Unveiling Perspectives on Online Education

Ft. DR. ANAMIKA RAI & MS. NAMITA TAYAL

COVID-19 gave us a shift from offline to online education,

Does adapting to this new normal feel like normal?

~ Akanksha Soni

Throughout the year 2020, all of us faced many problems because of COVID-19. The transition to the “new normal” hampered almost every aspect of life. The process of adapting to an all-new situation where everyone has to be caged in their homes was not at all an easy task to do. Even today, one year after the pandemic knocked our doors, the struggle of coping up with the adversities of the pandemic continues.

With the shift in the economy, there also had to be made a dramatic shift in the way of teaching and the working of the education system. Though not entirely, the introduction of online classes was accompanied by a lot of hardships. It has been more than a year since students have not seen their schools and colleges. They have not met their classmates and experienced sitting on the benches of the classroom. Not only students but teachers and professors are also missing their students and the entire offline set-up.

Teachers also face a number of problems during online teaching. In an interview with two of our college professors, Dr. Anamika Rai and Ms. Namita Tayal we wanted to know their side of the story and about what perspectives they hold with regard to the entire concept of online education. Let’s see what our teachers have to say about online teaching.

It was never thought that this pandemic will continue for so long and teaching will take a turn towards online learning. So, did you ever think of this or do you have any prior experience of online teaching?

A – First of all, I never thought that the entire education system would shift to online mode so it was the first experience for all of us. Talking about the prior experience of online teaching, I haven’t taught through this mode before, however I have attended many lectures online. When this phase of covid-19 arrived and suddenly our education system shifted to online mode, all of us were settling down on which platform we should take the classes, what will happen to the attendance, how will we conduct practical in an online mode, because most of the practical material is in hard copy which is available in the labs only. Thus, it was very tough for us to design an online practical that took a rigorous mode. I think from that point in time, we started thinking about how we can convert our physical classroom teaching into an online mode. The reason being, when students are not with us, there is a screen in between students and teachers and it becomes really difficult to communicate and understandably express yourselves as when you are in a face-to-face classroom setting, then you get a lot of data in the form of non-verbal cues as well. Until and unless schools and colleges are not opening in a physical model, I think that online teaching is the best option. But online teaching is not the remedy. We cannot substitute physical classroom teaching with the online mode.

N – Conventionally, Indian culture had always consisted of the Guru-Shishya Parampara. We had never really thought about shifting to an online setup. Work from home has been a culture but we had mostly heard of it in the IT sector. I didn’t think it would be possible at any time but keep in mind these special circumstances, there was no better alternative. Covid-19 and the entire situation of the pandemic are also novel to us. I think we have very successfully, especially in the field of education, tackled the change. We never had an experience of online teaching, we never thought of working from home in the education sector. Though we have used technology in terms of PPTs, using videos, etc. to make our classes more interactive, teaching students who are sitting so far from us was never thought of.

When the university decided to go for online teaching, what was the first thing that came to your mind? Was the transition easy for you?

A – At a very first glance, I didn’t think of it as an easy or a difficult task because until and unless you do something, you cannot come up with it as being easy or difficult. After this lockdown period, I had to manage things accordingly. For instance, now, if you have a morning class, then you have to take care of your family and workplace simultaneously. In this kind of situation, it’s quite difficult to manage everything together as every task demands time. So, during these difficulties, I asked for help from my family members and they made this transition period manageable for me.

N – All types of changes are somewhat difficult or challenging not only for teachers but for the students as well. As suggested by Kurt Lewin in his model of change, we have to unfreeze to bring about any kind of change in the working of an organization. It was obviously a difficult challenge for us because in conventional ways of teaching where we used to be physically present in the classroom, had a whiteboard, where there was a power distance between students and teachers was what we were habitual of. Thus, I believe that our behavior is also guided by the infrastructure. The very first thing that came to my mind when we shifted to an online set-up was that how can we make a smooth transition to the new normal while facilitating quality learning. Because there was no option to stop. We had to maintain continuity in our education. My aim was to conduct this smoothly so that my students can come to the class, not for any other purpose than learning. Although in the initial stage of change, we all obviously had fear factors and apprehensions. But even then, learning was an utmost motive even in such challenging times. Therefore, that was the only thing in my mind that the transition to the online classes should be very smooth.

“We have to unfreeze to bring about any kind of change in the working of an organization.” ~ KURT LEWIN

Which mode of teaching, according to you, is better? Offline or Online?

A – There is no comparison between online and offline teaching. As I said earlier, there is no such remedy to offline teaching. Considering the present situation, we cannot take the risk of taking classes in an offline mode, so in this case, online teaching is the best option. Both online and offline teaching has pros and cons. In online mode, you need to decide how much time you spend in front of the screen. You have to manage your time, as being online for a long duration can be very straining. No matter if it is online or offline, teaching and learning must go on.

