The Effect of COVID on Educational System Essay Example

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The recent menace of the COVID pandemic has affected the education system in a very adverse manner. Physical classes had to be suspended, and online courses have become a norm. The protection of students and teachers remains the priority as education without normal health would not serve any benefit. Just a few years back, learning in a virtual classroom seemed very absurd. Although distant education was being carried out in many parts of the world, students who excelled in practical lives were those studied directly under the supervisor of adept masters. However, the current circumstances have forced every educational institution worldwide to conduct virtual classes. There are particular merits and demerits of online classes compared to traditional physical courses. Although both online and physical courses allow the students to continue their studies with the same syllabus, the latter promotes social skills in students and promotes academic creativity through practical implementation of the theoretical concepts learned in the classroom.

The significant similarity between online classes and physical classes is that these educational opportunities allow the students to continue their education. Whether the course is being held in a physical room or not, the students will have the opportunity to gain academic concepts from the teachers, even in virtual classrooms. The books read in both these environments are the same. Students can pursue the major courses using virtual classrooms for which they had initially signed up when physical classes were conducted. In both classes, the syllabus for academics is precisely the same. Using virtual classes, teachers can give homework to students just as they do in physical courses. Moreover, assessments can be held in a virtual environment where teachers can evaluate the students regularly. So, both online and physical classes provide students with similar opportunities to resume their education without any hiatus while studying under the supervision of skilled teachers.

One of the significant differences between online and physical classes is the nature of social interaction between the different parties. In physical classes, teachers can keep a direct eye on the students. Students also maintain eye contact with their teachers at all times. The teacher immediately identifies any student that is not focusing on the lecture. Moreover, the teacher can ask questions from the students, and students, in turn, can resolve any confusion through direct interaction. On the other hand, a teacher cannot keep an eye on every student during online classes. Some of the students turn their cameras off, describing it as a technical glitch so that they can continue their leisure activities while being virtually present in the class. Moreover, the learning atmosphere of the physical class is also lost. Teachers have difficulty in interacting with the students. Similarly, students cannot grasp the essential concepts, and the confusion regarding academics remains. So, physical classes offer better social interaction and promote verbal and nonverbal skills among the students (Kumari et al.).

Compared to online classes, physical classes offer more practical resources to students and promote creativity among them. A teacher can ask the students to conduct experiments in a lab during physical classes. In this way, the students can apply theoretical concepts to the practical world. Similarly, teachers can take tests at the end of the lecture using creative scenarios. Such scenarios also force the students to brainstorm ideas and develop innovative solutions. Physical classrooms promote interaction between the students as well, where they exchange opinions about different topics and learn many types of new concepts. Field trips are also the charms associated with only physical classes. Using such trips, students learn more about the practical implementation of their theoretical knowledge. As a result, they are prepared for their professional lives before entering that phase. On the other hand, students deem online classes dull and boring. The teachers cannot directly evaluate each student at the end of the class (Thomas et al.). Creativity and brainstorming are lacking in virtual classes. There is no way of conducting lab experiments using online classes. Students turn off their gadgets after the termination of a class, meaning they do not exchange any type of ideas. Due to the fear of COVID, students cannot be taken on any kind of field trip. The overall result is the creation of a dull academic atmosphere where students ratify the concepts which would serve them no benefit in the future. So, as compared to online classes, physical classes are the best means of promoting practical skills among students.

All in all, both physical and online classes are similar in terms of continuing academic life with a similar syllabus. However, physical courses promote the development of social interaction between students and teachers and make them more adept in communication skills. Physical classes also promote academic creativity by providing opportunities to practically implement the theoretical concepts. Online classes lack such charms and are therefore inferior to the physical classroom environment. The future of the students of the current generation could get seriously jeopardized if such courses continue. It is hoped that COVID will eventually end and physical classes will resume, where students would make up for their lost creativity and academic skills.

Works Cited

Kumari, Sanjana, et al. “Online classes versus traditional classes? Comparison during COVID-19.” Journal of Education and Health Promotion 10.1 (2021): 457.

Thomas, Andrew, et al. “Teachers’ View on Online Classes during COVID-19 Lockdown–A Cross-Sectional Study.” International Journal of Medical Students (2022).