By Ritika Srivatsan
Online classes are wreaking havoc on the lives of some students, impacting mental health, grades and future options. Many fear this year will significantly affect the rest of their lives and continue to haunt them long after the pandemic is over.
The United States was one of the first countries to reopen schools in specific districts. This exercise was a clear indicator why it was a recipe for disaster. A report by the American Academy of Pediatrics, shows that 5,13,415 students across the country were diagnosed with COVID-19 since schools reopened. Regardless of guidelines enforcing social distancing, mandatory masks and the practice of hand hygiene, it is nearly impossible to contain transmission due to densely-packed indoor spaces and unavoidable interaction between students who are known for their carefree attitude. The threat might be greater to teachers who are older and more susceptible to a serious infection but students are carriers and will put their families, particularly their grandparents, at risk.
In Bengaluru, schools remain shut forcing nearly every academic institution to employ online platforms to provide education. Though most agree online lessons are better than nothing, their effectiveness is questionable.
Online learning hampering educational attainment
“I’m someone who tries to be really interactive in class but now, I’ve changed. I get conscious and I’m unable to express myself like I would,” says Maya Mehta, a 10th grader studying in Bengaluru. “There’s a lot of uncertainty. We don’t know how our board exams will be conducted, if they will be done at all.”
A concern echoed by many focuses on the influence this academic year will have on the next. Unclear concepts and half-baked knowledge are particularly worrying for students taking the leap into higher education. Board exams for 10th and 12th graders hold great prominence in determining future learning and career options, which makes it all the more stressful for those in the abovementioned grades.
12th grader Sanjana Dwivedi studying in the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) curriculum, believes that reduction of portions is not a boon. “It’s scary. They have cut out information, which means we’d be going in to college underprepared,” she says. Recently, CBSE’s portions were cut by 30% due to disruptions and the time lost because of the virus. The International Baccalaureate (IB) programme followed with minor reductions, however, not all education boards provided in the state have taken similar steps yet.
“Despite reductions, IB is exhausting,” says Naina Talwar, a student in her last year of high school. 12th grade, signifying the end of school, is notable for its fests and graduation parties. Whereas this year, apart from an eight-hour online school-day, Talwar has had exams every day since July, until last Friday. This schedule is bound to continue from Monday, after just a one-week break. Had COVID not existed, she and other students would not have been subjected to such a rigorous schedule. “It’s easier for students to cheat their way through, so they’re now making exams really difficult. I never used unfair means to get grades but because of others, I’m struggling.” explains Talwar, who has six subjects on her plate.
In Dwivedi’s case, teachers are now asking students to handwrite exams with the camera focusing on their hands; a method to prevent cheating. “It’s definitely a problem but when normally average students start receiving extraordinarily high grades, the teacher knows.”
Dwivedi, an aspiring psychologist, is afraid the repercussions of a botched up academic year would prevent her from getting the grades required to attend a college of her choice.
Mental Health
After months of life under unfathomable conditions, online learning’s ramifications are not restricted to just educational attainment. On campus, often even the briefest of interactions can make someone smile. Now, prolonged screen time, declining face-to-face social interaction and immense pressure are quite common.
Dwivedi was diagnosed with depression and anxiety about two years ago. School was a challenge prior to the pandemic but her mental health has increasingly declined since lockdown. “My schedule has gone for a toss,” she says. “I have insomnia, so I don’t sleep at night. I wake up at 6:30am for an 8:15 class because it makes me anxious.” Her days go by in a blur. Night and day seamlessly merge into one before she finally falls asleep due to fatigue. Turning on her camera and speaking into the microphone are huge tasks, often causing anxiety attacks. Says she: “My teachers are aware about my mental health struggles and they’ve been really accommodating.”
Neerja Mukesh, a first-year college student visualised life to be poles apart from her current experience. Greater focus on extra-curriculars, new friends and the thrill of being on campus; she misses out on all. “After stressful years in school, I thought college would be a nice shift as it’s more holistic but I’m missing out on the best parts and I’m left with academic work once again,” she says.
Tech-savvy teachers and online parties are the ‘new normal’
Education is proving to be an uphill climb for many. However, institutions and teachers are putting in extra effort to ensure students are getting the best despite the circumstances. Previously, non-tech savvy teachers have decoded and adapted to electronic gadgets; a commendable feat. “Rather than them (teachers), I think it’s more about how much effort a student puts in to take advantage of the resources provided. Lessons are recorded, teachers are available on email/WhatsApp and students can speak to them one on one,” Talwar states.
Similarly, Mukesh’s college organised an online fresher’s party, the most anticipated day for any 1st year. Students could choose to participate in any event, from a list of 100. Once enrolled, they receive a participation link and the multiple events are conducted simultaneously.
In the end, online learning though necessary currently, can never replace physically being present on campus and in class. The drawbacks are greater than advantages and while this serves as a means for many to adapt and push themselves beyond their comfort zones, it can be said that E-learning will not be missed.
