ADAPTING TO CHANGES

ONLINE TO OFFLINE TRANSITION

Student life during the covid time has been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride. The pandemic brought in a drastic change in the teaching-learning mechanism. From the monotonous online classes and endless bouts of assignments to every student's dream come true in the form of online exams to the ironic field trips, we have been through it all. It did take a while but for the most part, we got accustomed to the online revolution as the new normal. The third wave in the form of Omicron didn't help the matter either and experiencing campus life seemed like a far-fetched dream.

So when the notice declaring reopening the University was issued, the primary response was that of absolute elation. Most students were thrilled and relieved at the idea of finally being on campus. The first-year students (who passed out of school online) couldn't contain their joy about getting to experience college life. The second and third-year students who had spent a majority of their college life online and somewhat made peace (albeit begrudgingly) with the fact that they would graduate online were also over the moon. Even though the online mode of education has its own merits, offline classroom teaching is unparalleled. This was especially a welcome relief for the students who faced regular network glitches and the ones who couldn't keep up with online teaching due to a lack of resources. Finally getting to meet our peers, seniors, and teachers; all of these aspects made us bounce with happiness.

But once this initial high subsided, apprehension took the front stage. Online to offline transition was proving to be more challenging than we had imagined.

Prepping for college, waking up early (covid has messed up our sleep cycles among other things), and hassles of commuting are only some of the problems most of us are facing. Now, it can be argued that these aren't legit "problems" and rightfully so, but what needs to be taken into account here is the two-year-long hiatus and consequent disconnect from the offline world which has made these menial tasks seemingly cumbersome. Being stuck in our homes, haywire routines, limited social interactions, and lack of physical activity owing to the pandemic have changed us in ways more than one.

The troubles of outstation students are on another tangent altogether. From packing in haste and booking tickets on short notice to finding affordable and secure accommodations coupled with tearful goodbyes, their woes are more than reasonable.

Concerns of first-year students are probably a notch higher than others. We are sailing in two boats, one foot online and the other offline. With our online exams and practicals just around the corner and the sudden change in the mode of classes along with having to settle in college life, things have been all over the place. It is especially tough for our outstation peers who are hesitant to shift to Delhi given the limited time and online exams soon approaching. Consequently, they are missing out on lectures. For the second and third-year students too, appearing for offline exams shortly under an invigilator's watch would be anxiety-ridden, to say the least. The transition is taking a toll on all of us.

Distress is bound to arise in such a scenario. Foreheads marred with lines and voices filled with trepidation have become a common sight. Adding to that is the still prevalent fear of the spread of the virus. The mental health of students is being affected by this transition.

According to a report by UNICEF, 14 percent of young Indians are depressed in COVID times but are unwilling to talk about it. The same has been found among students, most of them are finding the transition phase from online to offline education difficult and refrain from participating in various class activities and would rather keep to themselves due to the lack of human connection. As the return to in-person teaching and learning rolls out, things will not simply spring back to the way they were. Outpatient departments of psychiatry units in hospitals have been reporting a sharp increase in visits by teenagers coming for counselling in recent weeks due to behavioural changes and the anxiety that the return to offline mode has been setting off after two years of virtual classes.

Now, after a few weeks of resuming offline classes, it is safe to say that most of us haven't found our footing yet. We thought it was difficult to concentrate in online classes and that offline teaching would make things better but things haven't panned out exactly. Sitting still for lectures at a stretch and directing concentration seems foreign when we are used to being bundled up in sheets and attending classes from the comforts and confines of our homes. Experiencing campus life was something we had been craving for so long and now that it is our reality, we are struggling to keep up with it. Just the fact that we have to attend college regularly now and being around so many people after so long will take some time to process and get habitual to. Interacting with teachers and peers without the disruption of a screen has been a pleasant change though so has spending leisure time lazing around the lush green gardens amidst the lap of nature.

Online to offline hasn't been the smoothest of transitions (still an ongoing process) rather it has been an overwhelming one, courtesy of the pandemic which has increased the uncertainty of life tenfold. What needs to be understood and accepted here is that change is the only constant. But adapting to life changes is easier said than done, so rushing and stressing won’t help. Getting back in the groove at our own pace with a positive mindset will, with the belief that eventually, we will get there.

Here are a few tips that will hopefully make this transition a little easier:-

1. MEDITATION

You might call it too mainstream and cliché but meditation will help in relaxing your body from these stressors. A few simple breathing exercises will go a long way. See the change for yourself.

2. ME TIME

Amidst the chaos of life, we forget to spend some time with ourselves. Take a breather and sit with yourself. It will allow self-reflection and help bring clarity of thoughts to cope with the transition.

3. ACTIVE EFFORTS

At times we tend to get too comfortable in our lives, and even a small life change becomes hard to deal with, making us sulk and complain. It is essential to understand that adapting to changes is a part of life. Yes, it is tough but we can begin by recognizing, acknowledging, and then working towards adapting to such life changes. So let's make active efforts to ease this transition process.

4. PATIENCE

Getting habitual to the offline way of life again will take time. It is not an overnight process. So patience is the key. Try to view the situation as the glass half full and keep moving forward.

5. SEEK HELP

It is okay if you are finding it difficult or are unable to deal with the transition. Talk to your peers, friends, and family about your feelings and problems. If not then seek help from a professional.

Here's to hoping we all make the transition even if it is with a few bumps and hiccups!

References

Feb 22, A. S. /, 2022, & Ist, 03:44. (n.d.). Why Online To Offline A Bumpy Transition For Kids | Noida News - Times of India. The Times of India.

Challenges faced by students while switching from online to offline classes. (2021, October 22). EducationWorld.

Written By-

Bhavi Takkar (1st Year)

Reviewed by-

Palak Singla (Content Team Coordinator| Editor-In-Chief)

Santushti Anand (Deputy Content Team Coordinator| Deputy Editor-In-Chief)

Yashita Ahuja (Asossociate Editor)