Not yet time to bid adieu to online learning

Photo for representational purpose

The big school debate is simmering with academicians and others stating that schools need to re-open, but there is another school (pun intended) of thought which says cases have to be minimal and parents must be willing to send their children to school.

Those that want schools to re-open cite certain situations that schools alone can provide physical learning, social interaction, the entire atmosphere that one just cannot get through online learning. While that may very well be true, one has to see wisdom in the fact that parents are extremely wary of sending their children to school and there is fear that cases will go up immeasurably.

Both sides have their merits and points. So, while people await a decision, the best option is to see that we smoothen the road for children and youngsters doing their studies online. Give them access to support through counselling as they study from home. Disadvantaged children need better equipment, there are a number of organisations that are working to bridge the digital divide, which has been thrown into even sharper relief during the pandemic.

Once school is over, limit the number of hours children can be on their devices. Several reports have shown problems creeping in because of the large amount of hours on the device. Encourage exercise, even if solo, hobbies, games that can be done within Covid-19 guidelines.

We live in a different, restricted world where most of us are playing a waiting game, to see what will open up next. Even as we debate, discuss, dissent about what will happen next, and phases to come, we have to see that we make the best of what we have, and of our current situation. Academically, we need to work within the system defined by our times and make this ‘online away from school' as productive for the students as we can.