Myths of online education

Azim Premji Foundation, Research Group (2020) Myths of online education. Project Report. Azim Premji University, Bengaluru.

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Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has led schools, colleges and other academic institutions across the world to look for alternatives to ensure continuity in learning. In the past six months, various digital or ICT-based learning options have been explored. However, studies have also indicated the inadequacy of these solutions, particularly in disadvantaged contexts. This is both in terms of insubstantial teaching-learning processes and exclusion of the majority of school-going children due to lack of access to digital infrastructure and facilities. In this context the Field Research Group at the Azim Premji Foundation undertook a study to understand the experience of children and teachers with online education. The study titled ‘Myths of Online Education’ was undertaken in 5 states across 26 districts covering 1,522 schools. These public schools have more than 80,000 students. The study compiled evidences from survey tools and open-ended questions administered over phone with teachers and parents.The key findings of the study are: 1. Online education is ineffective: Teachers shared their professional frustration of conducting online classes. More than 80% teachers expressed the impossibility of maintaining emotional connect with children during such classes, thus eliminating the very basis of education, and more than 90% teachers felt that no meaningful assessment of children’s learning was possible during online classes. Parents have echoed this sentiment with almost 70% being of the opinion that online classes are not effective for the learning of their children. 2. Inadequate access: More than 60% children cannot access online education opportunities; reasons for this include non-availability of or inadequate number of smartphones for dedicated use or sharing, and difficulty in using the apps for online learning. The issue of access is further exacerbated for children with disabilities; 90% teachers of children with disabilities in their regular classes found them unable to participate in online classes. 3. Parents overwhelming support to reopen schools: Contrary to popular perception, almost 90% of the parents are willing to send their children to school if the health of their children is taken care of when the schools reopen.

Item Type:

Monograph (Project Report)

Authors:

Azim Premji Foundation, Research Group

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