Thursday, July 2, 2020

E Learning Schools – Is the future ?








Virtual Schools – A comprehensive analysis:

The E-Learning is a system based on formulated teaching with the help of the digital resources, widely known as Virtual Learning or Online Education. Gadgets like the Computers, Smart Phones, and Tabs that use Internet are the integral part of E-Learning. The computer so far has been a medium of entertainment to the children. Now, the primary objective of an educational institution is to offer the learners the 21st century skills and knowledge using this medium as aid of instruction. As Mr. J. Krishnamurthy says, “the goal should be making the student to stand on his own in the world, when he becomes the adult.”

Today’s world is a challenging environment. We have to go beyond the boundaries of regular curriculum and help our learners to meet these challenges with confidence. Leadership and Skills are the highly valued and sought after qualities in the modern corporate. Today, E-Learning as a mode of education has become inevitable and expansive. Are we in the midst of a revolutionary transformation to our primitive education system? The present pandemic situation has pushed us into finding alternate methods of learning. Is virtual education a solution to the persisting problem of illiteracy and poverty?

Advantages of E-Learning:

·         We are witnessing and living in the era of technology and fourth industrial revolution where society and especially children like to use innovative modern gadgets.

·         Virtual learning has dual benefit and impact, namely the visual and audio stimulus. Globally, reputed educational institutions have proactively started using E-Learning as part of their curriculum.

·         Children are experts at using computers, tabs and smart phones. So naturally, they feel excited to attend E-Learning sessions, as it is interesting and something new. They like to be included as an adult and be part of the modern technology and earn proficiency in Coding, Robotics and Gaming software.

·         Virtual education is a time saver. Children spend a lot of time travelling to school and back. Remote learning not only gives children plenty of time to play and attend other classes, but also allows a child to work on his special talent simultaneously. For example, a child who is a singer or a cricketer who does not have time to attend regular school classes can benefit by remote learning.

·         Virtual education is cost effective and affordable. Educational fees can be regulated according to the learner’s financial status. It avoids the need of big school buildings and space. It saves electricity and resources.

·         Different tools of learning aids like videos, PowerPoint presentations, websites, e-books, Wikipedia, YouTube, Apps, and Multimedia can be a very effective way to teach which is not present in a regular classroom session.

·         Comfort of home as a learning environment makes it safe and a better choice for many.

·         Slow-learners can be given individual attention and extra practice. E Learning propagates active learning at a learner’s pace.

·         In E-Learning, the contents of the lesson will be the most updated information whereas in traditional teaching dependence is upon fixed and obsolete contents in the textbooks, which might need regular updating.

·         In E-Learning, the parents can be involved and the school can interact with the parents easily. The fear of punishment is substituted by the fun and enjoyment. Parents can review and access the teacher’s skills & proficiency.

·         Since we have ample time to spare, can conduct Life Skill subjects, Personality development & Leadership classes, Special Language Classes, Entrepreneurship and Classes on Values, Morals, Ethics, Manners & Etiquette.

·         Access to teachers worldwide is a possibility, which will enable learners from any country to access industry experts. Special guest lectures can be conducted for higher grades. Both students and teachers can have flexibility in dealing with subjects and timing.

·         Students become more civilized, matured and develop self-discipline. The attendance may reach near 100% or there may be no need of attendance as the learner will always have access to the learning materials and will easily catch up if sessions are missed.

·         Research and collaborative skills are improved. Easy access to international competitions and clubs that are online becomes a reality.

·         Rural areas and children who have no access to education can be facilitated to virtually join an online school there by striking illiteracy with the 21st century opportunities.

Conclusion:

Virtual education has many merits. Still it is not for all. Many would prefer regular education that offers socializing and a conducive learning environment with peers, teachers and school buildings with classrooms and labs. Yes, we agree that virtual education cannot give live swimming lessons. What virtual education can do is to offer an opportunity to those who does not wish to go to a regular school due to several reasons, may it be affordability or preferring home schooling or lack of time and accessibility.

Virtual teaching can be a boon to many teachers who are unemployed due to several reasons from being personal to social or political. The opportunity of working from home should be given to those who want it, so they can contribute economically towards the development of their family and society.

Children coming from any background should have access to affordable, high quality education irrespective of their situation. Virtual education can empower women and physically challenged children and adults. It can transform of our education system towards a transformed world.

Article by: 

Prof. A. Manoharan ( CEO Auro Mirra Edu Care/ Academic Director & Founder Spell bee International)

&

Shweta Rangan ( Co- Founder S T E A M I E Foundation/ Academic Director The S T E A M I E School)

 


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