Impact of Covid-19 on Education System
The number of learners affected by the pandemic is not in millions but billions. Due to the guidelines, many institutions switched to online classes for students of all levels including pre-primary, primary, secondary and tertiary. Due to this, about billions of students have been limited to a small screen rather than classes.
The mode of taking classes, group discussion, projects, conducting exams and even interaction between students and teachers have taken a drastic turn. As much as it is not a healthy or as beneficial way of studying as the offline classes, it makes sure that it is for the greater benefits of the students.
Benefits of Distance Learning During the Pandemic
Safe Environment
First of all, studying through distance learning allows students to confide in the safety of their households where the chances of getting in contact with the virus has been reduced almost to zero. Moreover, it also helps in keeping others safe. In case, any of the learner or teaching staff shows symptoms of being sick, it can’t affect the other people taking the online class.
Healthy Routine
A lot of students (mostly the secondary and tertiary levels of learners) miss on regular diets and meals while they are commuting or going to study. Moreover, a lot of students and teenagers like buying food from outside which may or may not follow all the protocols of pandemic hygiene. Distance learning during pandemic has improved the intake of homemade food and the routine of eating as well.
Time Management
With the growing need and competition, parents enrol their kids in more than one course or extracurricular activities to make them good in multiple areas. Commuting and going to different institutions for tuition or activities after school can exhaust the learners at the end of the day. Distance learning has provided the learners a chance to evaluate and manage their time wisely and switch to the most effective ways of learning new things.
Tips for Successful Online Studies
Save Assignment Dates
All the important dates like assignment submission, tests, and online presentations need to be saved. Either write it down in notes or set reminders for these dates. You can put two reminders, one prior the due date to prepare for the same and the other for the due date to not miss it out.
Prepare a Time-table
Distance learning during the pandemic has also highlighted the importance of having a proper time-routine. So, in order to properly execute and give necessary time to the studies, prepare a time table. Also, remember that you have to follow it in order for it to help effectively.
Ask & Interact
During the online classes, ask questions when and where it gets confusing and actively participate in the group discussions. This helps in clearing the doubts right away and learning. It might seem different from asking in the classrooms but it is important as the online classes are already limited in terms of interaction.
Be Flexible
Do not expect it to be as good as the physical, offline classrooms. Be flexible to these changes in order to make the transition from offline learning to online learning smoother. Switching to any new mode takes time in getting habitual and thus, instead of complaining or showing disinterest, helping other students and teachers with the knowledge you have about online classes can make the learning better.
Saying that Distance learning is the best solution during a pandemic might not be true but considering the safety and benefits it provides, it is surely the better option for studying than the offline classes.