Online learning: there is no going back

Technology is likely to be advanced enough such that the only worthwhile way to learn would be through the use of tech

Many educational institutes and educators in our technologically well-equipped cities can’t wait to be rid of online learning environments and are keen to go back to the ‘normal’ physical classes. It is understandable as online learning experience during the pandemic has nowhere near been perfect for many. However, at the same time, it is also important to realise that there is a new normal. Whether you like it or not, the paradigm has shifted to using online means to aid learning. The students are only the other half in the teacher-student relationship and they are ready to use technology for learning. They were ready long ago!

Our students are no strangers to online learning. They have been learning from online videos, games, social media channels, e-books, etc. Information is no longer a property of the teacher now. Students can now use their phones and google any word or concept in order to get more information on. There are educational YouTube videos, free online tutorials and resources that can explain concepts with great clarity. There are Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) like Coursera and edX that offer free courses from top notch universities by well-known professors. There are Wikipedia pages that can fill anyone’s appetite for information. In short, our students are using online means to learn from wide array of informational resources available and it must be realized.

Yes, there are concerns that online learning cannot match face-to-face learning. It is also true that there are some courses and concepts, like entrepreneurship and communication, which require high personal involvement from both teachers and students, and thus can only be effectively taught in person. Also, there are courses where vigorous debate, thorough analysis and handholding are needed; such courses may also require classroom presence. The technology just hasn’t caught up to the level required yet. This is absolutely right! There are many challenges to the adoption of online learning environment as a learning system such as access to technology, trainer skillset, quality of network, cost, instructor and students readiness, etc. Yes, these are real challenges. However, shrugging it off because of the challenges would be unwise. There are ways to utilise online means to assist learning. Hybrid classes, micro quizzes, content search, flipped classrooms and gamification are among the many techniques utilised to put technology to good use to aid learning. Augmented reality and virtual reality are quickly gaining prominence in e-learning space, enhancing the way a learner interacts with people and content of the course. This is only the beginning of adoption of technology to aid learning. Technology is likely to get advanced enough such that the only worthwhile way to learn would be through the use of technology.

The reluctant institutions and teachers who would like to stop using online means and go back to the ‘traditional’ mode of learning need to know that the students have gone forth! They already know how to utilise technology for learning and they will not wait too long for the institutes to get up to speed. There are new online learning programmes and solutions coming up fast; and as soon as more credible and convenient options become available, the students are going to switch. Some of the top universities on MOOC platforms are already offering degrees and scholarships that a student sitting in Pakistan can readily avail and many students have already capitalised on this opportunity. The educational institutes should actively make conscious efforts to stay abreast with the trends in online learning. Instead of shying away from online means of learning, educational institutions should harness their experience gained from the wave of online learning during the pandemic and incorporate it in their programmes.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 13^th, 2022.

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