Schooling, as we know it, is defined by buildings, classrooms, books and schedules. Traditional schooling has been considered as the only way to a balanced education; until now. The year 2020, as dreadful as it may seem, has brought with it a new reckoning for the prevalent model of schooling across the world. As schools lie helpless in the wake of the pandemic, a closer look reveals the unpreparedness and loopholes of the system as a whole. COVID-19 has not only exposed the cracks but has also brought to light the need for re-evaluation and assessment of the effectiveness of the prevalent schooling model.
Why do things need to change?
Several researchers and experts have been strong critiques of the traditional schooling model. The archaic vision of schools coupled with dated teaching techniques has lead to their loss of faith in the system. In fact, some even claim that the present schooling model is being approached as more of a business and not as social responsibility. Individuals behind schools no longer take pride in the noble cause of empowering young minds and contributing to the intellectual capital of the nation. Even teachers are now of the ‘job driven’ mindset and are not interested in imparting education which could largely be attributed to the socio-economic scenario in the country.
Looking at the sector as a whole, almost every
educational institution has been adversely affected. However, the colossal turn
of events has also brought about a renewed mindset and refreshed thinking to
the table. The trends and analysis clearly indicate a new dawn for schooling in
India and the world. A new model is emerging – one that is more innovative,
forward looking and future proof. The industry seems to be leaning heavily
towards online modes of teaching and learning. More and more schools are
becoming highly accepting of technology as an enabler in such perilous times.
Thanks to concepts such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, IoT,
innovators are designing better and more efficient ways of learning every
single day. The face of the educational framework is certainly positioned for a
radical change in the next few years.
Specifically speaking, EdTech firms in the
country have reported upto 60% increase in user base in a month which is a
testament to the changing mindset amongst all stakeholders in the schooling
process. Schools have also invested heavily in their IT framework and have also
strategized to move their curriculum online. Teachers are being trained and
refined to embrace technology as an ally. Students have come forward and shown
a keen interest in learning online and attending live lessons. Parents have
also become more accepting of the idea of e-learning and encourage their
children to choose digital learning.
For the first time ever, concepts like digital
literacy are being explored. The American Library Association (ALA) defines
digital literacy as “the ability to use information and communication
technologies to find, evaluate, create, and communicate information, requiring
both cognitive and technical skills”. Students and teachers around the world
are increasingly becoming digitally literate. In India, the government has also
mobilized significant capital towards digital literacy missions such as DIKSHA
- the government’s online learning portal which has registered over 61 crore
views since March 2020. This accelerated adoption of technology has given a
renewed outlook to the face of schooling and education as a whole.
Another interesting concept being heavily
talked about is the idea of ‘Online Schooling’; not to be confused with
‘Homeschooling’. While online schooling is a way of offering state sponsored
curricula to students and families, homeschooling relates primarily to the
purchase of curriculum to be in turn taught by the parents. Online schooling
presents immense opportunities for both students and teachers to assume greater
control and also assigns parental responsibility to help the child stay on
his/her learning path.
What is Online Schooling?
Online schooling is a branch of the EdTech
industry which is defined by a heavy reliance on technology and innovativeness.
Students are exposed to a blended model including both online and offline ways
of learning. Teachers are expected to teach in both synchronous and
asynchronous teaching formats. Parent’s shoulder responsibility with the school
and act as learning coaches to steer their child’s progress in the right
direction. All in all, it is an inclusive form of schooling and shows great promise
for the future.
As the schooling model slowly gravitates
towards a tech enabled, student centric sector, it is also important for
schools to look into stakeholder education aspects. Significant efforts have to
be made in the direction of reaching out to technologically averse sets of
parents and exposing them to the many benefits of online schooling such as
personalization, individual attention, analysis and monitoring etc. The
traditional model of schooling will continue to interfere with the natural
progression of the industry as long as there are people that choose to believe
in its effectiveness. While the traditional model has its merits, it has now
become counter intuitive to the idea of education. It is time for schools to act
now if they wish to ride the wave of technology enabled schooling in the days
to come.
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