- Following the relaxing of restrictions as part of Unlock guidelines, the economic activities across the nook and cranny of the country are picking up steadily. Save for few States witnessing a rising surge in the virus cases, most of the others are relatively coping up adequately in comparison. Reports quoting the experts suggest that the country has not yet witnessed the anticipated peak nor are our endeavors so far has plateaued or flattened the curve to claim success in fighting the menace.
PC: medium
- Apart from the familiar highlighting of the usual hardships and challenges faced by every other sector and associated people, one extremely sensitive, crucial, and delicate segment appears to be confronted with the dilemma of when and how to make way for already much-delayed activities. Yes, I am referring to the Education sector that continues to reel under the impact wrought about by the pandemic. Since the lockdown, the sector has been shielded attentively owing to the sensitivity involved.
- Understandably, as the issue relates to children, possible implications/fallout requiring in-depth study is inevitable before the Union Education Ministry even contemplates to accord go-ahead for commencing the classroom teachings. In the absence of conventional classroom teachings, most of the schools and colleges have embraced online teaching methodology to keep up with the learning requirements of students. Overcoming technical challenges and adapting to the new procedure has been a real test for the teaching community but is managing to keep the pedagogy afloat.
PC: The Economic Times
- Prominent School Councils have announced a reduction in the syllabus in line with the prevailing situation. However, I am of the considered view that the continued reluctance to allowing reopening of the Education sector certainly deserves pragmatic rethinking on the part of the authorities concerned keeping in mind the knowledge loss to millions of student community. Online learning has its limitations and hence, cannot replicate or replace classroom teachings that student benefits from perfunctorily.
- ‘Living with the virus’ should be put to real practice with regards to students too as fearing perpetually about the infection has rendered the younger generation more vulnerable and susceptible cooped up living within the confines of four walls. Authorities would do well to elicit feedback from the educational institutes, academics, educators, and Medicare experts to chalk out a concrete roadmap to commence school in a staggered manner. No more dilly-dallying on the issue, please.
PC: dailycal
- Grades 9 to 12 along with universities & colleges should be allowed to reopen from 01st October 2020. After a fortnight or so, grades 5 to 8 should commence operations. Blended teachings, involving both online and physical learnings, should also be considered seriously if the infection rate does not recede in the next few months. Wishfully waiting for a miracle cure to emerge would not serve any purpose. Let’s start.
