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Education seeking change after Covid. (68th BPSC Essay in English)
Change is an eternal law of nature, and over time, every sector undergoes transformations. Education is no exception. The COVID-19 pandemic profoundly impacted the global education system, highlighting the need for significant reforms in traditional learning methods. During the pandemic, education transitioned into a digital space, online classes became the norm, and technology-driven teaching methodologies gained prominence. Now, as the world recovers from the crisis, it is imperative to reshape the education system in alignment with modern needs rather than reverting to the old ways.
During the pandemic, schools and colleges were forced to shut down, pushing students and teachers to rely entirely on digital platforms for learning. Online classes, virtual labs, e-libraries, webinars, and digital curricula became the primary modes of education. Though this shift was initially driven by necessity, it underscored the potential of technology in education. The pandemic proved that learning should not be confined to classrooms but should be accessible through various digital means, ensuring that knowledge reaches every student.
However, COVID-19 also exposed several longstanding issues in the Indian education system. The lack of digital infrastructure, inadequate technological knowledge, mental and physical stress among students, and concerns about the transparency of assessment methods became apparent. According to the National Sample Survey of India, only 24% of households in the country have internet access, with the percentage being even lower in rural areas. Many students struggled due to the unavailability of digital resources, while teachers faced difficulties in adapting to online teaching. The increased screen time led to psychological distress, isolation, and health problems among students. The absence of traditional learning methods also hindered their social development. Additionally, conducting fair and transparent assessments in an online setting became a challenge, making it difficult to evaluate students’ actual progress accurately.
To address these issues, the Indian government introduced the National Education Policy (NEP-2020), aimed at making education more inclusive, flexible, and employment-oriented. In the post-COVID era, it is crucial to effectively implement this policy. The adoption of a hybrid learning model, which balances online and offline education, can be a key solution. This approach will enable students to benefit from digital resources while also engaging in physical classroom learning. Teachers must be provided with regular digital training to enhance their technological proficiency and ensure efficient online teaching. Additionally, efforts should be made to expand internet access and provide affordable digital devices, especially in rural areas, so that students across the country can benefit from online education.
Beyond technological advancements, the education system must also focus on skill-based learning. Along with conventional subjects, students should be taught vocational skills, entrepreneurship, arts, literature, organic farming, Ayurveda, and music to prepare them for self-employment and holistic personal growth. The education system should not just aim to produce job seekers but also foster self-reliant individuals who contribute to society in diverse ways.
Another critical aspect that needs reform is the assessment system. Online examinations must be made more secure and transparent by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain technology. A continuous assessment model should be introduced to evaluate students’ performance more accurately instead of relying solely on traditional exams. Furthermore, education should emphasize ethical values, social responsibilities, and interpersonal skills to nurture responsible and empathetic citizens.
While online education is a necessity for the future, its drawbacks must also be acknowledged. Excessive screen time can negatively affect students’ health, and the lack of physical interaction may hinder their social skills. Therefore, online learning should be treated as a complementary tool rather than a complete replacement for traditional education. A blended learning model, which integrates classroom teaching with digital resources, would be an ideal approach.
The COVID-19 pandemic has made it clear that education must be flexible, inclusive, and technologically advanced. In a country like India, where digital inequality remains a challenge, the integration of technology in education must be planned carefully. By striking a balance between offline and online learning, training educators in digital teaching methods, and adopting a value-based education system, we can build a progressive and resilient future for students. This is a time for transformation, and instead of viewing it as a setback, we should embrace it as an opportunity to develop a stronger and more effective education system.
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