Will the Coronavirus Forever Alter the College Experience?
No one predicted that lives will be altered at this scale at the starting of the year 2020. Many sectors have changed unforeseen due to Covid-19. Companies that
Even before the Covid-19 pandemic, virtual platforms were widely used. It is a convenient method for students to learn a new tool or music lovers to learn a new instrument at their convenience. Online learning software, video conferencing platforms, tutoring tools, and even language apps were being used long before the pandemic. But after conventional education took a break, even the students who do not have any idea about online education learned about it. Many poor families are forced to buy laptops for children so they can attend the classes online. For students who are habituated to online education, nothing might change in their activities but for students who are not a big fan of online education and try to avoid them, do. As they might find that online education may not be an effective form compared to in-person classes. Nevertheless, the demand for online education is bound to grow. Students who are used to using college facilities like libraries, gym, and extracurricular activities might have a hard time staying away from them. There is also a chance, maybe a little, that students who do not usually use those facilities might realize their importance. Students who are yet to adapt to this method might find it useful later. They may realize the advantages of online education. Educators who are new to this format might find it hard to adapt as well. Some might hate it all the way and oppose it whenever they can some might find it fruitful and use it to their advantage. This academic year is also a challenge for universities to analyze which course is better taught online which course needs alternative methods for students to gain practical knowledge. Some may argue that online education would give poor results when there is no proper training, sufficient bandwidth, and preparation. But online education is bound to become an integral component of education as information technology incorporates with the education system. The other problem with online education, probably a big one, is access to the internet. Privileged students around the world have no problem in attending online classes while underprivileged students without stable internet or computers find it hard to gain access to online classes. Different age group kids have different perspectives on online education. Children are easily distracted so more effective ways are required to keep their concentration on the subject. The learning must be fun and interactive to keep children occupied. College students might find online education an effective way to learn as they can learn at their own pace, research more, and revise often.
