AN ANALYTICAL STUDY ON THE POST COVID-19 EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM

RESEARCH ARTICLE

By Sanchalika Bhattacharjee, University of North Bengal

Mendeley Data, V1, doi: 10.17632/b3v8rvm8kw.1

ABSTRACT:

"In India, education is one of the constitutional rights of every citizen that prepares an individual to play their role as a sophisticated member of society. The COVID-19 pandemic has left a significant footprint on all sectors worldwide, including the education sector in India. The sudden global lockdown disrupted the lives of many students, with around 320 million learners unable to attend school or college. The outbreak of COVID-19 has made it clear that change is inevitable, leading to a transition from traditional face-to-face interactions to online platforms in the education system. This article aims to explore the advantages and disadvantages of online education, along with the positive and negative effects of COVID-19 on education. Additionally, the author discusses the impact of school, college, and university closures on learning, as well as the pandemic's effect on rural areas. The article also highlights various government initiatives to enhance the education system during and after the COVID-19 era. Finally, the article provides recommendations for improving the educational ecosystem in the post-COVID-19 period, suggesting further research on this topic."

KEYWORDS: Covid-19, Education, Analysis, Online, Pandemic.

Image for representative purpose.

"Basic education links the children, whether of the cities or the villages, to all that is best and lasting in India" – Mahatma Gandhi

INTRODUCTION:

The origin and evolution of Covid-19 can be traced back to the Chinese province of Hubei where the first cases were identified in December 2019. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared Covid-19as a global pandemic on 11 March 2020 as the virus spread rapidly around the world. However, it remains unclear as to how exactly the virus spread to humans. Covid- 19 is one of the most dangerous viruses that has ever been in the world. It impacts the entire world service system on a large basis, whether it’s industry, business, school, colleges, and others. A huge number of people have lost their lives, jobs, education families, and many more. However, the situation was getting under control in 2021 but it’s not the end of the story. [1]

The pandemic has had a heavy impact on the world, particularly on the educational sector in India. While online learning has been used to provide some value and knowledge, it is not as effective as offline classes in helping students understand. The global decision to close educational institutions was rational to prevent the spread of the virus, but it also revealed the need to update the education system. While some countries were already prepared for online learning, others were not, leading to challenges in accessing online courses. For instance, in Saudi Arabia, all the universities used Blackboard tools for distance education and taught some elective and general courses

Despite the difficulties and limitations, the sudden shift from traditional education to online education has paved the way for a change in the existing education system. Today's learners are actively using various types of technology for e-learning, but there are advantages and disadvantages to online classes. The pandemic has highlighted the need for education reform and has shown that both learners and teachers can adapt to new educational technology tools.

Advantages: 1. Time-saving: In online classes, there is no need to commute for a student to learn and get a degree. He/she can easily receive education from educational institutions while sitting in the comfort of their home. 2. Low cost: The best part of online learning is that it is much more affordable compared to the old-fashioned way of learning. In digital classes, parents are free from buying uniforms or spending traveling expenses and they can save extra money. Due to this advantage of online education, economically weaker students can also study and fulfill their dreams. 3. Easy attendance: Students can give their attendance right from the comfort of their homes. So, they can attend all online classes easily without any absences. 4. Tech-savvy: As one is using technology for learning he can become tech-savvy by digital learning. Yet, this is a good thing because, in today's age of technology, most of the jobs require tech-savvy employees. 5. Self-paced: Digital learning is often self-paced where one can do his work in his own time, unlike traditional classes. If there are no teachers, one can easily utilize his free time to complete other important work. 6. Improves time management: A student has to learn how to manage their time efficiently. Digital classes make this possible as there are no teachers to guide the students physically in doing their work. This independence allows students to grow and improve their time management skills. 7. More accessible: Location-wise digital education is much more accessible. If a student wants to study in a particular university from another country or region but cannot travel due to financial issues or some restrictions, then through digital education a student can get a degree from that particular university without having to travel. 8. Global connection: It's possible to connect with teachers and learners all around the world with online courses. Before online learning, one has to travel to that particular region to learn about their traditions and cultures. But now it has become very easy to communicate with each other even with other countries as well.

Disadvantages:

1. Lack of concentration: Virtual classes are done through a phone or laptop where students can easily move to games, videos, or any other app for entertainment. This completely makes them go off track from subject studies. Without having proper care for students by their parents during online classes, they can easily lose focus on their studies. [2]

2. Expensive: In the advantage it was said that online learning is less costly. However, it is expensive for those students whose parents are jobless due to COVID-19. They cannot afford smartphones or computers for online classes. In such cases, digital learning may be accessible but it's not readily affordable.

3. Technical equipment: At a minimum, students need a device with an internet connection to attend online classes. Realistically students will need a device so that they can also type assignments such as a laptop or tablet with a keyboard. But it's costly to purchase these devices if one has multiple children who each need their own devices to complete their school work.

