Online learning

Online learning, also known as e-learning or distance learning, is a mode of education that
uses the internet and various digital technologies to deliver learning content and instruction
to students who are not physically present in a traditional classroom. With physical classrooms
being closed to prevent the spread of the virus, teachers and students have had to adapt to virtual
classrooms, utilizing various online platforms and tools to continue learning. Online learning is one of
the imminent trends in the education sector around the globe. Online learning enables learners to
access a wide range of educational resources, collaborate with other learners and instructors
from different locations.

Online learning provides learners with flexibility and convenience, as they can access course
materials and complete assignments from anywhere at any time, as long as they have a
computer or mobile device and an internet connection. However, it has many drawbacks also
like lack of availability of devices, poor internet connection, technical issues, lack of face -to –
face interaction and so on.

Response of education sector to covid 19

Due to covid 19 pandemic, Schools colleges and other educational institutions were closed around
the world. But students continued their education through various initiatives like online classrooms,
radio programmes. Technology paves the way for educational, thus helping the students and
teachers connect virtually through online classrooms, webinars and digital exams and so on.

Impact on students
The virus has spread everywhere like a wild forest fire due to which
numerous changes were accepted by people all over the world, and
it took some time for everyone to adapt to the new normal. One of
the most affected sector due to covid 19 was the educational sector.
Online classes and technology have emerged as a superhero during
the lockdown days. We have all been under house arrest but are still
connected with the world of education. Due to the lockdown,
students have not been able to stay connected with the outer world
and the lack of exposure is evident. The only reprieve for the
students’ mental well-being has been the transition to online
classes. Teachers made sure that the learning for students was not
compromised, so they took a great leap forward to find solutions
and create new learning environments for their students to ensure
that learning never stops. With little time to prepare, curriculums
were modified, new lesson plans were created, activities were
planned, all so that their students remain actively involved through
online learning. Digital learning has provided easy access to the
files and folders that can now be organised and saved without any
physical damage. With one click, students can access their notes
and assignments without the fear of misplacing or spoiling them.
With advanced technology, this mode of learning has not only been
simpler but fun and engaging as well. Technology-enabled learning
is beneficial and has proven to be more engaging as it helps in
making those subjects interactive and fun which are traditionally
considered dull by students. It became very convenient for the
students to attend classes from anywhere in the world as both
classes and learning content was easily accessible at home.
Integration of the learning platforms with new-age interactive
applications has made online classes more convenient for both
students and teachers as more students are able to express their
views at the same time using certain online applications. Students
have been more particular with their online submission as they are
notified on a regular basis and it is an effortless task for the teachers
to track down the students who have failed to submit their
assignments on time. Online learning has helped students to
become independent learners before they make their way into the
real world. Students got opportunities to explore new learning
applications and platforms during the class, which helped them to
develop new skills and capabilities accelerating their growth
trajectory. Some of the students have been responding well to the
active learning environment created online by the teachers whereas
others need a push in fits and starts.
The challenges of online learning are multifaceted. Online learning
has played a crucial role during the pandemic, but its consequences
can not be ignored. Online classes can not be accessed by every
student due to the unavailability of smartphones, laptops, and
network. Unfortunately, the less privileged part of our society has
been more on the receiving end of this. This may increase the class
and demography-based disparity with respect to access to quality
education.

One of the biggest challenges of online learning that many students

face is the struggle to focus for long durations on screen. Not to
mention, there is a plethora of distracting content available online
which attracts and distracts the students more often than not. Zoom
fatigue refers to the exhaustion after having attended zoom classes, or
video conferences. With the screen time increasing drastically, the mind is
overwhelmed with information and the brain finds it rather difficult to
register all the information. To avoid this and help the students stay
focused on the class, the teachers have made strenuous efforts and
designed their online classes to be crisp, engaging, and interactive.
Online classes are not completely reliable as internet connectivity
plays a vital role. While access to the internet has drastically
improved over the past few years, in some parts of the country,
people still lack access to decent internet speed and connectivity.
Inconsistent internet connectivity has emerged as one of the top
excuses for the students to dodge some important requirements
such as an active visual presence which is imperative for due
vigilance. With the cameras turned off there is a disconnection
between the teachers and students. It is observed widely that
students would log into the class and then get distracted with other
activities. Given that students are free from the regulations and
boundaries of an appropriate classroom environment, it is
perceived that the curriculum is not given importance by the
students. The notebook work may have been taken lightly. The
posture, regularity, lack of routine, attentiveness has all resulted in health
hazards. he lack of physical activities has caused children to become
obese. Thanks to binge eating and watching, it's only gotten worse.Muscle
spasms, muscle rigidity, and lack of calcium, etc are all based on lack of
physical activity.

There are high chances of the students distracting themselves while

learning online. Traditional classroom education offers the benefit
of face-to-face interactions with peers which are typically
moderated by a teacher. Physical classroom interaction provides
children, especially those in their early developmental years, with a
stable environment for social interactions, helping them develop
skills like empathy and cooperation. It helps them in their overall
development and real-life situations.

Advantages
 Online learning is safer option due to pandemic situation that
help to stop spread the viruses.
 This model help to continue the learning beyond the four walls
of the classrooms
 The importance of online classes are that they are much more
convenient and flexible as compared to traditional learning
platforms.
 A lot of time and money used to be spent on conveyance. One
of the key advantages of virtual classrooms is that you can save
your energy, time and money.
 Travelling long distances to and from coaching classes can also
be quite exhausting.
 Students can join their preferred courses from any region that
they need.
 the greater part of the course or study assets are effectively
available on the network, consequently launching a paperless
education environment which is more restrained
 The online programs could be engaged from household or
situation of special, it is very less chances of students missing
out on lessons
 Teachers easily provide the data online mode to students.

Disadvantage
 The classic disadvantages of online learning centre around
technical problems. Nothing disrupts an online lesson more
than audio, video, or connection issues
 Lack of interaction between teacher and students.
  Lack of discipline
 Online Learning May Create a Sense of Isolation. school is
their primary source of social interaction. In e-learning, educators and
students spend most of their time online, which inevitably leads to
social isolation.
 Excessive screen-time can lead to all sorts of physical ailments like poor
posture or headaches
 the internet is geared to distract students with social media and
entertainment just a click away from the learning material.
 proper monitoring for cheating during assessments is difficult . E-
learning creates various opportunities for students to cheat. The
educators only have access to the live camera feed, making detecting
cheating difficult. Students have devised intricate cheating schemes
and even let a third party take their exams.

 Being a online learner, student has the limited access to the various
resources like laboratories, library and many specialized equipment.
This may limit the effectiveness of practical knowledge and also can
be difficult to understand certain courses.

Conclusion
I believe that learning never stopped, in fact, it evolved itself not
just to survive but to thrive and technology has proven to be the
most important enabler of the same which in itself is an invention
that is an outcome of learning. Technology has helped in learning
and learning has led to the advancement of technology. Students
need both parents’ and teachers’ guidance as they navigate through
this difficult time to learn more and more. Both offline learning and
e-learning would go hand-in-hand and online education will
eventually become an integral component of school education.
Somewhere in the future, education is going to be hybrid. During
Covid, technology has become a part of academics and is here to
stay. Online applications and programs have helped both teachers
and students to develop new skills and capabilities that supported
them and enhance their knowledge. Online teaching cannot replace
the position of traditional classroom teaching and we will need to
get back to traditional teaching after the pandemic ends.