Dear Prof. Ramaiah,

I suppose that the physical distancing that the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown has brought about may in the long term lead to very important changes in the education systems worldwide, and at all levels.

The existing education system in countries such as India and Pakistan was heavily reliant on face-to-face in person teaching, and was extremely reluctant to embrace technology as a positive. Of course, reasons for this include the lack of availability of internet and other digital access facilities for a major proportion of the population from low socioeconomic classes. Many high-income countries in the West were already making a transition towards at least some component of their curriculum being delivered online

However, with the COVID-19 lockdown, digital/virtual/online education has come to the fore for the first time. We are now realizing the advantages of online education (cheaper, convenience) while also understanding its associated flaws and challenges (which all offer opportunities for improvement). It's ironic that it took a pandemic to shake countries like Pakistan and India out of their outdated teaching methods.

Looking ahead, institutions globally should focus on developing and refining an online curriculum, as well as enabling their students to access this curriculum. In the long-term, there are a lot of positives to be seen. At least part of the curriculum in many fields of study can be shifted to online/virtual platforms.

Best Regards,

Russell Seth Martins

The Aga Khan University

Dear Professor Chennupati Kodand Ramaiah ennupati Kodand Ramaiah

Very interesting question. I have some things to say about it, but I am waiting for some answers before saying.

Congrats for the insight.

see resistance to changing the learning method. Students prefer face-to-face, this form of education reassures them. This change in teaching method was a brutal change in the habits of the students. If this was done gradually, they will have better accept online training

I think that the students' answers on this question give more value to the conclusions to be drawn, since they are the main actors in the learning process. However, as a researcher and teacher, I can say that after some virtual classes, online meetings are very good experiences. Indeed, I can present my course from any place and anywhere. In addition, students can use other resources to share with their colleagues quickly and easily, and in different formats. Only one problem to report concerning the recognition of the feelings of the learners during the online meetings and their appreciations towards the taught content. The latter can be expressed by text or voice messages.

Dear Dr. Russell Seth Martins, I agree with you and it is very nice and collaborative answer. Thanks for the same.

Dear Ramaiah,

please check this link:

https://www.uu.nl/en/events/online-meeting-on-impact-of-covid-19-on-teaching-and-learning

Prof. Ramaiah,

To what age are you referring?

Firstly, as a primary school teacher we are in the process of assessing our students for semester 1 reports. The work that was done at home and through such things as Google Classroom and Seesaw we are unsure how much was parent-led or even written. Because of this other testing is needing to be done to clarify the actual learning done.

Secondly, it is inequitable to think this would continue as may of our students were unable to access the online learning sites as they had no internet and/or no appropriate device. I believe in many countries this would even greater a problem than here in Australia.

Thirdly, children need to experience their learning using tactile materials to help them to make sense of their world and how it all fits together. Interaction with others is how we, as humans, are made and so this needs to be a valued part of all education, no matter the level or type. The opportunity to discuss with others, no matter how old we are, and test theories, dreams, ideas is part of our natural growth and helps us to think beyond our own circumstances.

I agree that we DO need ot take what we have learnt during this time and utilise more digital platforms but this needs to be balanced carefully with opportunities to interact in person.

This is just a few things that i have learnt afresh to improve MY teaching quality learning for ALL students.

Marjorie.

The online platform is not going to be best for all age groups and will need as long as is permitted to be supported with face-to-face methods for primary school children. Young adults can cope better. It is true that the abrupt way in which it was introduced may have turned off some students and teachers but there is the possibility now of reviewing and putting plans in place for more training and an attempt at a more professional transition and integration of online modalities.

Yes, I agree that younger generation is more oriented to online learning and spending many times more than older generation people. This is proved in research also. Day-to-day most of the tools and electronic gazettes come with online instructions, help etc. and they are almost adopted to these tools. Teaching is always better with teacher but all other modes supplements and that also proved in research.

Nice Contribution Jean Butcher-Lashley

Dear Marjorie S Waugh,

Though it is general question which is applicable to all levels of teaching but focus is on university teaching. Comments from Jean Butcher-Lashley, Russell Seth Martins, Yacine Lafifi are interesting but others are yet to comment. Requesting others also to share your experiences in this regard.

From a perspective of a tertiary education online learning is the way foward in the 21st century. Whether we look at Blended Learning, Remote Learning or Virtual Learning, the reality is that it is here to stay post COVID-19. As educators we must embrace the change and sensitise our constituents to this modality. There will always be a fallout for persons who do not have access to the required gagets and connectivity, but it cannot be the answer for not embracing this change. We do not want to leave anyone behind but this is the cold stark reality Education is a billion dollar industry and it has to be embraced in all formats. It is incumbent that our young people, the leaders if tomorrow understand their responsibility as global citizens.

Yes Prof. Natalie Juane Walthrust Jones, I fully agree with you. I request others also to respond to this question.

The impact of online classes is that it has no impact. It is difficult for a student to develop concentration while the teacher is helpless to help in this regard.

Dear Prof. Nafees Mohammad,

I agree but people who cannot attend regular courses and afford to spend big money it is the best option.