Following the surge of the second wave, the daily average of COVID-19 cases in India are finally depicting a downward trend. While things are starting to look better, it is imperative that we continue to be careful and vigilant as we move ahead.
Much like most other sectors, the education industry was deeply impacted by the pandemic that gripped the world. In order to ensure that learning did not stop, institutes needed to rethink and reshape the way knowledge was imparted. As we rapidly embraced the unprecedented demands of these times, we also came to realise the multifarious benefits of online education. However, with schools and colleges now gearing up to open once again, we can look forward to a hybrid and blended education system that will combine the best of both worlds and ensure students receive a learning environment that we had possibly not even conceptualised before.
While the hurdles and challenges were many as traditional concepts of education had to be reworked and adapted to the present times, what also came to light was various ways we can leverage technology and online tools to our advantage and make the best of the situation. Virtual classes meant that students and teachers could interact from anywhere across the globe. It provided a new sense of flexibility and fluidity. Classrooms were no longer limited to physical locations. Online teaching paved the way for a model of learning where both students and teachers broke out of predefined roles and took initiatives to experiment, explore and engage with one another. Digital portfolios, virtual assessment and review methods were quickly incorporated by institutes. It not only gave rise to greater collaboration amongst peers and between students and professors but also provided the space for the growth of an entrepreneurial mindset and a problem-solving and practical outlook to life.
While the benefits of virtual education have been many, it is hard to deny certain constraints that accompany it. With institutes across the national capital gearing to reopen their doors, students will now have access to the benefits of both offline and online learning. With the new state guidelines in place, offline classes are now once again becoming a lived reality. The advantages of being on campus are multifarious and wide ranging. Not only will students have the opportunity to experience college life in all its vibrancy but they will also have the chance to utilise the facilities and infrastructure that are provided especially for their use and to assist their learning. There are diverse facets that make the entire college experience truly memorable and worthwhile. With colleges reopening, students will have the opportunity and the space to explore the campus, interact and learn from their peers, benefit from the close guidance and mentorship of their professors and have the chance to actually experiment in a hands-on learning environment. In our journey to nurture and develop critical thinkers, innovators and problem-solvers, it is essential that students are exposed to all the facets of education - both theoretical and practical. Being on campus and having the opportunity to learn by doing and to put to practice theories and concepts is vital for a well-rounded education. The fact that most college students are above the age of 18 implies that they are eligible to get their vaccine doses. As we move ahead, it is vital that we all take our wellbeing into our own hands. By being fully vaccinated, students will help in making the campus a safer space for everyone.
The writer is Dr Jitin Chadha, Director of Indian Institute of Art and Design