Advantages and Disadvantages of Online Education in India

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in widespread closures of all educational institutions across the country. Considering physical schools can be unsafe in the absence of vaccinations, most of the educational institutes have come up with the solution of remote education from online platforms like Google Classroom, Zoom, etc.
 
These are trying times for everyone all over the world. The students are struggling to cope with this change in routine, they are not able to meet their friends and do the activities that they usually do. The teachers must familiarise themselves with new technology and digital platforms they have never used before, parents on the other hand have to manage their child’s academics and their jobs.
 
 
Advantage:

Though many people were initially skeptical about this option, online learning can be a boon if used in the right manner. We have to learn to strike a balance while providing online education to kids and expand our horizons. If used properly, the benefits of online education know no bounds.

Reduced costs: Online education can be a good cost saver as most of the reading or reference materials is quite accessible online.

Multiple learning options: Online education is highly interactive. The ways in which children can be taught virtually is limitless. For example: Children can get a better understanding of a topic being taught when teachers use virtual tools like graphics/ videos to make them understand

Builds confidence in a child: A typical Indian classroom involves about 70-80 students. It is difficult for children who are shy to raise their hands and clarify their doubts. Online classes can provide a certain level of anonymity, where the child may not be so scared of talking to the teacher from behind a computer screen. This boost of confidence will help them perform better and encourage them to participate more in the classroom activities.

Interactive session: Online classes, which are interactive in nature, would garner more attention and interest from students.

 

Disadvantages

Online learning is not without its disadvantages though, some disadvantages of online are:

Not easily accessible: In a country like ours where a large portion of the population still struggles with poverty, using technology as a method to educate children will not be easy. Many people do not have access to required devices and internet connection, especially in villages.

Less personal: Online learning reduces the personal interaction between students and teachers and this increases the communication gap between them. In addition, many a times online classes are interrupted due to technical glitches due to poor internet connection.

Difficulty in adapting: Even though many schools have announced that they will be providing online classes to students, the teachers however are just not prepared. They have to familiarize themselves with the technology; this will be difficult especially for older teachers who have never used platforms like Zoom or Microsoft teams.

Excess exposure to screen time: Online classes can lead to increased exposure to screens for children, which can affect adversely. It is however important to remember that to tackle the present situation, online learning needs to be given a chance. However, there are certain measures parents can opt to ensure kids do not overdo it.

Screen Time for Kids

Co-viewing: Co-viewing is a great option especially among younger children as they learn best when they are re-taught in the real world what they just learnt through a screen.

Make your own family media use plan and screen the screen time: It is imperative to recall that kids between 18 two years ought not be presented to computerized media other than intermittent video chatting.Limit screen use for pre-younger students, ages between 2 to 5, to only 1 hour daily of great programming. 
 
Screen time can be holding time: When you are all the more by and by engaged with your kid's training and co-see their classes, it empowers holding just as learning. You can likewise cause your kid to understand that internet learning isn't generally about investigations. Play a computer game with your children. It is a decent method to show great sportsmanship and gaming manners. Watch a show with them; you will have the chance to present and offer your own background and points of view, and direction. 
 
Participating in to and fro 'talk-time': Engaging in to and fro "talk time" is basic for language advancement. Discussions can be up close and personal or, if important, by video talk with a voyaging guardian or distant grandparents. Examination has indicated that it is that "to and fro discussion" that improves language aptitudes—considerably more so than "inactive" tuning in or single direction connection with a screen. 
 
Make sans tech zones in house: Keep family eating times, other family and parties, and youngsters' rooms screen free. Mood killer TVs when you are not watching, since foundation TV commotion can impede eye to eye time with kids. Likewise, make sure to revive the gadgets short-term outside your youngster's bedroomto help evade the compulsion to utilize them when they ought to be resting. These progressions energize a greater amount of family time, more advantageous dietary patterns, and better rest. 
 
Be a decent job model: Teach and model thoughtfulness and great habits on the web. Since youngsters are, incredible mirrors and they will rehash whatever you show them. Show the youngsters the estimation of vis-à-vis correspondence. 
 
Each type of innovation accompanies its aids and reviles; it is the manner in which we use decides how or the amount it can impact us. It is a similar case for web based learning as well,if utilized appropriately it tends to be a gift. Keeping up a sound equalization is basic so as to clear an incredible future for kids and consolidating a portion of the above rules can positively go far in capitalizing on the web/at-home learning.