PANDEMIC COVID-19 BRING A HUGE CHANGE IN INDIAN EDUCATION SYSTEM

 INTRODUCTION

The COVID - 19 pandemic also known as the coronavirus pandemic, is an ongoing global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome. The novel virus was first identified from an outbreak in Wuhan, CHINA, in December, 2019. Attempts to contain it there failed allowing the virus to spread worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on 30th January, 2020 and a pandemic on 11 March, 2020

     Symptoms of COVID-19 are variable, ranging from mild symptoms to critical and possibly fatal illness. Common symptoms include coughing, fever, loss of smell and taste, with less common ones including headaches, nasal congestion and runny nose, muscle pain, sore throat, diarrhea, eye irritation, and toes swelling or turning purple, and in moderate to severe cases breathing difficulties. People with the COVID-19 infection may have different symptoms, and their symptoms may change over time. Three common clusters of symptoms have been identified one respiratory symptom cluster with cough, sputum, shortness of breath, and fever; a musculoskeletal symptom cluster with muscle and joint pain, headache, and fatigue a cluster of digestive symptoms with abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.

1st CASE IN MAHARASHTRA

The first case of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Indian state of Maharashtra was confirmed on 9 March 2020.

1st LOCKDOWN IN ALL OVER INDIA

On March 24, 2020, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for a complete lockdown of the entire nation for 21 days in an effort to contain the COVID-19 pandemic. In a televised address to the nation, the PM said that even those nations with the best medical facilities could not contain the virus and that social distancing is the only option to mitigate it. He said this decision was taken from the experiences of health sector experts and experiences of other countries and that 21 days is essential to break the chain of infection.

   

EDUCATION SYSTEM BEFORE PANDEMIC

          Before pandemic students used to go physically in the school. They have to learn each and every subject in front of the teacher. Teachers also teach all the subjects in the classroom so they can know the problems of their students and they can solve them immediately. Students can ask their doubts on the spot to the teacher  and clarify them. There is co-ordination between student and teacher . During school students have some break to have their lunch so they can mixed up with each and every student. schools have included P.T. period also. So in that period they can play sports or do any physical exercise. 

       Before covid-19 students physical as well as mental growth and development was increased day by day. In short before pandemic students school life / education system was amazing. Everyday they met their friends there were no restrictions like wear mask, sanitize your hands or wash your hands regularly, don't touch anywhere. That's why students can enjoy there school life freely.

          

PANDEMIC COVID-19 BRING A HUGE CHANGE IN INDIAN EDUCATION SYSTEM

                                      

On 24th March, 2020 our Prime Minister announced 21 days lockdown due to that schools had also closed. This situation was very new to everyone, all the parents and students were happy because without examination government has declared to pass all the students.  

         But when June 2020 starts after that it was a big question in front of the govt of India, parents and students. Till that time  lockdown was also goes on increasing. so according to the situation govt. announced online education system has to be introduced in India. Now many of the teaching staff as well as students and parents don't know about online teaching or online class / education. Globally, billions of students are affected and are out of the classroom.

           Teachers get introduced with the new technology. As a result, education has changed dramatically, with the specific rise of e-learning, whereby teaching is undertaken remotely and on digital platforms. Sadly, the setting of the traditional classroom has now become a past. World’s well-preparedness with the extensive and robust mobile network and affordable data in virtually every part of it has made the shift possible. Digital technology with easy access to the internet helped bring remote learning opportunities, online classrooms, and access to high-quality education even in rural and semi-urban locations. From conducting live lectures to uploading study material and conducting examinations, the institutions give it all for the students to learn better.

      

As with most teaching methods, online learning also has its own set of positives and negatives aspects.

ADVANTAGES

1. Efficiency

        Online learning offers teachers an efficient way to deliver lessons to students. Online learning has a number of tools such as videos, PDFs, podcasts, and teachers can use all these tools as part of their lesson plans. By extending the lesson plan beyond traditional textbooks to include online resources, teachers are able to become more efficient educators.

2. Accessibility Of Time And Place

       Another advantage of online education is that it allows students to attend classes from any location of their choice. It also allows schools to reach out to a more extensive network of students, instead of being restricted by geographical boundaries. Additionally, online lectures can be recorded, archived, and shared for future reference. This allows students to access the learning material at a time of their comfort.

3. Affordability 

         Another advantage of online learning is reduced financial costs. Online education is far more affordable as compared to physical learning. This is because online learning eliminates the cost points of student transportation, student meals, and most importantly, real estate. Additionally, all the course or study materials are available online, thus creating a paperless learning environment which is more affordable, while also being beneficial to the environment.

 

4. Improved Student Attendance  

         Since online classes can be taken from home or location of choice, there are fewer chances of students missing out on lessons.

 

5. Suits A Variety Of Learning Styles 

        Every student has a different learning journey and a different learning style. Some students are visual learners, while some students prefer to learn through audio. Similarly, some students thrive in the classroom, and other students are solo learners who get distracted by large groups. The online learning system, with its range of options and resources, can be personalized in many ways. It is the best way to create a perfect learning environment suited to the needs of each student.

DISADVANTAGES

1. Inability To Focus On Screens

           For many students, one of the biggest challenges of online learning is the struggle with focusing on the screen for long periods of time. With online learning, there is also a greater chance for students to be easily distracted by social media or other sites. Therefore, it is imperative for the teachers to keep their online classes crisp, engaging, and interactive to help students stay focused on the lesson.

 

2. Technology Issues 

          Another key challenge of online classes is internet connectivity. While internet penetration has grown in leaps and bounds over the past few years, in smaller cities and towns, a consistent connection with decent speed is a problem. Without a consistent internet connection for students or teachers, there can be a lack of continuity in learning for the child. This is detrimental to the education process.

 

3. Sense Of Isolation 

         Students can learn a lot from being in the company of their peers. However, in an online class, there are minimal physical interactions between students and teachers. This often results in a sense of isolation for the students. In this situation, it is imperative that the school allow for other forms of communication between the students, peers, and teachers. This can include online messages, emails and video conferencing that will allow for face-to-face interaction and reduce the sense of isolation.

 

4. Teacher Training 

          Online learning requires teachers to have a basic understanding of using digital forms of learning. However, this is not the case always. Very often, teachers have a very basic understanding of technology. Sometimes, they don’t even have the necessary resources and tools to conducts online classes. To combat this, it is important for schools to invest in training teachers with the latest technology updates so that they can conduct their online classes seamlessly.

5. Manage Screen Time

         Many parents are concerned about the health hazards of having their children spend so many hours staring at a screen. This increase in screen time is one of the biggest concerns and disadvantages of online learning. Sometimes students also develop bad posture and other physical problems due to staying hunched in front of a screen.

A good solution to this would be to give the students plenty of breaks from the screen to refresh their mind and their body.

SUMMRY

            The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in servere economic and social impact around the world. Young people are particularly vulnerable to the disruptions the pandemic has caused and many are now at risk of being left behind in education, economic opportunities, and health and wellbeing during a crucial stage of their life development. However the response and recovery must be done in a way that protects the human rights of all youth.