-Anirudh Khaitan, Treasurer, FICCI ARISE; Vice Chairman, Khaitan Public School

Can you imagine your daily routine without the internet in today’s time? Impossible, right? Corona or no corona, if it had not been the era of the internet, technology and digitalisation, there would have been a much more adverse impact on our lives, as well as productivity, both for children and for adults. Online classes play a huge role in student engagement.

The unprecedented lockdown has clearly been having negative effects on all of us, in various aspects of our lives. First and foremost, a disruption of schedules is likely to affect everyone alike and students are no exception to the same. As a consequence of the lockdown, most of the kids’ time is being spent indoors, maybe with a screen, both for studies as well as for leisure, and that too within the confines of the four walls of the house. As a result, most children are not being able to get their own space, nor a change of environment. All of these factors put together might add to their sense of instability, anxiety as well as irritation at times.

In a matter of a few weeks, the education sector transformed completely and has witnessed huge changes in the way teaching-learning is being transacted across the world, indicating that the future of education is here sooner than expected! Embarking on technological platforms and by making significant investments, schools have been delivering online learning programs to the students to provide continuous education. Educators across the world are innovating new possibilities and with greater flexibility that is increasing access to education for students across the world. Some of the largely untapped areas particularly in the realm of school education are being put to action now. This transition has also been rendered smooth with the participation of parents who have been supportive and equally involved in their children’s education, in this crucial time.

Online classes during the period of the lockdown have helped in bringing a structure and a sense of routine in the student’s life. Secondly, it has served as a connection with friends as well as teachers, especially in these times of social distancing. And thirdly, it has added a sense of normalcy in students’ lives, thereby abating their sense of anxiety and instability. What is important to remember is, that academics are not the most major priority here, as much as these three factors which are helping students during the lockdown.

Without the online classes, there would be a lack of a routine, leading to more boredom, higher stress levels, and more frustration, not just for students but also for the parents. For children specifically, there would have been a lack of productivity, a lack of intellectual stimulation, and an inability to gain a sense of normalcy within these uncertain times.

One thing that this pandemic has made clear is the importance of disseminating knowledge across different parts of the world. If online learning technology can come into the picture and play a role here, it is incumbent upon all of us to explore its full potential.

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