Online classes to the rescue

Online learning platforms are ensuring that students can continue with their classes from the safety of their homes. Educators and ed-tech solution providers are joining hands to help tide over this crisis, says Aakash Chaudhry

Schools, educational institutes and tuitions are closed for regular teaching as a precautionary measure in light of COVID-19 pandemic. Students are at home, as are their parents. Everyone is trying to make the best of this period of lockdown. While parents are trying to balance work-from-home with family time, a challenge that most parents are also facing is that of keeping their school going children meaningfully engaged and ensuring that their studies do not suffer. Technology is playing an important role here.

Online learning platforms are ensuring that students can continue with their classes from the safety of their homes. Educators and Ed Tech solution providers are joining hands to help tide over this crisis. From providing platform access to schools to conduct their own live classes to organising free live classes for students of all grades — all solutions are geared towards ensuring that students can continue their learning.

For most students across India, April is typically the start of the new academic session. Particularly, for students in Class X and XII who will be appearing for their Board Exams in 2021, attending classes online is the only way they can continue to keep up with their syllabus. Online classes are a saviour too for all those students appearing for competitive exams over the next few months. 

Some of the highlights of a powerful online learning experience include:

• Live interactive classes with teachers who are thoroughly trained and experienced
• Comprehensive study content in the form of videos and animations to explain a concept
• Powerful assessments in the form of a variety of tests and smart reports
• All India Test Series (for JEE/NEET aspirants) that help benchmark their performance against other aspirants
• An interactive 'classroom' experience through the use of chat, in-class quizzes and polls
• Forums and dedicated platforms for immediate doubt resolution where students can connect with their teachers
• The freedom and flexibility to access these classes across devices - mobile, tablet, laptop or desktop
• The option to continue learning at your own pace  - recorded lectures, video lessons and more.

Online learning does call for a sense of discipline. For students to be able to muster that, it is important that they are encouraged to balance their online studies with other activities for leisure. While studying, remember to take adequate breaks.  Needless to say, a good diet and adequate rest and exercise will go a long way to ensure that students can make the most of their online classes.

Parents too can consider taking it easy with their restrictions related to screen times during this period. Let them watch their favourite series or play a game or two if they wish to. It is indeed a difficult period for all and our children too must be trying hard to cope with this new reality in light of the virus.  Thank God for technology and the world wide web!

The writer is Director and CEO, Aakash Educational Services Limited