By Rahul Saxena
CEO Squad Connect
Online Education, as discussed in previous article and as we hear in media, is here to stay in some form or the other. It is therefore important for us as students and/or Teachers to prepare ourselves for this new way of teaching.
The most important thing to do is firstly to be ready in our mind to adapt to it. It’s a change in way of learning and only thing that will make it a happier experience will be our strong mindset and willingness to manage online education.
Next comes understanding of technology. Expert knowledge in technology is not required; basic knowledge will do. Understanding how internet works and how video conferencing tools work are basic things to adapt to. It may seem easy for lot of people but for many it maybe a big change. Nevertheless, do not be worried because of it. With time and practice we all can be accustomed to them.
Furthermore, as a student there could be concerns about how to manage notes while listening to a teacher. One can use a physical notebook as we do in classrooms and take notes. Sometimes classes are recorded too which can help. Also, sometime mobiles and computers can help too with typing notes in softwares such as Notes in phones or Microsoft Word in Computer. Another thing that can affect students is how to ask doubts when the question arises in mind. In classes we can do straightaway, but in online classes it may not be possible always, especially if they are pre-recorded classes or if asking questions during classes is not feasible.
If they are live classes then a student can wait till end of the class or follow instructions of teachers on how to ask questions. Otherwise, they can make note of them and ask them at end of class or personally. As Teachers, we must inform the students how they can ask questions or clear their doubts in a way that doesn’t affect flow of class, as well as, helps address concerns of students.
As Teachers, we must also help students know how the Institutions or Teachers themselves are there to assist students and help them in adapting to this new way of learning, especially notes and assignments. Lot of colleges and schools may use online servers or platforms to keep notes, etc. It is important to guide students on how to understand and work on the servers and find necessary information.
One more thing that us Teachers and Institutions need to take care of is what happens if our or the student’s internet does not work on a day. Can we use alternate methods such as emails or phones for teaching? We must find flexible methods.
In return, we as students must also be respectful and understanding towards our teachers for who adapting to this technological change may be harder. We must also give them time too to adjust and adapt.
One thing that is important for Students is to use only the recommended softwares or methods to take classes only. This will help keep us safe and secure while taking lessons. Further, if someone tries to bully online, do contact teachers or family.
One more thing that may come as a challenge is affect of Online Education on emotional health. Lot of students, as well as, Teachers have complained about it being lonely and affecting their emotional health. I am not an expert on emotional health but we can try some ways to keep ourselves connected with other students or Teachers through online meetings or interactions, even if it’s once in a week. We must remember due to current Covid-19 pandemic it may seem more lonely as we are all at home.
But once we are out of it, we can meet our friends and teachers socially and connect online for education, depending how the Institutions use Online Education then. But for now, let’s try to adapt to it and find ways to keep ourselves happy through online meetings/ hangouts or phone calls just to talk and meet friends/ Teachers. We are social animals and it’s important for us to be social. Let’s find ways to keep ourselves social in these lockdown times.
Also, if it affects you in any form, then do speak to your parents, teachers, family to take help and guidance. It is not something to be ashamed of and taking care of ourselves is a very strong thing.
Do note, we are together in this and together we all can make it a happy process for us all. It takes times to adapt to new things but with compassion and understanding towards each other we all can make use of it.
Let’s welcome this change with open minds and make sure to stay happy.
