Covid-19 has brought unprecedented challenges for the Higher Education Institutes worldwide, disrupting the way academic institutions operate. The educational institutions across India are no exception and are facing multiple challenges. This includes how to conduct online examinations, admission interviews, placement processes, shifting to virtual teaching-learning process, and finally to take a conscious decision on resuming the academic process.
According to UNESCO, 91.3% of total enrolled learners worldwide have been affected by the lockdown. The institutional leaders, however, should not be myopic in their approach at this time of crisis. They should use this time as an opportunity to reimagine the education system for the post-pandemic era.
Time to embrace virtual learning
Virtual learning seems to have gained prominence in the past few months. Covid-19 compelled teachers, students and parents to undertake teaching-learning remotely on digital platforms like Zoom, MS Teams and Google Meet. Digital learning ecosystem supported by internet connectivity, smartphones, cloud computing and AI can bring increased efficiency in terms of online pedagogy.
Newer outlook
The immersive college experience with all its benefits comes with a high price tag for students. Top institutes like the IIMs, IITs, MDI, etc. with their state-of-the-art infrastructure, world-class faculty, and influential alumni network will explore new ways to enhance the residential experience of their students.
For example, we may soon see a Harvard University Professor delivering a lecture in an Indian university, wherein the participants in the virtual classroom are from several countries. This type of sessions, though existed for a limited audience, may now be widely available for a vast number of students, giving them a holistic experience.
This virtual pedagogy system will:
Allow students to gain international exposure in cost-efficient ways
Open avenues for meritorious students from a low-income background, thereby increasing accessibility for quality education in the country
New avenues for Higher Education Institutes
The Covid-19 crisis may have majorly impacted student-exchange programs. However, this is a moment for the Indian academicians to boost their collaboration, and create a win-win strategy with the educational institutes abroad. Institutes may collaborate to offer joint programs/courses to the students, enabling them to earn a joint degree from the collaborating institutions. Some of the top Indian institutes like MDI already offer a twinning program in collaboration with ESCP Europe.
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Advanced learning module
In days to come, as we embrace the ‘new normal’ almost all academic institutions will be offering programs in Hybrid Mode a combination of on-campus and online modules. This will gain momentum as the digital capabilities continue to evolve, and the psychological barriers to virtual learning among the various stakeholders continue to change.
Education through tech
Since the outbreak of Covid-19, there has been a significant surge in the usage of language apps, video conferencing tools, virtual tutoring, and online learning software for facilitating online learning. As a result of which several educational institutes partnered with online learning platforms or Edtech firms that are facilitating teaching-learning needs in this time of crisis.
Some of the ways to boost student engagement include:
- Variety of content using a mix of lectures (pre-recorded or live) audio or video clips, class exercises, and synchronous and asynchronous activities
- Focus on active learning by using group chat and collaborative /shared documents
- Use of blended mode to improve comprehension and better utilize class time
- Use of regular feedback to build agility, and improve the student experience
Virtual learning has provided academic institutions with an opportunity to utilize and develop its two key resources – faculty and infrastructure. As they navigate through difficult times, it is imperative to be better equipped to effectively serve students in a world where digitally centred communication is increasingly becoming a norm. This trend may continue to rise.
Courtesy: India Today
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