Jal letters 2 (for May 24)

A revolutionary step

Covid-19 is an opportunity to uplift education to new heights. Online teaching is effectively compensating for classroom teaching. Rather it is the need of the hour and a revolutionary step benefitting students. Extraordinary interest shown by students is proving its success. Punjab Education Secretary Krishan Kumar has done a commendable job in imparting online education to government school students. Motivated by the move, government teachers are giving their best in the time of crisis. Moreover, the Union Finance Minister recently announced the launch of ‘One class, one channel’ which will prove a boon for the education sector.

Monika Jain

Last and only option to opt for

It takes a lot of efforts to suddenly resort to the process of online teaching. I agree that this medium of teaching cannot compensate for classroom teaching at all. But believe me, this is the last and only option which we have to opt for in these difficult times when students are literally crying for socialisation. They are in dire need of mingling with their friends at their educational institutions. However, the positive thing is that if the process of online teaching can incorporate interesting and engaging anecdotes and mind-opening stories, a complete transformation can take place. I believe that delivering yoga and aerobic classes can also help the students relax their mind and sharpen their acumen. The only point we need to focus on is to give due weightage to the learners’ emotions and creativity. Teachers must adapt to new and innovative ways to impart their skills. The students can be encouraged to write their feelings in the form of a poem, song or even a short story. The bottom line is they need to be involved in a fruitful manner. In these challenging times, we have to take double responsibility of our students by making them count in the virtual mode of teaching and learning.

Simranjeet Singh Saini

Online education a failure

These uncertain times of Covid-19 have posed hindrance to all people, including students. To overcome this situation, schools are trying to upgrade themselves in terms of technology by compensating students for the loss of physical classes. However, in my opinion online teaching is proving to be a failure.

Firstly, students of government schools are not equally privileged like their private school counterparts and most of them can’t afford smartphones and laptops. Secondly, many rural areas, where a majority of the government schoolchildren reside, do not have access to Internet and have poor network issues. Thirdly, students can misuse class ‘screen sharing’ option to display any objectionable content.

Online education may be provided by sharing material to students, which they can access as per their convenience. Their assignments should be corrected by teachers and given inputs to improve their writing abilities.

Pahul Sond

No match for classroom teaching

Online teaching has become a necessity but not a choice due to the pandemic. It is proven that people above 60, particularly male, and children below 10 are more susceptible to the virus. But virtual teaching can’t be as good as classroom teaching. I remember that we would bow and touch the threshold of the classroom before entering it. We used to be in awe of teachers because of corporal punishment during those days. But the good thing was that we also spent time playing with our friends during recess and after school hours. Those friendships and bonding were continued for years. All such things will be gone with online teaching. It will be dull and unsentimental. There will be no emotional bonding between teachers and pupils. Old people like me still have connections with our school friends. In a nutshell, I would say that online teaching can’t be as good as classroom teaching.

Dr JS Wadhwa

Best available option

Given the extraordinary circumstances created by coronavirus, resorting to online teaching temporarily is the best option available with us. The children being a vulnerable section, deserve to be treated in a special way and there are chances that the norms of social distancing and other basic precautions may be violated at any level. Moreover, the period of isolation can be best utilised by parents for having close and effective interactions with their wards to solve any issue faced by them. Both parents and their wards will feel relaxed and secure at home and it will also help save their time. However, teachers should make themselves available online to their students for a specified period in case they need any assistance.

Shashi Kiran

Opening schools a better option

The Covid-19 pandemic has turned the world topsy-turvy. It has been two months since schools were shut to ensure safety of children. Was it a right step? I differ. Online teaching can’t compare with the real experience of a classroom. Internet connectivity is erratic and the voice quality deteriorates every now and then. Most of the children are reporting symptoms of eye strain resulting due to compulsory viewing of computer or mobile phone screens for long hours. The online teaching has also deprived children of physical interaction with their friends. Giggles, laughs and secret talks between classroom buddies have disappeared. Many teachers admit that while teaching from home they fail to get proper response from children. Is there a viable alternative available? In Israel, schools have reopened with children divided into smaller groups in different shifts. It can be an alternative. The norms of social distancing and sanitation are strictly adhered to. There is no school assembly or other social gatherings. In fact, the children learn important lessons of sanitation from the school which would protect them from Covid and also other diseases. Opening of schools seems to be a much better alternative in the present circumstances.

Gulbahar S Sidhu

Virtual education playing vital role

Schools have been closed for an indefinite period due to the Covid-19 pandemic. It is really a tough time for students, teachers and parents. Online education plays a vital role in this situation as students are in touch with their teachers. At least they are learning at home. The Punjab Government initiated good steps for providing online education to government school students. Online education cannot be fully substitute of classroom teaching but it serves 80-90% of the same. Teachers are doing their best in the present situation. Students are also getting the hang of online learning. Parents are much aware about the situation and they are also helping their children.

Chander Shekhar

Can’t compensate for classroom teaching

I do agree with the fact that virtual learning is the need of the hour but it is another fact that it can’t compensate for classroom teaching. Though virtual learning doesn’t require waking up early and one can study in a comfortable manner, there is a lack of association and close relationship between teachers and students and among pupils. Moreover, classroom teaching also cultivates good habits of discipline and punctuality, which play an important role in shaping one’s life. Physical interaction is also beneficial for the all-round development of children. Besides, classroom teaching breaks the monotony of life. Children meet their friends, do different activities and improve their mental health and abilities too. Teachers also work with enthusiasm every other day. Schools hold various extracurricular activities in addition to competitions and exams, which result in skill development. Hence, classroom teaching is much more effective than online teaching.

Dimpy Khurana

Not accessible to all

Schools have been closed for an indefinite period due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Online teaching is going on. But according to me, online teaching cannot compensate for classroom teaching. Technology cannot inspire students. Teacher acts as a guide and mentor also and this role cannot be compensated by technology. Moreover, all students do not have access to computers, smartphones and Internet. Children from underprivileged sections are facing problems in the absence of gadgets.

Kavita Sabharwal