Challenges in our tryst with online teaching
Terms such as lockdown, work from home and webinar are the new norm. I wish smart work, collaboration, and customisation get added to the list. To an extent, these already are; but, they need more emphasis. I say so, because that’s what I’m learning during my ongoing tryst with online teaching.
Since March 2020 teachers like me have had to suddenly start looking for alternative ways of teaching. There were, and still are, multiple challenges with many of us not being well acquainted with technology, as required for teaching. Creating content or course material that keeps student engaged isn’t child’s play. With no mandatory attendance, student motivation declines. Managing home duties and work demands, while remaining at home is yet another challenge. Add to that internet and connectivity glitches. So, how are teachers managing? For one, keeping an accepting and go with the flow attitude helps. For example, in the present scenario, complaining that online teaching can’t replace classroom teaching won’t help; even if it’s true, we have to make the best with whatever seems plausible right now. For times to come, online teaching may supplement classroom teaching, though it won’t replace it.
Secondly, educating ourselves about technology via Google, online tutorials, faculty development programmes, and last but not the least, the younger generation keeps us updated. Indeed, I have been given a tip or two regarding the use of an app/ gadget even by my eight- year- old son. It may get frustrating at times but reap results it will. Staying updated is a must for the teachers.
Thirdly, involving students in activities other than studies goes a long way. Students connect better with teachers who take them beyond studies to other realms of life, as well. Knowing students by their names, even during online classes, gives the entire Zoom/ Google meet a personal touch. The younger generation is adapting to new age teaching better than the older. We can build upon this and help them use their spare time in a more judicious manner.
Fourth, set a schedule and work corner within the home, away from distractions. It’s not that easy, given the amount of household chores, children at home 24x7 and variable home sizes. Communicate your requirements and get the young ones to help. Know that many of us are in the same boat, so, even our families, offices and students’ parents will hopefully understand. This can be a silver lining where our boys, and men of the house, can start helping in the kitchen or with the laundry; thereby setting the stage for a truly liberated society.
Fifth, there will always be roadblocks that are beyond our control. For example, net connectivity issues. Though they can be partially resolved by having dual modes, lest one fails the other will serve; but these can’t be cent per cent assured. Intimate the authorities concerned if facing such challenges. To draw a simile with preCorona days, we never knew before starting from home for work if there would be a traffic jam on the way or if the weather would become unfriendly. But we had become accustomed to such unpredictable occurrences and coped without knowing. Hence, it isn’t that bad, even now, provided the situations are taken in the correct perspective.
We are all learners ourselves; and the Corona-period has definitely let this realisation sink in. The better we learn, the better we’ll teach. So dear co-teachers, let’s wear our armour (self-confidence), pick up our weapons (books, and now, computers, too), mount the horses (knowledge), and enter the field. Warriors we are; warriors, we shall remain!
THE BETTER WE LEARN, THE BETTER WE’LL TEACH. SO DEAR TEACHERS, LET’S WEAR OUR ARMOUR (SELF-CONFIDENCE) AND ENTER THE FIELD. WARRIORS WE ARE; WARRIORS, WE SHALL REMAIN!