The pandemic has caused a rippling effect all across the globe. Many businesses had to shut down, which has led to a massive economical loss for countries around the world. Undeniably, COVID-19 has affected all industries and the education industry is no exception. In fact, the educational institutes were among the first targeted industries to the pandemic’s influence.
Coronavirus can be a fatal disease for many people, especially to the ones with weakened immunity. It is highly contagious and the best preventative measure to control its spread is by practicing social distancing. To practice such a task, countries across the planet has started educating their citizens through online classes. Educational institutes are using a wide range of software to achieve this. Many are using the digital kiosk Dubai as an example to deliver quality education to the students. Similarly, many applications are being used for remote learning.
Remote learning is the only option left for students to ensure that their education is not compromised because of the pandemic. Hopefully, the pandemic is temporal and as soon as the widespread pandemic dies down the education system can return back to normal. However, for now, the education system has to face plenty of challenges that concern students’ effective learning. The precaution from contracting the virus include self-isolation and social distancing. The education system is faced with a challenge to meet not only with student’s satisfaction but the educators too. Delivering quality education while ensuring students’ and teachers’ convenience.
Table of Contents
Here’s how the pandemic has affected the education system:
SCHOOLS CLOSING
Public places across the world are either instructed to get closed or limit public interaction. This will help control the virus as fewer people interact with one another. Schools are a social platform for students to engage in various activities.
While the healthcare systems are doing their job of providing patients with quality treatment to ensure their quick recovery, it is important that other industries take all due preventative measures. The burden put upon the healthcare system is too heavy for them to carry in certain parts of the world. By implementing a proper lockdown that ensures very little public interaction will help control the spread of the virus. The school, colleges, and universities were first targeted for a complete shutdown. The shutting down of schools led the education system to come up with strategies that do not compromise students’ learning. Schools encourage students to grow their cognitive abilities that the society cannot put at its risk for the sake of its betterment.
ONLINE CLASSES
The education system has shifted online and it has become a duty upon every student to own the internet facility. Distant learning is made easy through the internet and conferencing apps. Conferencing apps allow classes of a huge number of students to take live classes while their educators teach.
Online learning programs are introduced in numerous institutions so that students do not fall out of the habit of learning. Education is important for all human beings. Without education, our society cannot move forward towards the path of a successful future and development. Distance learning has been made possible through the online facilities that allow students to have an interactive learning experience from the comfort of their homes. They are allowed to inquire in case of any queries as most lessons offer interactive live sessions.
EDUCATIONAL TOOLS
Getting a course online from virtual universities can be difficult. They are expensive unless students manage to get a scholarship or are easily able to afford them. There are numerous educational tools that offer engaging and educational courses on various subjects. However, they require certain fees for students to enroll in their preferred programs. Luckily, a lot of educational tools are now either free of cost or are offering discounts for students to make most out of. This is because of the ongoing pandemic that many learning platforms are recognizing the need to necessitate students with the convenience of obtaining an education.
Since the schools are closed, students across the world must have easy access to education. The online tools can effectively provide that too students. Companies that are offering educational programs online include Coursera, Udemy, Scholastic, etc. encourage students to continue to self-learn while they are quarantined.
CHALLENGE FOR PARENTS AND YOUNGER STUDENTS
Younger students, who require assistance from their elders in learning are also facing challenges in their learning routines. Parents feel more responsible for their children’s education than ever. As their normal routines are disrupted due to the school closing, parents have to make sure that their children do not lag behind in education. To keep their learning enthusiasm active, parents are scheduling their kid’s time and devoting their precious time from their routines likewise.
The video wall system has proven to be effective for children as there are numerous learning programs featured on television. The timings of the shows are also considered keeping into account the children’s leisure. They can make the most out of the programs while parents have one less problem to worry about. Video wall systems offer features that allow children to utilize their time learning effectively.
SCHEDULE DELAYS
Many exams across the world are either being postponed or cancelled because of the ongoing coronavirus. Test centers hold the potential of students and invigilators interacting which can potentially be dangerous. The virus can spread this way, because of which schools have to be shut down. Events, standardized tests and even school admissions are delayed. Many education departments are considering extending the school year.
Teachers and students are still figuring out the effectiveness of online classes. Not all curriculum can be delivered to students via online classes. Courses that involve practical learning can not be performed through online classes. The semesters and classes are being delayed as the staff need to get used to the online platforms.
TECHNICAL CHALLENGES
Many schools and colleges made use of advanced technologies. However, due to COVID-19, the entire education system is being digitalized. Converting lessons online is no easy task for most of the staff members. There are a lot of obstacles in their way before they can deliver an effective course outline effectively. Remote learning is also challenging the student’s cognitive abilities as it is something not many students are accustomed to.
Not all staff members can learn to deliver classwork online overnight. They need time to get the gist of it. Likewise, students need time to get used to the new learning platform as well. Many students and educators alike are struggling with the technical difficulties associated with live learning programs. This is one of the major obstacles for many students across the world which is affecting their education on a massive scale. Our future is dependent on the learning of today’s students. If education is not being delivered to them at their convenience, it will pose as a flaw in the education system, because of which students will suffer direly.
STUDENTS WITH LOW-INCOME BACKGROUNDS
Not everyone has the privilege of internet and fast working computers. The coronavirus has posed itself as a massive challenge for low-income families. If they were not already struggling with many other losses that came with the virus, the education system is a cherry on top. It is becoming increasingly difficult for families to pay their rents, bills, fees and other expenses. Education is important for all individuals and in today’s world with a computer gaining education appears to be impossible.
Unemployment rates are increasing and parents are required to spend more time with their children to help them with their studies. Without the proper technology, countless students are going to miss out on the important lessons and therefore struggle with learning. Most of the time, online live classes do not account for students’ convenience. Proper technology, fast internet, domestic environment, load shedding, etc. are amongst the primary challenges the students have to face among many others.
CONCLUSION
Students from across the world are worried. Their future is dependent upon their education, which the education system is well cautious. The pressure upon the education system to deliver quality education while ensuring student’s satisfaction is challenging in itself. They are required to meet the myriad of standards expected from educators and students alike.
The coronavirus has put the education system in an insecure position, which has caused many schools and universities to shut down. Many delays have been made in the curriculum as students are advised to stay in their homes and practice social distancing.
Digitalizing education is an effective solution for many education institutes however many educators and students still require getting used to the new learning methods. They may be effective but they are challenging just the same.
Author’s Bio:
Count Miler is a professional digital content creator having years of experience working for many different industries and recently working in Digital Signage Company at DG Signage. He is a book lover, Miler is a reader in moon and a writer in the sun.