Why online learning is not for everyone

While some schools are using advanced tools to deliver content, others have Whatsapp as their only option, Shivangi Mishra and Sheetal Banchariya report

13.04.2020

Amid coronavirus lockdown, migrating towards online learning emerged as the organic option for all, but not everyone is able to make the most of this technological transformation. Most of the private schools rich with resources are effectively making use of Google Classrooms, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Blackboard, Tata Class Edge, but schools located in remote areas with limited infrastructure have to make do with restricted use of Whatsapp to stay connected with their classrooms.

At Satyug Darshan Vidyalaya, a residential school located in a semi-rural area of Faridabad, most students come from nearby villages to pursue education. “As students went back to their homes in areas where there is a problem of electricity and data connectivity, smooth online education for all is a huge challenge ,” says Jaishree Bhargava, principal of the school.

“Around 99% of the families have one smartphone which is shared by all members of the family for various purposes. In such a scenario, a child misses out on logging into the online classes held every morning. To deal with this, teachers are writing down assignments in the notebook, taking a picture and circulating it on Whatsapp. Similarly, students are completing the assignments in the notebook, clicking a picture and sending it to the teachers.

They have also been asked to download e-books and study material from Diksha app for self-study,” says Bhargava.

DAV School, Sahibabad, Sector 2, Rajendra Nagar, started online classes from March 24, a day after the 21-day lockdown was announced. “While conducting digital classes is easier for senior classes, for junior classes onus is on parents to be involved and assist children with online learning and assignments,” says Kavita Chopra, teacher at DAV.

For students who have issues with the availability of smart devices and connectivity, assignments and recorded videos are being sent via Whatsapp, says Chopra. Keeping this disparity in account, CBSE has not yet issued any blanket directives to affiliated schools to conduct online classes. The regulatory body has only given out advisories to schools to engage students in learning through interactive digital tools.

“Any further decision can be taken only after April 15. We understand that not all schools are equipped for holding classes online. Many students also do not have access to smartphones and internet. So, all options are being explored about how classes will be conducted if the situation persists,”

says Anurag Tripathi, secretary, CBSE. “Options of broadcasting classes through television and radio may be considered but it will render the learning process non-reciprocal as content delivery will become one way with no student-teacher interaction,” he adds. It does not serve the purpose of obtaining learning outcomes.

How higher education is adapting

For colleges and universities, the scenario may be a bit different but the fundamental challenges remain the same. While they are trying to minimise the academic loss through online classes and assignments, the transition has not been uniformly smooth.

“Few universities have opted for ICTbased learning since the last few years but the entire education system was not ready for such a drastic shift to online learning. Despite moderate preparedness, universities are finding it difficult to cater to learners from diverse backgrounds. Students from rural or tribal areas who migrated to cities may have received tech-based education while on the campus, but once they are back to their homes under the lockdown, delivering the content to them is a challenge,” says Rajnish Jain, secretary, University Grants Commission (UGC).

The UGC has also constituted a special committee consisting of vice chancellors of various state and central universities, headed by Nageswar Rao, VC of Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) to understand the challenges pertaining to online learning amid COVID-19. The universities are utilising the digital resources in the difficult times including the Choice-Based Credit System (CBCS), SWAYAM and other platforms by the MHRD.

“While online classes are allowing students to continue the learning, it can never replicate the traditional setup, which provides an environment to discuss and interact,” says Siva Umapathy, director, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Bhopal. Also, online classes are not feasible for students with research and application based work as an essential component, he adds.