4. Isolation: While digital education has its perks many students feel a sense of isolation and become depressed. This is due to no human contact and socializing with peers. Both teachers and students alike are prone to loneliness in virtual learning.

6. Limited: Digital learning does not apply to all disciplines and subjects. Areas that require practical like engineering, medical science, law, and other streams cannot be implemented fully with digital classes. Moreover, some practical cannot be conducted virtually.

7. Difficult to prevent cheating: In traditional learning teachers can personally and physically monitor students. Digital online classes make it quite difficult for teachers to access their students during exams. The teachers will have no idea whether the students cheat on the test or not as they are not physically there to access them.

8. Lack of good Internet connection: It is known to all that a good Internet connection is needed to attend online classes. If one fails to connect the phone with a good internet connection, he can miss many important things because of buffering. Also, for a good internet connection

parents have to spend money on a monthly or yearly basis which is a disadvantage for poor and middle-class families.[3]

6. Health issues: Many parents are worried about their child's health as it is unhealthy to sit for hours in front of a computer screen. Looking at the screen for too long can also damage their eyesight. Not only that, but back problems may also arise due to continuous sitting

7. Lack of socializing skills: The students who study through digital mode cannot acquire socializing skills as there is a socialization process in digital mode. Also, it may lead to a decrease in the cooperative skills of a student.

IMPACT OF CLOSURE OF SCHOOLS, COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES ON EDUCATION:

Public health measures remain an important pillar to mitigate Covid-19. School closure has become one of the most common restrictions in Asia. The rapid spread of the novel coronavirus led to the closure of all schools and universities and affected 95% of the world's student population. Some schools, mostly English-medium schools whose student population comes from a higher socio-economic background were able to conduct classes via online platforms. Due to the cancellation of the May/June 2020 and May/June 2021 sittings of the IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Exam) and IAL (International Advanced Level) exams, students of the past two years have graduated through ' predicted grades. These grades have been reported to be massively overinflated since the grading system was no longer held to the same standards by all institutions as each school became both the educational provider and evaluator. The net result is the widening inequalities in terms of college admissions and even jobs. Perhaps primary school kids are the most affected in the aspect that very few are properly acquiring basic knowledge and study methods that they will need for their later years of education. Due to the absence of group study or recreation besides the phone or television, children are mentally drained and demotivated while trying to keep up with the studies they barely comprehend. Many students have been suffering from 'exam phobia' due to insufficient learning via online classes. From a mental health perspective, it is well established that social interaction among children at school is a determining factor for their cognitive and emotional development which in turn, influences their academic, social, and family performance. Due to the unexpected restrictions, children around the world are attending online distance learning from home, coping with an unprepared and unprecedented scenario of disruptive technological innovation and digital transformation, as well as other issues such as psychological stress, and difficulties in completing distance learning tasks. In India, many students come to school just to get a mid-day meal. But because of the school closure, they did not get the food and it has affected their nutrition also.[4]

Covid-19 has also negatively affected the students of colleges and universities. Student's mental health in higher education has been an increasing concern. The COVID-19 pandemic situation has brought this vulnerable population into renewed focus. In India, The COVID-19 pandemic has created a mental health crisis among college students due to lockdown restrictions, an overwhelming number of COVID-19 cases, financial difficulties, etc., This mental health crisis has led to high degrees of fear, anxiety, and depression among college and university students. Students had to face severe problems as they were completely unaware of the future examination especially students who were in the final year and also those who were to answer entrance test. The online method was previously considered a threat but today it has come to the rescue. One of the significant questions arises regarding online learning and whether it's effective. However, the answer came that it is effective only for those who have the right access to technology.[5]

The Internet plays a vital role in better learning and higher education. In a country like India, all students cannot be expected to have all the required facilities due to different socio- economic backgrounds which might cause discomfort and frustration to the students. It may also give students the feeling of segregation and thus create a digital divide between the rich who can avail of all the facilities and the poor who cannot afford to purchase the equipment that is required for e-learning. Many entrance tests and job recruitment too got cancelled which created a negative impact on the students of higher education. All these imply towards increase in unemployment in India. These were certain problems that affected the people in India who were severely affected due to the pandemic which created a threat to the future of India.[6]

IMPACT IN RURAL AREAS:

Although private, urban schools in India were better adapted to new circumstances, Government schools have struggled a lot to transform the education system from traditional in- person learning to an online eco-system, especially in rural India. The rural areas are the worst sufferers of the online system of education. Many rural residents are not able to purchase smartphones or laptops which are integral for online classes and even if they do the internet speed is very poor in those areas. On top of this, many families have to deal with power outages. Quite inevitably, education has been put on the back burner for nearly two years, and therefore, online education has had a minimal effect in rural areas.[7]

On the other hand, Child marriage has always been prevalent in the rural part of India, the lack of education has made the poor rural girls unequipped for jobs and even more of a 'Burden' to their families. Since the start of the pandemic, child marriage has increased by at least 13%. Boys of those families have also had to enter the workforce prematurely.

