When the unprecedented hardships of covid struck our planet, the teachers and students were left at the mercy of online platform and digital media. The pandemic had turned the switch on education which doubled the work of teachers who had to learn a lot of new things to stay connected with their students.
During this pandemic time, we have seen teachers go far and beyond their daily duties to ensure that their students are comfortable. With the support from the students’ parents, they are trying their level best to educate the students using assignments, video lessons, notes and even special one on one classes. The teachers are faced with many challenges on a daily level with this mode of education.
“Online teaching can never replace classroom teaching,” notes Leni Abraham, teacher at a private institution. All we can do at this point is to make sure that the students are taught through video classes and given as much notes as possible on each subject, she added. “It is ultimately in their hands if they decide to make use of the education that we try to impart to them,” she said, “It is difficult to keep a steady eye on the progress of each students and this is one of the major drawback of online platforms.”
Another setback to this education experience is the lack of facilities that are available for people in the rural areas. “Not everyone can afford to take their classes online and this creates a gap,” said Leni.
She went on to say that the students often get diverted from the topic and cannot be blamed as they have to spend hours together in front of the laptop or phone to complete their syllabus. Even though this mode lacks personality and a deeper connection with the students, for the safety of everyone, this is the best that can be done.
This period has opened our eyes to see the roles the teachers play in students’ life and how they go beyond their call of duty. Experience tells us that teachers will be there to ensure future generation is well educated.
