India transitioned well from offline to online education during the pandemic COVID-19: Oxford University Press Report

India transitioned well from offline to online education during the pandemic COVID-19: Oxford University Press Report
on Apr 09, 2021

Transition To Digital Learning: A report titled ‘Education: The Journey Towards a Digital Revolution’ by Oxford University Press (OUP) has shown, India did well in the transition to digital learning during the COVID-19 lockdown. The shift to online learning during the coronavirus lockdown in India was done rather well, despite unequal access to digital learning devices, as per Oxford University Press (OUP). With the pandemic hitting more than 1.7 billion students worldwide over the last 12 months, the report explained how teachers, students, and parents adapted to new ways of delivering education. It will continue to utilize digital learning tools and resources to shape educational practice in the future. According to the report Education: The Journey Towards a Digital Revolution, The pandemic has paved the way for a hybrid model in education, combining digital and traditional methods of teaching and learning, but governments need to act so that progress from the past year is not lost. Read | Author and literary translator Sara Rai to head jury for JCB Prize for Literature 2021

Oxford University Press (OUP) Report

As per the reports, “In India, compared to other countries, respondents felt that the transition to online learning was done rather well, scoring 3.3/5. However, a major issue identified by respondents was unequal access to digital learning devices, as well as a lack of internet connectivity and little familiarity around the tools required to facilitate online learning.” “The majority of respondents in India (71 per cent) also felt that shifting to online has been detrimental to wellbeing. The priority for the government is to provide more funding, as well as addressing connectivity issues, particularly in rural areas,” it added.

Issues with Digital Learning

The top three issues identified that harm digital learning were - socio-economic barriers, lack of professional development opportunities for teachers, and disruption or uncertainty in day-to-day life caused by the pandemic. When asked what steps the government should take to support digital learning, the respondents sought support for improving connectivity, increased funding for technology and more professional development opportunities for teachers.

Statement of Oxford University Press (OUP) CEO Nigel Portwood

OUP CEO Nigel Portwood said while talking about the research that the pandemic has, unsurprisingly, prompted a rapid increase in the adoption of digital learning. He said, “As we start to reimagine what education may look like in the future, it is imperative that the governments learn from those who have been on the frontline, delivering and receiving learning. We have a huge opportunity to learn from all our experience to develop education systems that will work for both local and global society.” Source: jagranjosh