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Education in the Times of COVID-19


According to UNESCO figures, 777 million students have been forced out of schools and universities in a total of 100 countries as a result of the spread of the novel Coronavirus. As social distancing seems like a reality that is here to stay, the traditional mode of imparting education face-to-face will likely feel the heat for some months now.

There is, however, plenty of progressive news in the world of education. Institutes and educators are successfully and rapidlyembracing online learning practices to keep the flame of knowledge shining bright, curbing the effects of the pandemic on education.

Thanks to the use of innovative digital technologies, students have simply been driven into virtual classrooms, out from physical ones, and with the same level of efficacy. Even before COVID-19, many institutions were at the forefront of using education technologies to create improved learning opportunities. In a twist of fate for the education sector, the pandemic seems to have acted as a catalyst for creating new and more effective methods of education.

Delivering Education with Technology
A system to deliver education with the help of radio, real-time video conferencing, television and smartphone apps is already functional at many higher education institutions. These online mediums are proving very helpful in conducting engaging sessions between students and professors regularly.

Global agencies like UNESCO are also chipping in by rolling out a list of platforms for online learning. Since distance learning may continue for a while, given the Coronavirus outbreak, special attention is being placed on the content and relevance of subject matter.

To further enhance the quality of digital learning, a collaboration between students is also essential. Therefore, many institutions are leveraging platforms that allow uninterrupted screen sharing across devices.

Another critical practise that is well underway and must continue is that of paying teachers honorariumfor conducting online classes. This norm keeps them motivated and discourages them from seeking an alternate way to make money.

New-age Teaching Methodologies Surrounding Higher Technical Education
A relevant concern for many students is whether technical education, for example, in the field of engineering, aviation, or medicine can be sustained online. The answer is yes! A significant chunk of all technical courses constitutes of theoretical lectures that can be efficiently conducted through video conferencing or by recording high-quality sessions that can be shared later with students.

For instance, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has formalized distance training programme for flight crew, flight dispatchers, Cabin crew, LTCs, Load& Trim Personnel and Instructors.

Keeping the DGCA directives in mind, institutes like School for Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (SAME) is helping students to engage by conducting theoretical training sessions by using online platform.

But, teaching online can leave pupils brimming with doubts! To counter this, institutions of higher learning are arranging doubt clearing sessions for students and professors through a video or audio call.

Many institutions are also developing ways to test their students online by asking them to participate in real-time quizzes or present their work to a virtual panel of instructors.

Furthermore, the physical infrastructure of academic institutions was also a hotspot for parent-teacher meets- another aspect that now is getting addressed with the help of virtual conferencing.

The Bottom Line
Education is essential and must not come to a grinding halt amid the COVID-19 pandemic. This philosophy has led administrators to develop specialized modules and adopt innovative digital tools to ensure that the learning continues in full flow.

Digital technology was already the primary method used by students to apply, enrol and check their results. Now, the applications have been extended to the most critical step – teaching!


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