Online Classes: Coping with the Change

Heraclitus, the Greek philosopher rightly remarked, ‘Change is the only constant in life.’ It is undeniably the law of nature too, but are we really comfortable with change? How can we prepare our children to deal with change? Can education serve as an effective tool to cope with change? Do Indian playschools and formal schools prepare students to adapt and excel despite change?

 

The recent Covid-19 pandemic has changed human lives and interactions, posed many questions, and presented multiple challenges both for adults and children, who are locked inside their homes and denied the opportunity to learn and grow organically. In India alone 32 crore students have been affected by the pandemic.

 

Deranged and discomforted is how most parents feel today. With a future shrouded in fear and ambiguity, parents have nowhere to turn to. If you are one of the parents, who silently worry and fret about their child’s future, then you are welcome to the club!

 

The questions that haunt parents more than global warming or cold war today, are regarding the effectiveness of online classes. Are these truly meaningful forums for teaching -- learning? Are children really gaining any knowledge? Are preschool children attaining milestones? Are these online classes grooming social skills and taking in account the mental health of children?

 

While most parents feel disheartened by the attitude of schools in India and the plight of online classes in Delhi and Gurgaon, some try to be more sympathetic and others are extremely skeptical about the efficacy of these classes. They feel cheated and scammed by schools. They believe that post the shutting of schools the onus of their children’s education has completely shifted and fallen upon them. It is their burden, their duty and obligation to ensure that their child ren do not fall behind.

 

Needless to say that the majority of parents are facing challenges that they were not prepared for. In addition to technical challenges and financial distress, lack of clear guidelines from schools has made matters worse. Our education system, curriculum, and pedagogy have changed drastically over the last decade and not all parents have appropriate qualifications or resources to help their children.

 

Fortunately, every cloud has a silver lining, and the only good thing that has come from this tragedy is the overwhelming support that has been shown by some schools and teachers. Playschools like Mother’s Pride, located in Delhi and Gurgaon have successfully kept the toddlers engaged even during these hard time. Parents agree that they have to spend more time with their children, but the meaningful activities and meticulously structured lesson plans help them become facilitators. They feel supported by the school and faculty, who are readily available, to clarify doubts or develop personalized learning plans for their children.  The parents maintain that the age appropriate activities keep their children occupied and they are able to appreciate the teachers more for their efforts.

 

Online classes at Mother’s Pride are interactive and are aimed at developing tiny tots into independent learners. The classes are structured around experiential learning. Thus, they provide enough opportunities for young children to learn organically.

 

The same rigour is maintained in their formal school, Presidium. The school with branches across Delhi and Gurgaon is one of the best CBSE schools and one of the earliest schools to integrate experiential learning in their curriculum.  Proud parents and students assert that the manner in which their online classes are structured has provided them the flexibility to learn at their own pace.

 

Given the above views of parents and students, it will not be wrong to say that the aforementioned school is definitely doing something right. The fact that the students are enjoying, attaining milestones and becoming independent thinkers gives hope that there are schools that are indeed preparing students to cope with change. All is not lost and change can be good!