In India, many agrarian families were deprived of their income during this COVID-19period, so it is not hard to imagine the nutritional implications of this loss on girls belonging to these households. In addition to daily one-time meals, schools also provide provisions such as sanitary napkins for the girls. These are essential services for adolescent girls, especially given the extreme barriers they face to maintaining basic menstrual hygiene.

Other measures such as – the distribution of iron and folic acid tablets, and supplementary nutrition packages also remain severely affected due to little or no strategic guidance and planning in the implementation of the lockdown. After much advocacy, the government advised on door-to-door distribution of supplementary nutrition products eight days after the announcement of the lockdown.

In addition to this, there have also been numerous reports on the spike in domestic violence cases across the country especially in the rural side. There are far too many repercussions for young girls who are bound to the confines of their homes, often with abusive parents or partners.

As the global community calls for greater consideration of the nuances of how policy responses affect girls and women differently, we must ensure that civil society, NGOs and other humanitarian initiatives continue serving the needs of girls alongside systems to address challenges posed by Covid-19 fallout. With heavily curtailed access to resources during the time of the pandemic, differentiated policy guidelines are critical to addressing the enhanced vulnerabilities of girls. Studies have shown that crises such as pandemics, disasters, and emergencies exacerbate gender inequalities and have a disproportionately negative impact on vulnerable populations, particularly women and girls. A few focused responses that can be taken into consideration are the following: -

1. Fulfilment of nutritional requirements, menstrual hygiene products, and essential reproductive health services

2. Ensuring that adolescent girls can continue their education in the post-lockdown period also by creating provisions.

3. Creation of helplines for mental health counselling during and post-COVID-19 period.

4. Announcing clear guidelines and safety measures for frontline workers as well as for departments responsible for the implementation of emergency response directives.

POSITIVE IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON EDUCATION:

The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the education systemin India. However, it also presented an opportunity to incorporate online learning into the teaching and learning process. Despite its drawbacks, online learning proved to be a lifesaver during the country's worst situation, improving digital literacy and encouraging people to learn and use digital technology. Electronic media was used to share information worldwide, and students had the chance to interact with people from different parts of the world, improving communication skills. Students preferred the Open and Distance Learning (ODL) mode of learning as it promoted self-learning. Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) also responded positively by adopting different strategies during the crisis. UGC and MHRD made teaching and learning materials available for students to motivate learning, and some digital initiatives have been proven effective during the COVID-19 crisis.

Online learning apps such as BYJU'S, VEDANTU, DUOLINGO, BRAINLY, etc. enabled students to attend live-streaming lectures by teachers and professionals, benefitting from real- time problem-solving through advanced technology.

The Government of India collaborated with the states and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to assess and bridge the learning gap during the COVID-19 pandemic period. A multi-pronged approach was adopted, and a comprehensive initiative named "PM e- VIDYA" was launched on 17 May 2020 as part of ATMA NIRBHAR BHARAT ABHIYAN. It unified all efforts related to digital or online education to enable multi-mode access to education.

The "PM e- VIDYA" initiative includes various components such as DIKSHA, E- - PATHSHALA, E- GYANKOSH, SWAYAM PRABHA TV channel, extensive use of Radio, Community Radio, and CBSE podcast SHIKSHA VANI. Special e-content for the visually and hearing impaired was developed on the Digitally Accessible Information System (DAISY) and in sign language on the NIOS website/YouTube. The Ministry also launched a proactive initiative named 'MANODARPAN' for mental health and emotional wellbeing support to students, teachers, and families during the COVID outbreak and beyond. The National Education Policy, 2020, focuses on improving the standard of education through various measures such as the introduction of new pedagogical and curricular structures, easy childhood care and education, foundational literacy and numeracy, transforming assessment for student development, experiential and competency-based learning, etc.

SUGGESTIONS:

There is no doubt that this pandemic is a great shock to the education system of India. The number of dropouts has been increasing severely due to the pandemic. Over the past two years, children have missed out on countless hours of learning. This learning crisis is indeed a global challenge, it's not an impossible one. A multi-prolonged strategy is necessary to manage the crisis and build a robust Indian education system in the long term. Here are some suggestions to bring the education system back in India:

1. It is mandatory to make the parents understand the value of education and empower them to support their children in their learning and development.

2 Accelerate the digital transformation to promote inclusion, equality, and quality education for all children.

3. Invest in teachers and promote opportunities for professional development and access to adequate tools.

4. Ensure all children return to school and are supported to catch up on lost learning so that they can learn foundational learning and numeracy skills and gain 21st-century skills.

