Impact of Covid-19 on The Education Sector and Measures Being Taken to Battle It

The effects of the outbreak of Covid-19 on the education sector are as terrifying as the virus itself. The past four to five months have left a significant impact on the students and their future. With such a massive gap in studies, it will be challenging to bring the curriculum back on track at the same pace as before. 

Teachers and students, both, will have to strive hard to achieve their goals. With different measures being taken by colleges and universities to combat the current situation, even the students from various streams like the BCom program, etc. are facing numerous difficulties to keep up with them.

Let's have a look at the current scenario of the education sector in India, how these institutions are planning to meet their goals to keep the education going and what will be the future hurdles in the same process.

Eliminating the Possibility of a Gap

While students were concerned at the beginning of the lockdown, whether the Ministry of Education will permit a one year gap due to the pandemic. Now, it has become quite evident that it won't be possible. With the economy already down, the nation cannot afford another vital sector in the same position. Especially when it comes to courses like B.Tech engineering, medical programs, etc., a gap is not a solution, but a problem in itself!

Therefore, it has been made clear that even if in-person classes don't occur, the old chalkboard culture will switch to the digital modes of learning. 

Real-Time Online Classes

Another major step taken by the colleges and universities all over India is to bring the classes on digital platforms to maintain the interactiveness between the students and their teachers for fruitful learning. Educational institutes have already prepared the schedules for the BCom program's online courses, and many have even begun to conduct classes. It has led to more flexibility in learning as one can attend these classes from anywhere in the world in such difficult times.

The advantage of this measure, which is technology, is also its drawback. 

Not every household has access to electricity, let alone an internet connection and a smartphone. There are many students, especially in rural areas, still devoid of these benefits and hence, are facing a lot of obstacles in gaining higher education.

Meanwhile, the issue has come before the government, and they are working upon it to find a better solution. 

Allowing Limited Students at One Time in the Campus

Many colleges in India are now planning to start the in-person classes, despite the outbreak still out and about. The logic behind this proposal is that only a limited amount of students will be allowed to enter the campus at a particular time. All of them will be required to maintain the safe distance and follow all the protocols mandatorily.

The implementation of this idea will be seen soon, around October-November, in cities less touched with the Covid-19 outbreak.

Online Admission Processes

Not only are the on-going academic sessions essential, but also the next ones. Hence, an updated model of the admission process has been introduced into the universities and is running quite successfully. 

Rather than conducting entrance tests on campus and calling for one-to-one interviews, many institutions have now switched entirely to digital platforms for BBA admissions, BA admissions, etc. It will include them creating virtual campus tours for the interested students and allowing the latter to participate in webinars for briefings.

Other important details and dates will be available on the websites of these higher educational institutes. Tests and interviews, too, will be conducted online for the safety of the teachers as well as the students. 

Applications for BBA admissions and others will be accepted through online modes solely, with fees, verification, and various other formalities included in the same manner, too.

Virtual Learning Apps and Platforms

Another solution present already in our hands is the availability of Asynchronous Learning Programs. These platforms provide the ability to learn from anywhere, at any time, at no or some reasonable costs.

The sessions are as interactive as the real classes, and many institutions might also refer to these apps for one of the many sources of learning specific topics. Students who have taken a drop and were planning to take creative and short courses will highly benefit from such technology.These apps will also help to teach the programs which require graphical representations as a necessity. For example, B.Tech engineering, medical streams, etc.

Conclusion

Although it seems impossible to revert to our previous lifestyles with the same freedom and carefreeness, it is not difficult to find an alternative until we ultimately battle down the virus. The new route taken by the education sector might be challenging for people lacking privilege, but it will revolutionize the teaching methodology, and make the students sharper and smarter, for when the hurdles are beaten down.