From online classes for KG kids to professionals, the classroom has shifted to the confines of our home. Summer art classes, workshops, and seminars can now be accessed via Zoom or other video conferencing devices, and for the affluent and wealthy, isolation doesn’t seem so bad. So, the question is, are these opportunities evenly distributed, especially since the post-lockdown many examinations are scheduled to take place. What about those who don’t have Wi-Fi or access to the internet? Are they getting equal opportunities? Is it fair to hold such competitive, career deciding exams during such life-threatening times? Here are some responses to this question.
“Online classes in an ideal world sound like a brilliant idea. With the development of technology and everything, it should seem that it’ll be fine. The reality is, it is not! The Indian education system is quite rigid and not flexible for students. At this juncture, if online classes are conducted then I think it should be inclusive of everyone. Granted the majority and those from privileged backgrounds will find it helpful. But what about the rest? How are they going to cope? Until the government works with the institutions to come to a decision that is inclusive for everyone, then it will be better. Another important aspect is that at a time like this when several states are battling with different calamities such as locust plague, cyclone, heavy rain, and let’s not forget Corona everywhere, is it right to think of education via online classes now? Families might be going through financial crises, shortage of food, and electricity. The mental health of students needs to be considered.”
– Sagina Samuel (College Student)
“For me, as a parent, online classes are a blessing. Especially as a working mom, it keeps my kids occupied. But I need to monitor their screen time often, and this is not too convenient. Another drawback is that in an already difficult financial situation I had to get Wi-Fi for the house so that my son can access the internet at the same time as me for his coaching classes. If this is how difficult it is for us as a middle-class family, I can only imagine what it is for families who are already struggling to put their kids through school.”
– Vinitha (Parent)
“After finishing my 12th board exams, I tried to do some online courses, but most of the time it is not very effective. We cannot concentrate as much as we can in a classroom, and even though it’s fun to interact with other students, it doesn’t feel the same. Some courses offered by universities abroad which are pre-recorded and not interactive are better as we can go back to them and refer the notes, and our questions can be posted which are addressed at a later stage. The main problem however with online classes is that it is not fair to everyone. I have some friends who don’t have mobiles of their own. They have to share mobile time with their parents and this is not easy as their parents are also working from home and they all have to share the limited mobile internet. Because of this some of my friends are unable to attend classes regularly which lessens their chances of getting into the courses of their choice.”
– Shemuela Prarthana Immanuel (School student)
For better or worse this arrangement of online classes is here to stay for as long as this pandemic stays. The more important question is, however, whether amid such a life-threatening crisis this competitive rat race is the most important thing. Is not life more valuable than education, and equality more worth than ambition? It’s up to us to decide how we make history.
“Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” – Jesus
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