When educational institutions were shut at the start of the corona virus pandemic in the country, not many deemed it would change the entire ambience of education. From a no smart phones school, to learning only with such devices at home was an unprecedented massive change which involved – teachers, students and parents .
For the teachers, initially the paradigm shift from a physical classroom of energetic students to a virtual classroom, i.e.; from black board to the white board was indeed a job of challenges and impediments. With a lamenting soul they witnessed the challenges the unmerciful pandemic brought for their students, for themselves, and for their jobs, but the resilient future designers were not read to give up.
As the adage goes “Real change takes place in deep crisis”, facilitators realized, in order to pace in consonance with the virtual platform and to tackle new teaching challenges of the 21st century owing to Wuhan virus they had to take an extra step out of the their comfort zone.
The Teaching community became conscious of the fact that as the pandemic uncertainty and its aftermath are at the zenith; one has to be prowess and proficient in handling electronic gadgets efficiently and sinuously by honing their technical skills.
Facilitators who were proficient at planning and teaching in the traditional classroom lacked the confidence and skills in planning for an online class. Many anxieties resembling night mare crept into their minds, like how to use the diverse features appropriately, ensuring effectiveness, how to keep the children attentive, and preventing students from disrupting the class, how to make sure students don’t tamper with the presentation, parents hovering around during class as they have access to the class and so on.
As far as a teacher is concerned, getting accustomed to a new platform and its features to teach effectively and ensure that all students are indeed learning is preeminent However, it was not a herculean task, with their unwavering spirit and passion for teaching these warriors surpassed all the woes and impediments by creating a conducive atmosphere for the students through online class. Almost all of them became adroit tech savvies in managing online platforms, screen sharing, handling white board, conducting online test and giving the fullest round the clock sacrificing their household chores and other commitments in the wake of students’ betterment.
Teachers reassured learners are on their tracks by regularly monitoring, keeping track of their progress, motivating and maintaining a special connection with them within the constraints of virtual platform.
The health and police departments’, christened as Covid warriors, fight against this deadly pandemic was really commendable and praiseworthy. At the same time the selfless and humble effort by the teaching community to serve the young ones under this direst stress facing all the challenges also deserves appreciation and admiration. They were all united for a noble cause, who tried to seek and to strive but never ready to yield. This authentic warriors attained sublimity through the hallmarks called integrity, passion and dedication .Hence worth enough to be honoured and admired in more ways than one .
MR.PRAVEEN
PGT ENGLISH