Ajibi Online Class

Dr Asangba Tzudir

It has been quite some time now since students have been attending classes and learning through online mode. Having to adapt suddenly to this virtual mode of learning has only presented a host of practical challenges for children and have definitely added extra stress for parents.

Though virtually connected, it is not like being connected with teachers and fellow class mates like in a normal class and so, besides other things the presence of the parents alongside their children while attending online classes makes up to some extent, the joy of learning during a normal class which is missed. The joy, pleasures and the fun of learning in a classroom from teachers and fellow students is nothing compared to interacting with a screen. The presence of the parents is needed so as to ensure that their children do not miss out on anything or any instructions or any assignments and its subsequent completion. This only adds to the stress of the parents as they suddenly have to take up the role of a teacher even as teachers become more of a guide.

Children have been used to a normal routine of learning, and the sudden shift to the virtual mode will definitely have a destabilising effect in many ways. A schedule and routine is in place but proper breaks should be ensured or else over sitting in front of the screen is going to give headache, eye pain and strain. In the absence of real time social interaction, online learning will make one lack motivation. Often the appreciation from ones fellow students counts the most important for them than just being appreciated by teachers and parents. Online learning is also bound to create certain behavioural issues and for which parents needs to ensure that such behavioural issues do not become a habit. For instance, besides the need for disciplining on such behaviour issues, what will a parent do if after getting used to online class, their children just refuse to speak with them or just become nerdy? 

Considering the corona times about which an expiry date is still not certain, it seems best not to tell children that online classes and learning is just temporal. That, to get them serious, it is best to teach them that it is the new normal. It may sound depressing initially but it will also help the children take online classes more sincerely and seriously and not simply as an online ritual.

For online classes to be more productive, especially for the higher sections, administrative monitoring is very important. Network issue should not become an excuse. The same lecture may be recorded and shared for those who could not really attend class due to network problems. Moreover, it is imperative that all students be made to show screen to ascertain their presence so also to make a class more engaging and interactive.  

The now common refrain - Ajibi online class comes from a culmination of so many things especially the stress factor of many parents or single parents who have to deal with quite a lot of children at the primary section. In such a scenario, rather than adding up to the stress and anxiety, engaging educational caregivers can serve as a solution. It may not only ease the tension but also serves as a new trend of employment opportunities for young people.

(Dr Asangba Tzudir writes a weekly guest editorial for The Morung Express. Comments can be mailed to asangtz@gmail.com)