Online learning and Education

What is Online learning?

Online learning is a method of education by which teaching takes place through the Internet by using electronic gadgets like Laptops, Smart phones, Tablets etc. Online learning can be often referred to as e-Learning, Web-based learning, Open learning,  Computer-mediated learning etc. It is the newest and most popular form of learning and kind of 'Distance Learning' which cannot take place in classrooms but through online platforms like Zoom Meeting, Google duo etc.

COVID-19 and Education

COVID-19 pandemic outbreak has affected each and every walk of life from Economy, Polity to Society and culture, it has also impacted the Education sector globally. Pandemic has suddenly changed the pre-adopted norms of traditional classroom learning methods to a new method of e-learning for education. 

Due to the pandemic, many schools and colleges remain shut for more than a year. In such a crisis situation it has been necessitated to shift over to e-learning from classroom learning. Many universities and colleges have opted for taking exams through online platforms. Their reluctance towards online learning has changed forever due to urgent needs to protect the future of students. This situation has open the eyes of many institutions and realized that pre-planning and adapt to change with time is very important.

As per the recent report of UNICEF, More than 1 billion children are at risk of falling behind due to school closures aimed at containing the spread of COVID-19.  Globally around 188 countries were adopted different online learning approaches. 

Ed Startups amidst COVID-19

This crisis has been proved an opportunity for many aspiring businesses based on education. Recently around 2010, Edstartups has intervened in the education system and promoted online learning methods. For example, Byju's, Unacademy became one of the most leading Ed startups in 2019-20 due to pandemics. Some of the emerging Edstartups are Adda247, Vedantu, Zoom Meet/Business, e-Pathshala, toppr are trying hard to grow and expand their businesses.

According to UNESCO, Ed startups and learning applications helps more in the learning process and are beneficial for students. This can also give a boost to digital payment systems like Mobikwik, Paytm, Paypal, Phonepe etc which in turn help to revive the economy. Google and KPMG report say Edtech startups are rapidly growing and reach around  2 billion by the end of 2021. 

Benefits of Online Learning

Online learning is beneficial for those students who are living in remote places and want to pursue courses of their interests. It can be beneficial in other aspects as well. In the COVID crisis, it has been proved a boon for the education system.

Full-Time Employee and Students

Online learning is useful for full-time employees who are working 9-6 and still have aspirations and are willing to learn something new. Students who want to pursue professional courses along with academics can be learned through an online system globally.

Flexible

Online learning is flexible and enables students to learn in their free time. In pandemic times it has become a very useful tool to provide education. Students can access and learn anytime anywhere as per their choice.

Innovative Learning

in modern days, technology has rapidly increased and providing many online education tools by which we might surprise by such innovative technology. Using these teachers can create innovative courses for students. Innovative learning takes place through e-learning and students are able to acquire technical skills, communication skills etc.

Cost-effective

Online learning can be considered cost-effective as it reduced travel costs and accommodation costs. one can learn easily from their place with a smartphone, laptop, tablet.

Enhanced learning

Online learning is a way to enhance your learning ability and helps in engaging more meaningful content. Debate and discussions make it more useful and enhanced their critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Students who feel shy and couldn't express their ideas in a traditional classroom can be able to do it here.

Social Media

Social media platforms like Youtube provide an educator with the best platform to share their knowledge with masses. It will also be beneficial for students to learn free, courses which were sold out for millions are now available for free with great quality and choices.

Online Learning and Challenges

These days, though online learning is the most popular form of education, and advantageous, It has many challenges also:

Lack of Technological Assets and Cost

According to UNICEF, around 463 billion students (31%) worldwide couldn't be reached to learning either because of lack of technological assets likeTv, smartphones, Laptops, Tablets at their home (especially in rural areas) or unavailability of resources. Only 16 per cent of schoolchildren could be reached by radio-based learning worldwide. Globally, 3 out of 4 students who cannot be reached by the remote learning policies come from rural areas and/or belong to the poorest households. People from below poverty level and rural backgrounds cannot afford to purchase costly gadgets and leave them behind in education and learning.

Poor Internet Connection

In many developing countries Internet has not been reached among the masses. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, its become a challenge to provide education to the students through online platforms. Due to poor internet connections, in remote areas students and teachers faced difficulties downloading apps, log in with apps, Installation errors which result in an interruption to continue to engage with each other in the learning process etc. 

Lack of Awareness

Due to a lack of awareness and the existing digital divide created a gap to learn through e-learning platforms and systems, students were unable to connect with online learning apps. Students are not prepared for e-learning competencies and methods so it becomes difficult for them to use these platforms. In remote areas, people are not aware of e-learning apps and found many issues to find reliable and correct applications in the play store and sometimes land up with installing duplicate apps.

Inability to adapt e-learning

Teachers and students were adapted to traditional classroom learning systems and now it's not easy for them to adapt to new e-learning systems. Sometimes students found online learning boring and unengaging. There is a lack of two-way communication between teachers and students and poor quality content delivery by teachers. The home environment could be a distraction factor to be unable to attend class properly. Lack of Understanding and confusion lead students to be unable to complete their homework and assignments. 

Ed startups Challenges

Ed startups also faced challenges in terms of the inability of tutors to understand online processes. How to start teaching? How could engage students in learning and grab their attention towards learning? People are not much responsive to online courses. 

Quality of Education

e- learning can be a source of education but couldn't assure quality education due to challenges in terms of content, study material, effective interaction etc. e-learning can provide teachers to students but when it comes to quality there can be a compromise.

Way Forward

Though online education has many challenges, we should look into benefits and use them properly so it could develop our education sector. Government should take certain essential measures to spread awareness of e-learning and try to provide technological assets in remote places. Ed startups must focus on quality content and not just the learning process. Online learning has enormous potential to grow with so it must be used in a judicious way.