5. At current times, access to technology and the internet is an urgent requirement. So, the digital capabilities and the required infrastructure must reach to the remotest and poorest communities to facilitate the students to continue their education.

6. Professors and teachers should also try to make online education better acceptable among students.

7. Immediate measures are required to make up for the effects of the pandemic on job offers, internship programs, and research projects.

CONCLUSION:

The purpose of education is to enable oneself to better the world in which one lives. Technology today has become the need of an hour. Nowadays it is difficult to imagine college and university education without the use of digital resources which provides different education and academic information. However, it is also necessary to understand that it should not reinforce structures of power and inequalities. Online mode of learning can be the best mode of teaching if it is accessible to all sections of society, but it can pose a threat if certain sections of society cannot avail of this facility. It is therefore important to take cognizance of online education and plan for interventions that will prioritize greater inclusivity, connectivity, and equitability. India has been strengthening its educational system since 2009 – when the "RIGHT TO EDUCATION ACT" (RTE) was passed, mandating free and compulsory education. However, this progress has been significantly hindered by the Covid-19 pandemic. Nearly 15 lakh children have been orphaned since the start of the pandemic, including 1.2 lakh from India. For such kids, their educational opportunities are at risk. Several private sector initiatives, with support from the state governments, aim to improve literacy rates among school children and adults, primarily through training teachers, supporting technology and infrastructure development, and promoting the benefits of reading to all. Similarly, Rotary India Literacy Mission(RILM) has also signed agreements with multiple state governments to increase literacy rates through student-led initiatives that will broadly aim to bring total literacy and improve the learning outcomes of primary education, in various parts of the country.[8] E-learning offers a significant chance for children to acquire knowledge and enhance their communication abilities. With virtual education and AI, we can overcome the learning deficit that students may face. The pandemic has disrupted the education system, but we can seize this moment to bring about positive change. Public-private partnerships, along with government support, can foster innovative teaching methods. Providing students with essential tools and infrastructure will prepare them for a more meaningful life and contribute to social, environmental, and national progress.[9]

Online education has been on the fringe for a long time. The Covid-19 pandemic made it the main stream. It has been found that the students considered online education a viable alternative during the pandemic. However, there is a scope for development. Techniques like flipped classrooms, case studies and may be introduced in online education and their effects may be studied. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the adoption of online education on a large scale around the world for the first time. The lessons we learn about online education during this pandemic will be useful during future exigencies.

REFERENCES:

1. Seema Pradhan, Challenges in education system after Covid-19pandemic, (October 27, 2022, 10:00AM), https://m.timesofindia.com/education/online-schooling/changes-in-education-system-after-covid-19-pandemic/amparticleshow/90825692.cms

2. Priyanka Gautam, Advantages and disadvantages of online learning, (October 28, 2022, 10:05 AM), https://elearningindustry.com/advantages-and-disadvantages-online-learning/amp.

3. Veerendra, Advantages and Disadvantages of Online Classes| Benefits & Limitations of Online Classes, (October 28, 2022,11:00 AM), https://www.aplustopper.com/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-online-classes/#Advantages_of_Online_Classes.

4. Shekhar Mehta, Education in India during Covid-19: challenges faced and solution for a post-pandemic era, (October 28, 2022, 11:10 AM), https://www.outlookindia.com/website/story/opinion-education-in-india-during-covid-19-challenges-faced-and-solutions-for-a-post-pandemic-era/400485/amp.

5. 5 F Sultana, Impact on school closures due to Covid-19 on education, (October 29, 2022, 11:00 AM), https://www.joghr.org/article/36902-impact-of-school-closures-due-to-covid-19-on-education-in-low-and- middle-income-countries.

6. Narayanan Ramaswamy, The impact of Covid-19 on school education and the road to recovery,(October 29, 2022, 09:40 PM), https://home.kpmg/in/en/home/insights/2021/10/nep-covid-19-school-education- assessments.html.

7. Emiliana Vegas,Sunhwa Lee, and Unika Shrestha, How has education technology impacted student learning in India during Covid-19, (October 30, 2022, 11:22 AM), https://www.brookings.edu/blog/education-plus-development/2021/08/23/how-has-education-technology-impacted-student-learning-in-india-during-covid- 19/

8. Showkat Ahamad Dar and Naseer Ahamad Lone "IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON EDUCATION IN INDIA", Art History volume-26,)(no.2(XIV)):4655 (2021).

9. Bhaswati Devi, Importance Of Online Education, ( November 02, 2022, 09:00 AM), https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/readersblog/personal-blog/importance-of-online-education-36962/.

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About the author: The author of this work, Miss Sanchalika Bhattacharjee is an undergraduate student, pursuing B.A. LL.B, at University of North Bengal.

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