THE SUDDEN SHIFT:
Just a few months ago, the role of technology in the field of education was primarily limited to classroom audio-visuals, presentations, and mobile applications. With the sudden announcement of lockdown across the globe and the ongoing pandemic crisis, there has been an enormous shift in the process of learning & academics
At present, the easy access to technology and digital dissemination of knowledge has emerged as a new realm in a student's life. Online teaching has revolutionised the way students are learning today, and the current crisis has accelerated the transition to online learning even more." Hybrid" learning is taking a new shape - where traditional methods are combined with interactive techniques to deliver a more significant learning experience.
THE NEW NORMAL:
Before the ongoing impact of global lockdowns and rise in health concerns, the importance of digital learning was immense and was thought of as a novel idea to adopt, now it has unanimously become indispensable!
In a recent survey, seven in 10 teachers (68%) said the lockdown had led them to adapt to new technology at a faster rate and 75% are now using interactive content, such as quizzes and educational games. School and university closures have had an impact on nearly 80% of the world's student population, across 138 countries, according to Unesco.
DIGITAL LEARNING IS THE ANSWER:
Streamlining the learning curves:
Although global equality in education has not been a priority focus area for nations. The recent pandemic has given rise to a new era of the worldwide education system. Digital learning is the answer to balance out differences in access to quality education and help achieve a more consistent level of access to knowledge. With the rapid spread of Covid-19 cases and the subsequent shutting of all schools, most students and parents are now adjusting to a new alternative — online learning.
The NEW Learning Model:
With most of the Indian homes are turning into classrooms and books are being replaced by laptops, tablets &computers and phones, the education sector is gradually taking a new shape owing to the lockdown. There's a definite shift in the lives and lifestyles of thousands of students and their parents. Several students said the online mode has made learning more enjoyable.
"It becomes easier to understand topics with PPTs and visuals. We generally have 35-minute long sessions on campus. But online, we are getting 45 minutes to an hour on each subject. We are getting more opportunities to learn and the responses to our queries are quicker," – a student in Bangalore.
Exchange of Knowledge:
In the present time, the model of teaching and learning has adapted rather quickly. It has enabled not only the channels in which the students can engage in thought/conceptual knowledge-sharing but has also significantly improved the interactions offered by educationists and subject experts. Technology has enabled self-assessments, ease of progress-checking and matching, educational benchmarking, and the whole concept of personalized learning.
Futuristic impact on workforce and skill development:
Building a strong foundation for tomorrow's jobs; Since geographical boundaries are no longer a hurdle for education, the motivated seekers can seek out new age concepts to be skilled for tomorrow's jobs. Once thought of as futuristic concept; AI, IoT, ML is just easily accessible from any part of the world. It is a learner's world, and one has only to choose what they wish to imbibe.
Digital Learning at REVA University:
At REVA, we took careful but quick initial steps to cover that extra mile and ensure that not a single day of learning was missed by the students. Following the norms of social distancing, within the safety and comfort of their homes, we began our online teaching journey. REVA University is proud of its faculty members, students' & parents, who have been a part of REVA vision and smoothly adapted to online teaching & learning mode, ensuring that not a single day of learning is missed!
REVA Online Advantage:
At REVA, academic excellence means a blend of adaptive mindset, cutting edge technology, and a futuristic vision. Our tech partner Microsoft has enabled the faculty and students by imparting quick training & guidance on Microsoft Teams, the tool REVA is using to give seamless education to students using the desktop, mobile & tablet devices
While we all underwent these unprecedented times, REVA University also geared up to blur the gaps when it came to mentoring & learning. We launched Virtual Counselling Sessions to make career choices easy for students & parents during these tough times and brought the counselling sessions to their home via video calls.
WHAT NEXT?
In the resurgent information-age that will shape the milestones of tomorrow, digital learning has become the new normal for learning excellence, and this trend is set to scale new heights. We miss our students, faculties & the flurry of daily activities at our picturesque campus, but we also pledge to keep them safe in these uncertain times. While our students miss the fun, and banter a classroom provides, and the interactive face to face sessions with the mentors and teachers, they are also enjoying & getting used to this exciting transition. There's a LOT to learn and a lot more to unlearn!
