LEC052004.Agna Philip. "Negative Consequences of Online Classes"

 

Negative Consequences of Online Classes

Covid-19 pandemic, the global health crisis caused by the virus Corona, has brutally devastated many sectors of Indian society. The educational system was one of the most affected areas which got battered by the global pandemic. As an effective solution against this severe disruption, to replace the traditional mode of education, the method of online learning was adopted and it successfully made a rapid growth in the system. Though the advantages of this mode are numerous, its long-term use by the learners can cause them many rigorous problems.

One of the major effects of long-term online learning is its negative impact on learners’ health. The continuous usage of electronic devices like mobiles and computers threatens the health of students drastically.  The long-time staring at the screens of these devices badly affects the eye sight of students which can results in diseases like short sightedness and ciliary spasm. Keeping a constant position for the classes is another challenge faced by the students. Continuous sitting in front of electronic devices for hours with immovable neck creates severe pain in muscles. This can even led to cause other skeletal diseases. Electromagnetic radiation is another harmful threat caused by online learning. Electromagnetic waves, from the electronic devices like computers, pollute the environment badly and affect the health of online learners. “According to survey in British, radiation and magnetic field of low frequency emitted by computer will conduced to 7 to 19 kinds of diseases covering running nose, itch on eyes, pain on neck and back, temporary laptop memories, short- temper, and gloom and so on”(Nazarlou 13).  So studying in such an environment can always be a threat to the learners.

Another serious cause that affects the learners badly is the lack of proper social interaction. The feeling of loneliness can negatively have an effect on both the physical and mental state of the students. Face-to-face interaction with their peer groups and academic discussions with the tutors are not much possible in the digital mode of education. Limited access in the participation of curriculum activities and other limitations creates a sense of isolation which can also adversely affect the academic growth of learners.

Poor connectivity and lack of gadgets like mobiles, computers are another issues faced by the online learners. Mostly, students living in rural areas face connectivity issues. There are always chances for them to miss out live classes and they also rarely get chances to clear their doubts. Lack of proper gadgets is also a serious issue faced by many students. “As per a survey by online platform Local Circles, 43 per cent respondents do not possess resources” (Mitra). It is important that each and every student in a class should get equal education and opportunities. But the new digital mode of education reflects a state of inequality among the learners.

Lack of self-motivation is an important effect caused by online classes. The new educational trend often reduces the positive attitude of some students. The virtual environment which sometimes causes severe stress and sense of isolation challenges the educational career of students. Practicing positive attitude to overcome these challenges seems difficult for at least some students. So, changes are necessary in this mode of online education for a better mental health of students.

The obstacles encountered by teachers with online classes are also matters of consideration. “In an online survey conducted with 3550 teachers, it is revealed that 82% of the teachers are taking online classes for the first time” (Sareen). Teachers face connectivity issues, especially teachers from rural areas. Just like students, long-term staring in electronic devices also affects their health badly. Student-teacher direct interaction is hardly possible in online classes. Mentoring each student, grabbing their attention, proper scheduling of online classes, covering the entire curriculum and conducting exams online are complicated tasks for them.

Even though online classes have a good influence in promoting the system, it cannot be considered as a perfect method of education. There are a lot of disadvantages for online education. Besides its technological advances, it diminishes emotional relationship between peer groups and teachers, social interaction and other practical activities. Moreover, online method of teaching cannot replace the traditional mode of education.

 

References:

Mitra, Arnab. “Poor Connectivity, lack of smart phones: Online learning a challenge for teachers, students”, The Indian Express, 8 April 2020, www.indianexpress.com/article/education/coronavirus-what-kind-of-challenges-teachers-are-facing-in-online-module-nitdgp-ac-in-iitkgp-ac-in-6342278/. Accessed 25 February 2021.

Nazarlou, Mortaza Mokhtari. “Research on Negative Effect on E-Learning.” International Journal of Mobile Network Communications & Telematics ( IJMNCT) Vol. 3, No.2, April 2013, p 13, www.wireilla.com/papers/ijmnct/V3N2/3213ijmnct02.pdf. Accessed 25 February 2021.

Sareen, Seema. “Online Teaching during COVID 19: Attitude and Challenges faced by School Teachers”, Vol.11, No.1, 2020, www.sersc.org/journals/index.php/IJDRBC/article/view/29890. Accessed 25 February 2021.