In light of the national lockdown imposed to prevent the spread of COVID-19, many schools, colleges, institutes have taken measures to continue learning while schools remain closed. Lockdown has also given an opportunity to implement experimental learning initiatives. It highlighted the need to engage with life skills, values rather than relying on learning and examination. As we already know the access and affordability of smartphones, broadband and wireless connection in our country is an existing issue. A basic prerequisite for e-learning is smartphone with a good internet connectivity for attending online classes. Attending online class had become a new normal during his lockdown. As schools were closed to prevent the spread of coronavirus, online class have taken centre stage in a students’ life.

Despite the lockdown many schools, colleges have taken steps to continue the flow of education. Online classes during this lockdown are helping children more than ever before. Another positive effect of online class is that students are becoming more tech- savvy. Apart from academic learning, technological learning is improving for children. In online classrooms, students can now gain access to all information at one platform. Teachers can easily record their class and keep it securely preserved in an electronic archive and if students need further explanations they can view these recordings to clear their doubts.

The outbreak of COVID-19 has shifted the whole education system into the virtual mode. Education faculties are setting up their account on many online platforms such as Zoom, Skype, Google classroom etc. We can say that online education is more affordable, the expense of going to college, travelling cost to campus etc. is saved. Study materialsare now available in PDF format and have become easily accessible documents. Internet connection has come out to be the biggest challenge of e-education , students belonging to urban areas are more likely to have internet access than students residing in rural areas. The outbreak of COVID-19 has resulted in a digital revolution in education. Online classes and active teachers are far more prevalent in private sector. Many children are spending money on online learning platforms and their parents want to support them in every way possible. The HRD Ministry has come up with a unique initiative of National Institute of Open Schooling. They come up with ” SWAYAM” platform for class 9th to 12th class students. This app is also beneficial for the students who are preparing for JEE and NEET exams. It is a self learning material with video lectures and self assessment tools. Ministry of HRD has come with MHRD SWAYAM PRABHA TV channel, that has featured live sessions and is helping many unprivileged children.

E- learning is now the new normal, Government along with private education sector has the responsibility to offer education though the virtual mode. Now there is a surge in online education and many children across the country are benefited from this while staying with their parents. Teachers are working equally hard so that they can impart education to their children. Many initiatives have been taken so far from both the government and the private sectors to sustain the motivation of both students and teachers. Online classes also help in establishing a routine for children, a routine which will keep them engaged in productive work and maintain a sense of discipline, productivity in this lockdown.

Priya Singh @Samacharline