Virtual Learning- A blessing

Online learning is something that kids at all stages in the education system can use, and to great effect too.

The COVID-19 has resulted in schools shut all across the world. Globally, over 1.2 billion children are out of the classroom. As a result, education has changed drastically, with the distinctive rise of e-learning, whereby teaching is undertaken remotely and on digital platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google meet etc. In Gulf countries like Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, UAE etc students are responding to roll calls from their teachers online

With no face-to-face instruction, online learning provides a safe and effective alternative to classroom learning during this pandemic time. School closures and other disruptions to daily life don't have to prevent students from growing and learning. Online learning makes it simple and convenient to keep building vital skills for students’ future.  One of the most often-used terms after the pandemic is the term “new normal.” The new normal in education is the increased use of online learning tools. The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered new ways of learning. All around the world, educational institutions are looking toward online learning platforms to continue with the process of educating students. The new normal now is a transformed concept of education with online learning at the core of this transformation. Today, digital learning has emerged as a necessary resource for students and schools all over the world. For many educational institutes, this is an entirely new way of education that they have had to adopt. Online learning is now applicable not just to learn academics but it also extends to learning extracurricular activities for students as well. Teachers, Principals and educationists all over the world need to be complimented for implementing an effective. Teaching methodology in a short time. In recent months, the demand for online learning has risen significantly, and it will continue doing so in the future.

The benefit to virtual classroom learning is that shy students will often find virtual classes much better to participate in. It means they don’t have the anxiety that might come by raising a hand in a real classroom with other students watching them.

Virtual classrooms are accessible to any child providing they have access to a computer and stable internet connection. It doesn’t matter what their mobility is like, they can log in to a virtual classroom and start learning. Plus, course materials for an online course can be accessed at any time over the Internet, 24 hours a day and 365 days a year. Kids can learn new tech skills and become more proficient with the keyboard and applications. Also, with more businesses now shifting to virtual teams, having the knowledge of how to collaborate and learn remotely can be a definite plus in a future career.

Another advantage of online education is that it allows students to attend classes from any location of their choice. Some students are directly attending the classes from their home country. Because of the online learning schools are instructed to reduce the fees by 25% by the government. Parents can save school transport fees and money for other requirements of the school like Uniform, canteen and other school items like pen, maps, notebooks etc. Since online learning is from home there are fewer chances of missing the classes and there are no friends to distract them. It creates a sense of responsibility and self-discipline among students. Moreover, since the students are also receiving the recording of the lessons, they can play it and later. learn at their own pace. It also helps them to revise during exam time. It’s also more comfortable learning from home and can be a better option for children who have a physical disability where traditional establishments may be challenging to access.

The virtual classrooms can work very well and are the future of learning. Online learning is something that kids at all stages in the education system can use, and to great effect too.

In conclusion, online learning should be seen as a complement and extension of classical forms of learning. Not even the best online course can fully replace the personal contact with a teacher, or the human relationships that develop in a group. But seeing the present situation where schools are not able to function because of the pandemic this is the only alternative to traditional classroom learning.

VINEET KUMAR

Computer Science Teacher

United Indian School, Kuwait 

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