Students across the world are faced with an unprecedented challenge and are now expected to cope with this scenario in real-time. With a change in the way they learn, interact, experience their childhood they are taxed with immense stress and pressure to cope with these changing times. Keeping this in mind Aditya Birla Education Academy (ABEA), part of Aditya Birla Education Trust conducted one-of-its-kind initiative by hosting a masterclass – ‘Students Speak: Pre, Present and Post Covid-19 Learning Scenarios – Challenges and Way Forward. The online panel discussion was moderated by educationist, Lt. Col A Sekhar.

The webinar was hosted on May 22, 2020, that opened up the floor to students, to share their thoughts, lockdown experiences, aspirations, fears, and visions for the future. They shared their views on the way forward, and what they see unfolding in the future as learners. The discussion yielded a mix bag of views. While some were highly optimistic about scientists finding the cure to this deadly disease and things coming back to normal soon, some recognize that we are in this for the long haul and measures for the continuity of learning need to be set in place.

The students were excited about the transition to online learning. They felt it has immense potential and could even be incorporated into traditional schooling system to seek a blend in learning methods. They felt that as students they feel reassured that their schooling hasn’t stopped, however online learning doesn’t match the entire schooling experience. Now recognizing the importance of a 360-degree education, they felt that during this challenging times, they are missing out on the social experiences, softer aspects, values and the holistic experience including extra-curricular activities that their schools used to provide.

Reliving the memories, many students mentioned that they missed school and can’t wait to go back. Online classes miss out on the classroom interactions, Q&A sessions, and the human touch of their classmates. Seeing small icons on a screen of their friends and sharing emojis to express their emotions just doesn’t feel the same. However, virtual learning does give them the extra time of bonding with their families, pursuing hobbies at home and attending webinars that are out of their studies but very insightful.

Highlighting some challenges of digital classroom, students expressed that it is difficult to ensure discipline in online classes. While teachers are putting in much more effort to curate engaging learning sessions, it is difficult for students to maintain their attention and participate regularly. They feel that there are high chances of this new system to take a toll on their mental health but are glad that some of them have counsellors to speak to.

Prodipta Hore, Program Director at Aditya Birla Education Academy said, ‘These are really difficult times that are impacting all our lives. Children of today are going to be leaders of tomorrow; their voices will lead and shape the world in the years to come. It is time for us to listen to our future generation and learn, unlearn and relearn from them. Normally we get to hear the instructors and educators. It is time for us to listen to our future generation and learn, unlearn and relearn from them. We wanted to give students a platform to share their opinions, highlight the challenges that they are facing and think of ways to rebuild the future. I am proud of these students who have confidently spoken about many critical issues that they are dealing with and coming up with suggestions that could help shape a better tomorrow.”

8 students from schools across India and abroad participated in this unique initiative organised by Aditya Birla Education Academy. Anush from Aditya Birla World Academy, Mumbai, Anshula from St. Patrick’s Higher Secondary School, Asansol, Anushcka from Assam Valley School, Tezpur, Akshali from Stepping Stones High School, Aurangabad, Disha from RMPS International School, Ankleshwar, Nikunj from Legacy School, Bengaluru, Srinidhi from CS Academy, Coimbatore and Yash from GEMS Modern Academy, Dubai donned the hat of panelists.