N – In my opinion, there are both pros and cons of both of the methods. If there are advantages of one, then it also has its disadvantages. We can’t compare offline and online teaching. Both are good in their own ways. We have to understand that online teaching was brought – in as a temporary arrangement so that the students don’t have an education gap. Secondly, that it keeps the students mentally and intellectually engaged even at times of a pandemic. Online teaching is just a temporary arrangement but not a substitute for the offline mode. And as a temporary arrangement, it is really good.

Everything has some pros and cons. According to you, what is the one thing you dislike and like the most about online classes?

A – Through online classes, I got the opportunity to attend many of the online courses and also got the chance to listen to people who are sitting abroad and are excellent in their fields. I think this is the one very important benefit of online mode that across the world, without any geographical boundaries you can gain knowledge and improve your learnings. Online mode has also allowed me to listen and learn from my mentors. On the other hand, the thing I dislike the most about the online mode is the increase in screen time and the amount of time spent in front of our devices. Secondly, if you are working from home and due to a lack of organizational boundaries, it is presumed that you are easily available and accessible for home responsibilities as well.

N – I think that there’s a single answer to both the questions. The fact that we are in our comfort zone is something I like and at the same time dislike about the online mode. When we are online, we are saved from daily hassles. Earlier, when I used to travel to college, I used to come across a number of daily hassles. Now, I just have to travel from my bedroom to my study room. Obviously, it is so comforting and I really like that. But this is the only thing that I dislike because when you are in a physical setup, there is a power of the infrastructure which guides your behavior. Theoretically, there may be no change in the educational system, but the virtues and life skills such as patience, tolerance, etc. which students learn in a physical setup can’t be learned in an online setup because you are in your own comfort zone.

Now, it has been a year that we have shifted to online mode and it gets really tough. Even the students do not have the motivation for online classes which they used to have for offline classes. Is there anything you do to keep your students motivated?

A – I have made certain changes in my classroom teaching while teaching in an online mode. Now I have started using PPT’s, video clipping, online interviews, case study methods, etc. for keeping students engaging and interactive during the class. I believe students prefer such teaching methods so they learn easily and enjoy it. It gets easier for them to recognize and memorize concepts with such tools. Secondly, there are many apps that you can introduce in your classes that may help students to keep themselves motivated during online classes. Also, in between two classes, a small break of 5 to 6 minutes is really important to keep you and your students refreshing.

N – One of the conscious efforts to make my students motivated is that I try to change the way I teach. So, when we were in an offline classroom setup, I used activities to explain the concepts and topics so that my students are not overburdened and they can also have practical knowledge. But obviously, such activities are not possible in an online setup. So, my conscious effort in online classes is to make it more vibrant by giving examples or by using memes or video clips. Now, I have changed the means through which I teach, by means, earlier I used to teach with formal PPTs and activities. Now, when I teach, I try to use some latest web series or maybe a movie related to the topic. I have changed the material through which I am teaching from formal PPTs to some video clips. Secondly, I have tried to be more empathetic during these online classes. I try and understand my students’ problems. I try to be considerate of their problems.

How do you deal with the stressors of online teaching?

A – I think scheduling everyday tasks and time management are the only remedies.

N – Very first thing is that I keep my laptop away. Obviously, when it is officially required, when I have classes, meetings, conferences to attend I cannot keep my screen away, because now it has become a part of our work. The amount of time which I used to spend on the phone, on Instagram, on Facebook is now spent on official tasks which have to be done online. I keep myself away from the screen and spend more time with nature and the current environment in which I am. So, if I am sitting with my family, I try to keep my laptop, my phone away because that has become my work now. This obviously gives rest to my mind and keeps me engaged in the present situation. Another way to deal with stressors is to sleep whenever I get time. Obviously, the working hours have expanded so I make sure that I give myself proper sleep so that my physical, as well as psychological immunity, is balanced.

Are you able to manage your home and online classes together?

A – As I said, keeping track of time and having a proper schedule is the best option. If you are managing things according to time then I don’t think tasks become hassles for you. But if the timing is overlapping, then it becomes a little tough. Then priority becomes the best option.

N – Honestly, I have not changed my routine. Initially, when we began with online teaching, all of us were confused so I used to mix my college work, my homework, and my household work. But now what I do is, I wake up, get ready and I spend time with my family, and do all the family-related work after my classes are over. So, either offline or online, I don’t disturb my routine because today or tomorrow we have to go offline. It’s my self-discipline and I even motivate my students to try practicing it.

