LEC052040. SAMBATH U M. Effects of Online classes.

 

                  Virtual learning; A method where disadvantages conquering advantages

 

When 2020 started with the pandemic, which closed the physical classrooms and left the people to think about alternatives for tutoring. The only mechanism that maintains social distancing is apparently online learning. Online learning is varied according to the student level. Online learning includes classes that had been pre-recorded and broadcasted later and classes conducted through online platforms. Both methods have their own benefits. Still, debates are going on the quality of education provided through online methods. Definitely, e-learning has both advantages and disadvantages. But the real question is that whether the disadvantages rule over advantages.

Obviously, online learning has various advantages. Online learning hugely benefits the students pursuing higher studies, as they can spend more time on self-study. Online learning help to avoid time consumed for transportation to the institution, preparing for the classes, etc. This method also helps to save a lot of money. Some surveys and studies report the benefits of collaborative learning. Students can attend classes or seminars from anywhere in the globe.

Even though e-learning constitutes some amount of advantages, it has many drawbacks that can even create a disparity in equal education. The first and major disadvantage is the requirement of technology. To access online learning a mobile phone or a computer becomes a must. The majority of parents of a developing country like India cannot accommodate a mobile phone to their students. The Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) said in its ‘Digital in India’ report that.

“An estimated 71 million children aged between 5-11 years in India access the internet on devices of their family members, constituting about 14 percent of the country's active Internet user base of over 500 million”,

 For the smooth working of online education, a strong internet connection is required. India has to travel a long way to ensure a strong internet connection. Students have to travel to cites or climb to the rooftops to have a decent network. This is a serious issue. Many reports are pointing that connectivity and signal issues are the most prevailing problem faced by students while attending online classes.

Also, the nature of online classes leads to many health issues including mental and physical difficulties. In an online class, it forces students to sit idle in front of the camera or device. The postures of every student sitting in-home would be different and some of them can create havoc to the neck, shoulder, and back. The lengthy screen time causes serious issues on the eye. Even the number of students consulting an optician had doubled. Apart from these physical issues, mental issues are having a high impact. Students are feeling huge stress due to the digital form of the class. The mental and emotional pressures can lead us to deteriorating physical health. Anxiety and stress can lower immunity, subjecting students to illness. These lifestyle changes also brood loneliness, anxiety and even lead to depression.

In addition, students will lack some skills which have to gather during our course. The online learning format can't help to teach the life skills that are required. After all, the end product of learning is not only achieving some degree, it also needs to improve or develop our personality. Education helps to become better humans. Schools are the places where we study, how to socialize, morality, empathy, etc. Institutions are not merely spaces where Knowledge is imparted; they are the places where debate, discussion, and contestation of ideas took place. Campus becomes the place where students understand the democratic values on which our country builds on. These types of essential senses are deprived in virtual education.

Moreover, applying some conscious efforts would reduce the bad impacts created by online learning. Students can reduce the amount the stress and strain by practicing exercise and meditation. Faculty can encourage students to have healthy interactions between them. Faculty can reduce the workload and ensure students are enjoying their life as well. It is always better to understand the problems of students and can act sensibly, considering the problems of the virtual world.

 This pandemic has shown some models where we can utilize its maximum in the post-Covid world. To an extent, utilizing e-learning have large benefits to students, which help to include collaborative learning methods. But online class cannot be benefited in a country like India, where half of the population strive in poverty, in a country where it can't provide high-speed internet to all regions. Even these are the scenarios, the only best alternative that lies in front is online learning, rather than canceling the whole calendar year.

 

 

References

Desikan, Shubashree. “What Challenges Do Online Classes Pose?” The Hindu, 19     Dec.2020, www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/what-challenges-do-online-classes-    pose/article33358120.ece.

Inside Higher Ed. “Wellness and Mental Health in 2020 Online Learning.” Inside Higher Ed, 1 Oct. 2020, www.insidehighered.com/digital-learning/blogs/online-trending-now/wellness-and-mental-health-2020-online-learning.\

Mehdi, Tamanna S. “Online Classes May Affect Physical Health: Experts.” The New Indian Express [Hyderabad], 24 June 2020, www.newindianexpress.com/cities/hyderabad/2020/jun/24/online-classes-may-affect-physical-health-experts-2160494.html.