the weighs. ...
- Eliminate superfluous arguments! ...
- Analyze and decide!
Pros-vs-cons reasoning seeks to weigh up the arguments for a case (pros) against the arguments against the case (cons). The argument will usually end up with a conclusion of whether the pros or cons are stronger, thus precipitating a 'reasonable' conclusion.
What are pros and cons advantages? ›These are latin terms which means “for or against.” Pros - to say something in favour of (It might be some topic, concept and theory). Cons - to say something against. Simply, you can think pros as decribing about the advantages and cons as disadvantages.
What is the full words of pros vs cons? ›Pro is a full word, and is also used as a prefix, meaning "for" or forward". (The same prepostion/adverb exists in Greek, both ancient and modern, as pros.) But con is the English shortened form of the Latin word contra, meaning against, or opposed to.
What is the meaning of cons? ›a disadvantage or a reason for not doing something: One of the cons of buying a bigger car is that it costs more to run.
Is pros positive or negative? ›“Pro” is a positive term that refers to the advantages in a situation when weighed against an opposing option. By using “pro” as an adjective or adverb to express support, it is a positive descriptor.
What is the meaning of pros? ›
pro noun [C] (ADVANTAGE)
an advantage to or a reason for doing something: One of the big pros of living in Madrid is the night life. Fewer examples. You have to weigh all the pros and cons of the matter before you make a decision. That's one of the pros of working here.
Through education I've learned hard work, decisiveness, and persistence can lead to opportunities I never knew could exist. My education as a college student has shaped me to dig deep within myself and overcome mental boundaries. Additionally, education has shaped me to challenge myself at whatever I do.
What is one benefit of a college education is being? ›College is important for many reasons, including increased career stability and satisfaction, and the ability to make an impact on your community. With more and more careers requiring advanced education, a college degree can be critical to your success in today's workforce.
What are the social and economic benefits of public education? ›A population that is better educated has less unemployment, reduced dependence on public assistance programs, and greater tax revenue. Education also plays a key role in the reduction of crime, improved public health, and greater political and civic engagement.
How does the government affect education? ›Students are therefore protected against discrimination based on race, gender, religion, or disability, or ethnicity through the 14th Amendment. The federal government also influences education by allocating funding only to those school districts that follow certain federal guidelines.
How does education make us better people? ›Education can also lead to more accurate health beliefs and knowledge, and thus to better lifestyle choices, but also to better skills and greater self-advocacy. Education improves skills such as literacy, develops effective habits, and may improve cognitive ability.
How can we contribute to education system? ›- Donate supplies.
- Volunteer in the classroom.
- Nominate schools for grants.
- Think outside the classroom.
- Attend meetings.
- Encourage participation. ...
- The importance of STEM education.
“Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” —Malcolm X. As this famous quote begins, “Education is an important element in the struggle for human rights.
What are 3 opportunity benefits of a college education? ›- Is College Necessary for a Successful Future?
- Increased Access to Job Opportunities.
- Preparation for a Specialized Career.
- Increased Marketability.
- Increased Earning Potential.
- Economic Stability.
- Networking Opportunities.
- A Pathway to Advancement.
- Discover Your Interests. College tends to be a time full of discovery. ...
- Increased Job Opportunities. Many jobs require a college degree. ...
- Higher Potential Earnings. ...
- Lower Unemployment Rate. ...
- Job Satisfaction and Security. ...
- Improved Skills. ...
- Personal Development. ...
- Networking.
How does getting a college education benefit you and society? ›
For example, the average graduate is 24 percent more likely to be employed and average earnings among graduates are $32,000 higher annually and $1.2 million higher over a lifetime. Moreover, those with college degrees are more than twice as likely to volunteer and they contribute nearly 3.5 times more money to charity.