As vaccines undergo trials and others are rolled out across the world, it is expected that a large part of the vulnerable population will be protected against Covid-19 by the end of 2021. While it will take a few years before everyone gets the shot, especially with new strains of the novel coronavirus presenting a fresh challenge, there is still hope of returning to normalcy over the next two years. However, this will bring a major transformation to the education process as it will take the blended approach with both online and offline classes, depending upon the severity of the situation.
HOW THE PANDEMIC HAS AFFECTED EDUCATION
Education has been one of the worst-affected sectors in India during the pandemic. It has thrown a new challenge in every student’s life. The learning process of around 32 crore students in India had come to a halt all of a sudden when the pandemic hit. According to a UNESCO report, about 14 crore primary and 13 crore secondary students were affected. But that is also what made every student more resilient and open to adapting to new challenges. They opted for technological platforms for uninterrupted learning, while many educational institutions moved classes, examinations and internships to the online medium. Teachers assigned work via the internet and delivered lectures via online video conferencing apps. Thus, ovid-19 taught both students and teachers how to emerge victorious.
Even though the scenario was not similar everywhere, it was still a challenge which could be overcome with good internet penetration in rural areas. The government also postponed examinations for secondary and higher secondary classes and conducted them later while adhering strictly to Covid-19 guidelines.
THE EDUCATION SCENARIO IN 2022
Here are some of the major trends which will be observed in the education scenario in 2022. They may also be considered as positive outcomes of the pandemic and lockdown.
A shift towards blended learning: This kind of learning will give students exposure to both online and face-to-face learning. In a recent survey, it has been found out that 59% of students are more motivated to learn through a blended or hybrid mode than with a fully online course or a flipped classroom setting. It gives them the advantage of learning at their own pace and via digital technology. At the same time, virtual learning is often best consolidated by in-person interactions. SO, in many ways, blended learning combines the best of both worlds.
A rise in the use of learning management systems: There is a rising demand for learning management systems among educational institutions, especially for soft copies of learning material. This is providing a great opportunity to the companies which are developing and strengthening the learning management systems.
Though the outbreak of Covid-19 has had many negative impacts on education, educational institutions in India have accepted the challenges and adjusted to the new normal despite the initial hiccups of using technology. They are trying their best to provide seamless support and services to students and continue their education. In fact, it can now be said that the pandemic has brought an opportunity for the Indian education system to transform and enter a new era.
The writer is CEO of ICA Edu Skills.