What irritates you the most about online classes?

A – One thing that irritates me the most about online classes is when the teacher is prepared for the class and students are not willing for discussions. Then a lot of motivation is required for online classes from both students and teachers. Then either you have to change the content or find another teaching method and make the topic more interesting. Many times, it is not necessary that we have to speak or give lectures. Sometimes playing videos and short films related to that particular topic makes the class more engaging.

N – The most discomforting thing is the screen time. Obviously, screen exposure has increased and it has a negative effect on our physical as well as mental health. Due to which one on one interaction between student and teachers is also affected. This is a drawback of online teaching which affects the teaching-learning process itself.

Since the beginning, parents, as well as students, have been complaining about the negative impact of online classes on health such as eye pain, neck ache, etc. What impact do you think these online classes have on students on physical as well as mental health?

A – I think since the beginning of the interview, I have been emphasizing that our education system needs a number of things that need to be redesigned in order to conduct online classes efficiently, especially for kids. The duration of the period, the teaching pattern, etc. need to be redesigned because kids can’t sit in front of their screens for longer hours. But yes, it is a challenging phase for all of us and impacts both physical and mental health.

N – I can’t disregard the fact that it has been affecting our health. The screen time has increased. All of us have to sit in the same posture from morning till evening. The use of technology has increased which obviously has negative impacts on all of us. Yes, there are health issues but these health issues are minor than suffering from Covid itself. Moreover, I agree that there is an increase in our screen time which is obviously not good for our health.

What is your take on online exams such as Open Book Examinations (OBE)? How could we make it better and more efficient?

A – I think I am not the right person to comment on this but I do have certain ideas. The structure of OBE or online examination is that you have to attend four long questions. I believe there should be all sorts of questions, in the sense that it should include multiple-choice questions, short questions, and even long questions. If I am given an opportunity, I will be preparing 3 types of questions i.e., short questions, long questions, and multiple-choice questions so that the students have an interest in writing their answers and manage the time accordingly.

N – I can’t compare offline exams and online exams. OBE is again a special arrangement so the whole open book examination means that students can use their books while giving an examination. It’s not that OBE is useless, even if it’s OBE you should still have knowledge about the content, topic and on what page the topic is, from where to write, what points does the topic includes, etc. OBE is really a good option because you are giving your examinations from home where it becomes difficult to concentrate. In such a scenario, I expect the students to write their exams creatively. At the very same time, the government had allowed for open book examinations so that this could benefit the students as much as possible. But yes, OBE also requires a lot of skill and effort and if you know and have studied well, then only you will be able to correctly put in the information.

We all are hoping that the pandemic gets over soon and we can have classes in college. Do you think students will be comfortable moving to offline mode after being in online mode for more than a year now? Will the teachers have difficulty adapting to offline mode?

A – Yes, as I said earlier that both online and offline modes have their own pros and cons, so we teachers as individuals will also have some sort of difficulty. I think a maximum of us might have developed some sort of adjustments in online mode and coming back to offline mode will be a little uncomfortable at the beginning. Like in online mode, there is no travel time, no traffic hassles and our mindset is getting adapted to that. I personally like my travel time as it was like an immunity booster for me, where I was free from many engagements for shorter period of time.

N – Transition to online mode from offline was a bit confusing for all of us, similarly, the transition to offline mode will also be confusing. Any change, in the beginning, is confusing. Now, all of us have become habitual of being in our comfort zone. It has been more than 1 year and we have got comfortable with the online mode. So, going back to offline classes will be a little challenging. But we, as human beings have the tendency to adjust to the changes. We adjust for survival so it’s natural that we will adjust for it.

During all these times when students were losing hope and didn’t want to attend online classes, teachers motivated us. We didn’t see their side of the story of how badly lockdown and online education affected them. But today, after seeing what our teachers have to convey, we should get inspiration from them. The way they are managing their household tasks and work from home together is remarkable. They revealed the positive sides of online education in front of us. Online education has a lot of benefits too. People who are sitting at far distances from their universities can now study from home. They can spend more time with their families and they don’t have to leave them for going to universities. Our teachers have also taught us that no matter it’s online or offline, we have to keep growing in all circumstances. No challenges in the world can stop youth from moving forward. Learning must go on in all possible situations. Online education keeps us mentally and intellectually engaged.

We have come a long way in the fight with COVID-19. Being responsible citizens, we will have to accept this challenge. We should not give up and try our best to become the best version of ourselves.

Interviewee:

Dr. Anamika Rai & Ms. Namita Tayal

Written By:

Bhoomi Chawla

Akanksha Soni

Reviewed By:

Manvi Mehrotra

Aasis Sethi