Covid-19 and Online Education

A minuscule viable particle has altered every aspect of life these days, and education is no exception. Yes, distinguished readers, I am talking about coronavirus also known as covid 19. Despite the fact that It had muddled up the organized education sector on one side, it overwhelmingly created a lucrative scope for online education platforms on the other. While most of the organizations witnessed terrific losses, very few optimistic entrepreneurs created numerous opportunities for themselves as well as the teaching fraternity. Although every origination has its own set of advantages, and disadvantages, I will enumerate few advantages of online education subsequently covering some limitations. I firmly believe that disadvantages can be prevented through various preventive measures. 

Let’s begin with

Advantages

a)     Unparalleled Methods of teaching:

The best part of online education is the virtual techniques in picture-perfect format. When an educator delivers instructions showing a representative image of the content, it assimilates quickly, and effortlessly to the students. To name a few human blood circulation systems with parts labeled, the direction of blood flow from and to the heart will create a solid image in the minds of students. Similarly, an arithmetic hierarchy, a structure of plant leaf, a solar system with orbits can be used for scrupulous tutelage. Moreover, enormous data available online on each topic in both visual and illustrational format for free. Animations are used widely to demonstrate a process including appropriate effects. Furthermore, institutions using 3D technology virtual images for demonstrating component structures, complex processes, tabulating variables most significantly surgical procedures. 

  b)     Interactive learning:

Learning through interaction with animated characters became revolutionary these days. A topic is explained using a character, then the same character receives answers from the students to the questions beseeched. These characters react with funny expressions for answers, which creates humor in students learning as wells as seizes their attention throughout the session. This unique interactive learning is only possible in online education. The content can be tailored or modified according to the capabilities of the student. One does not need any educator for these sessions, once the student logs into the application the screen guides the student. Certain online courses emphasize learning through debating global issues in collaboration with international organizations. These initiatives help students gain international exposure to advanced techniques. Since most of the online education classes delivered in English, students can enhance their language proficiency skills parallelly. 

  c)     Computer Education:

Students master the art of operating computer, mobile phones, tablets, understating the working of electronic devices as well as increase their familiarity with different operating systems at a very young age. Students also have the flexibility to study as per their convenience.

 d)     Artificial Intelligence:

Any online activity by any user generates data, which is randomly stored as an internal record in the application used. This data periodically transferred to the developer. Those developers immediately pull the pattern of the user programming algorithms to facilitate intelligent tutoring systems. A customized learning interface prepared in concordance with student learning style and preference.

  e)     Entertaining Games:

Games are an awesome method for learning through play. Brain twister games, speeding games, and mind refreshing games pop up the intelligent quotient of the student. It has been informally popular that students who play video games have the capability to take decisions instantly. 

f)       Bye-bye Uniforms:

The majority of educational institutions employ certain standards to be followed by the students within the campus. One of the elemental codes is uniform, consisting of exclusive top, bottom, tie, belt, badge, shoe, socks, sweater including a jacket. Moreover, students are obliged to purchase from the vendor selected by the institution, which in turn result in increased prices. Although some of the institutions do not encourage uniforms, they specify the restrictions with regard to the student attire. In online education one does not need to follow the above criteria, parents supporting multiple students can save a substantial amount.

 g)     Zero transportation time:

Almost 60% of students travel every day to school via several modes of transportation. The average travel time to school is approximately an hour. A student can save nearly 300 hours of time in an academic year, keep himself away from all types of pollution. Simultaneously, contributing to the eco-friendly climate by reducing air, and noise pollution.  This is a huge contribution to the greener earth. Additionally, Parents can also save traveling time and financial bills associated with students traveling.

 h)     Limited Bags and books:

As a rule, every student has to carry some books, and material to the educational institution every single day. These books weigh an average of 5-7 kg per student. This is the primary concern for parents throughout the world. Irrespective of the class every student must carry all the books, whereas most of them remain unused. These heavy books tend to create posture problems in many kids with challenging health, and fitness levels. Moreover, these printed editions of books are prone to damage while handling. Online education does not require printed books most of the time, as the subject notes are converted into digital notes. Again, this approach consistently saves millions of trees.  

 i)       Fresh Lunch:

Every Students can experience the taste of freshly prepared food at home avoiding the use of microwaves and also get rid of the burden of carrying a lunch box.

 j)       Comfort:

There is no place in the world as comfortable as home. Students can take advantage of familial location which boosts their confidence in answering interactive questions.

 Limitations of Technology:

Unfortunately, the needful families in developing countries do not have access to basic necessities like electricity. In addition, the affordability of internet bills, as well as purchasing power of electronic gadgets to support online education, remain an obstacle. A dedicated learning ambiance is one more barrier for online education. Students may lack discipline in routine activities, social behavior including shaking hands, smiling, starting or involving in conversations moreover understanding colloquial language is substantially limited. Difficulty in using sign languages, handwriting skills, communication skills also considerable challenges to online students. Students also miss the perks that make them smile in the class. The size of the mobile screen, quality, or resolution of pictures are equally problematic for online education. Last but not the least, practical training sessions where human intervention plays a key role are not possible in online education.

Prevention of Disadvantages:

Emissions of radiations causing eyes strains can be avoided by taking breaks at regular intervals, a threat to privacy can be secured by maintaining dedicated gadgets for education without any financial or personnel information and addiction to mobiles can be prevented by continuous counseling. 

Guest Post By

Tareeqanwar Mohammed CG(ASCP)CM

Cytogenetic Technologist

Department of Pediatrics
Lubbock, Texas, USA.

Thank you Sheenz Educational Solutions for the opportunity.