The Online classes

  Covid-19 has introduced an excellent platform to the world “the online classes”. Not only education but the major communication is carried out through this platform. And it’s becoming the “modus operandi” for the world. Although the phenomenon of; distance learning was exploring slowly and people were adopting it gradually, the Pandemic has given an unimaginable boom to it. It’s still debatable whether online classes are the future or not? Controversies and speculations are still surrounding the debate; few conjectures that primary section students should be exempted from the online classes because their exposure to gadgets is having an adverse effect on them. On the other end, teachers are also having mixed reactions; few are in favor of it and few are not. Those who are not in favor, are arguing that they are facing issues like; lack of concentration by a student, students don’t switch on cameras. Hence, teachers feel less motivated to teach. Also, class attendance is compromised and real evaluation can’t be done. These are just a handful of issues just to name a few.

The students sometimes don’t realize how annoying and infuriating it is for teachers if they don’t turn on their cameras. They will only realize when they will step into the teacher’s shoes. From students’ end and from their perspective they can argue that we carefully listen to the audio but because of some inevitable circumstances, we don’t turn on the webcam.  But the same can be proclaimed by the teacher. Practicing the liberty of online classes in a negative manner will land students in difficult consequences.

 Suggestions to combat the problem are many.

From the teacher’s end, to make the issue subtle, management can introduce a simple user-friendly marking system from the online portal. Also, an ingenious style of entry for those students who are not maintaining discipline in class should be introduced.

Teachers are anticipating a robust marking system. But still, I think we should wait for Google or Apple who can in the future give us quick-fix solutions from this strenuous situation.  Sharing a few weird ideas popping in my mind; an app can be developed which can record the screen time of student by his/her retina. Or, camera access of the student should be in the teacher’s hand. We are looking forward to exceptional and unimaginable innovation in this regard; let’s see who will pioneer the change.

I was wondering, how a more reactive and effective interaction can be established between the teacher and the student. I personally inferred that the most effective method would be one to one teaching. If a teacher is teaching a single student, he will be more attentive towards the teacher. But certainly, it can’t be implemented by every faculty.

Sometimes teachers are also reluctant to implement and accept the change the current pandemic is asking. Teachers are looking for the Pandemic to end and start teaching in class in the physical presence of students. But the sooner the fact is accepted the more relaxed they will become. Though students will start to attend school and educational institutes; online teaching will become a new trend in the world.

The adverse effect connected to online study and education required to be fixed immediately. 

Prolonged and stretched screen time have a negative effect on overall health.  Eyes are the first most affected organ by the light emitted from the screen. The proper sitting posture is paramount in maintaining proper health. The screen and eye alignment should be adjusted properly to avoid back and neck pain. Few exercises are also mentioned here to avoid these adverse effects on our bodies. 

As most of our activities are Asynchronous (not time-bound), regular sleep cycle and eating habits are disturbed. These problems are faced especially by the people who are encouraged to WFO (work from home). Owing to the pandemic educational institute is the last sector to get operational normally. Still, after 7 months it seems that for a few more months normal functioning of schools and colleges will not resume.

Why diets are affected?

Although, we know that proper intake of water is necessary at a regular interval but we take the matter lightly, as we are tied up to the screen we are least bothered about anything else. We are so indulged and engrossed in it that we don’t know what is going on around us. On the other hand, a proper nutritional diet at a particular time is also important. Eating erratically will lead to different ailments.

Technical support.

If we want to go for a long drive it’s imperative to choose a well-maintained and suitable vehicle, keeping in mind the course of the drive and vivid obstacles. Likewise, teaching and learning online requires suitable technical tools; all devices should have updated technical support along with strong network connectivity. After more than seven months of online classes, few students are recklessly complaining of network and grousing device issues. This indolent and lazy nature shows that they are not ready to accept the challenge of the era. Trying hand and embracing the change is the need of the hour. The teacher can be allowed to teach from the school premises which can help teachers to use the desired tools like the board, etc. for teaching.

Few online teaching techniques are discussed in the following article;

https://www.edutopia.org/article/value-camera-optional-policy

 It will help in enhancing the performance of the teacher. For students who are not able to concentrate on class at home should select a convenient place where he can remain alert, perceptive, and vigilant.

Sports and group activities.

The most imperative part which is missing in online learning is group activities and sports. However, every individual is more or less participating in ample social media groups but partaking actively in academic issues is seen very less. Indulging in curriculum group activities and asking for assistance in academic works from faculty, will keep depression in students at bay. Owing to the online classes issues like depression and lack of tranquillity can’t be overcome by just asking Google. Each and every case requires a deep case study and then it should be treated accordingly.

Let’s end this article by expecting immediate combat from this pandemic and hope for normalcy very soon.

Best of luck! And be ready to seize the opportunity of each and every moment of life. Readers are requested to share their valuable comments in the comment section. 

Thank you.