Zehra Shaikh
Remote Learning: From The Spectacles of A Teacher And Mother
The Shift!
The online education platform has shifted paradigms by making virtual learning the need of the hour though it is debatable whether it’s the best way to educate your child. However, the advantages it brings with it can’t be overlooked either. As a mother and teacher, I have experienced its ups and downs first-hand. In an unsafe time, it brought continuity to educating our little ones, keeping them safe and embracing school on their computer screens.
Distance learning, I must say, has taught students and learners of all ages to break the stereotypical notion that learning only takes place in schools. Learning as per the Indian Gurukul system happened out in the open and the enchanting forests too!
Learning is not limited to well-designed spaces and instructors with polished eloquence. I think learning is a sacred connection between a teacher and the student engaging in discussion from mundane to the complex.
My take on remote learning has been two dimensional; one as a teacher and the other as a parent.
The Mother in Me!
I heard high-pitched voices of excited responses being delivered by my son, usually a quiet and shy child. I found that he was finally drawn to a world of shedding inhibitions and was bravely sharing experiences after many years of trying to do so.
Online education has finally given my son an edge in learning and mitigated his fear making a mistake in class or being laughed at.
As the teacher continues, his decibels increase with excitement. Homework is no longer a drudgery. He loves to type his work and save it for the next day, an exercise that he detested because his handwriting didn’t quite support his thoughts.
I had always thought of online education for him as he would miss many school days owing to his ill health. The need to socialize and work collaboratively would all be missed if I had considered online education.
I remember an article I had read while teaching the IGCSE English paper on online education which debated the pros and cons of remote education. It seemed to be a far-fetched idea then but today it seems it has suddenly been realized.
When I see both my kids enjoying the experience and being engaged by their teacher, I realize that having kids glued to their screens to listen and participate in discussions led by the teacher is no mean feat.
I place myself here as a parent and salute the teaching community for the uphill task of managing students by the dozen.
Success of Remote Education
As I heard the teacher appreciating the responses and mirror the smile on the faces of the students. Learning was definitely taking place with ‘think aloud’ intellectual questions. Yes, learning is about knowing and knowledge is about transferring skills learned to fruitful gains.
I am not sure how the evaluation and the assessments would turn out to be, but for now, I am happy that students have the empathy to respect the efforts of their teachers and join the learning process sans friends, colorful classrooms, PE classes and basically the vibrant and exhilarating buzz in the school building.
Dedicated Teachers: The Secret Sauce behind Success of Remote Education
I hear the teacher appreciating the responses and mirror the smile on the faces of the students. Learning is taking place with ‘think aloud’ intellectual questions. Learning is about knowing and knowledge is about transferring skills learned to fruitful gains.
The new normal has stalled giant industries from moving their wheels and shut down the nuts and bolts of many businesses. But, fortunately, teachers continue valiantly spinning the wheel of learning faster than ever. It is true there is never a recession to prevail in the education industry!
Dedication, connection, revolution, and enrichment- the teaching fraternity is here to embrace all it takes to make learning what it ought to be, Learning for life.
We would love to hear your success story of being able to hold an online class as great as any physical class. Share your story, tag us at @cambridgeindia using the hashtag #MyIndependenceWithVirtualLearning
Thinking of a plan for returning to school or adjusting to the new normal?
Here’s a dedicated page to support all educators.
Check out the resources that we, along with Cambridge Assessment International Education, have made available at https://bit.ly/CambridgeReady
