Education during the time of COVID-19
The outbreak of novel coronavirus or COVID-19 is gradually becoming the reason for the massive disaster. Every minute, the number of affected people are increasing along with the number of deaths. While most of the offices and other institutes are closed, people are either working from home or they are on leave. But during the outbreak of the pandemic, educational institutions are the first that were declared closed. Therefore, schools, colleges and other educational institutions are facing consequences for a longer period of time than any other domain.
The outbreak of a pandemic – a happy holiday or boredom
As social distancing is mandatory to prevent the massive spread of COVID-19, governments are requesting people to stay at home. Thus, along with adults, students too are stuck in their houses. For the first few days, this idea of being at home made people happy. But practising self-isolation for a longer period can be depressing. So, none are considering it as happy holidays.
Read: 10 Ways to Keep Busy When Social Distancing
Education during isolation
Children and youth are filled with energy. They are always open and curious to learn new subjects. Moreover, a good amount of play and staying exposed to nature too are needed to ensure learners’ holistic development. But as the situation demands, children must not go outside for any physical activity. Therefore it can get difficult at times for them to cope up with the isolation.
Now the question is, how to overcome this situation?
Ways to education children during isolation
Introduction of online classes
Schools and colleges are close now but that does not mean that one needs to stop the classes. As technology is spreading its wing rapidly, it can be easily aligned with education. Thus, online classes are making their mark during this crisis. EdTech companies are introducing solutions to schools and colleges to help them run regular classes remotely. For example, Next Education, a leading education solution provider of India has come up with the Live Lecture feature. It is a state-of-art solution that promotes online classes for the students of the K-12 sector. Classes can be held online with the help of a basic computer, laptop or mobile and an internet connection with the help of this feature. Teachers and students can run virtual classes from their houses.
Interactive classroom – Need of the hour
Yes, you read it right. As the distance is stern now, more interaction is the need of the hour. Thereby if taking virtual classes, facilitators need to put more emphasis on communication. Lessons plans and the approach of conducting classes too need modifications during this time. Assigning children with creative and research-based tasks on a regular basis can inspire them to research more. It is important to allow them to share their work during the classes frequently as well. It can help them to become independent learners and boost them to keep learning. As it is impossible for teachers to check regular notebook homework, introducing more project-based tasks can help to mitigate the learning gap.
Skill development
This time is hard for all. Adults too are fighting with the odds. But during this crisis, parents have to play an important role to help their children to overcome this social crisis. Thus, helping them with activities which can develop their skills can be helpful for children. Not only young learners, but students of colleges and universities too can focus on their hobbies and learn to hone their skills during the time of self-isolation. Activities like drawing, singing, reading storybooks can help students to stay engaged even inside the four walls.
Also Read: Covid-19: Break the Chain
Physical activity
It is true that going out in nature is impossible during the lockdown and outbreak of COVID-19. But that does not mean children need to stop playing altogether. Parents can motivate their child to stay healthy and active while being at home. Engaging in physical activities on a regular basis can help children to stay fit. Parents too can join their children to add some fun and positive environment in the house.
Indoor games
Introducing board games such as carrom, chess, quiz games can not only dissolve the boredom of kids but also can enhance their thinking skills.
This phase is undoubtedly critical but we all know education is essential. Thus it is the responsibility of adults to help children to overcome this situation and stay stick to education without any hindrance.
