More than 210 countries and territories in the world are facing an unprecedented crisis due to CoronaVirus Disease (Covid-19). The pandemic declared by the WHO has created an environment of total chaos, fear, and uncertainty. Given the human to human transmission of the virus, the Indian education system has come to a halt. It is imperative to devise mechanisms, which are resilient and robust enough to sustain such a crisis towards carrying out teaching and learning and examination related functions in the academic institutions.
Switching the delivery of instructions abruptly from “learning in physical space” mode to “online” mode through digital platforms is constrained in the envisaged outcomes though it works out but partially.
Adopting the following points may evolve a resilient and robust Indian education system to such disruptive crises:
Flipped Classroom As The Teaching Pedagogy
In this pedagogy, the subject contents are delivered online outside the classroom before engaging the class. In the current scenario, a lot of learning material on all the subjects is available on the web. These resources could be used by the students under the supervision of an instructor as supplementary in addition to that provided by him/her through online platforms.
In the conventional method of teaching, major emphasis is to transfer the knowledge and understanding about a certain subject in the classroom. A major part of this classroom time/duration is utilized in finding the solutions to the problems under the supervision of the instructor. This is in general pursued as group activity encouraging cooperative learning and enhanced team spirit.
The role of a teacher is more like a facilitator in the pursuit of learning by the students. They may apply the concepts learned from the course material made available to the students prior to the class in solving the problems. A number of institutions/universities across the world like NTU Singapore, have adopted the concept of flipped classrooms and have shown its effective and successful implementation.
The Institutions could adopt this pedagogy beginning with the final year of the academic programs of study. For example, in B.Tech. final year, contact hours are kept at minimal for providing with the students the opportunity to do projects, hands-on, training, etc. This strategy could be extended gradually to other segments of the courses of study.
The Pattern Of Examination
The proctored examination just aims at the assessment of the knowledge and understanding of the subject matter. The examination must focus on the quantum of learning, creativity, and analytical capabilities and innovative solutions to the given problems.
Questions are focused on design, application, analysis, and use cases covering exploring the solution to real-life problems and socio-economic problems.
Lesser emphasis on the proctored examination will enable to conduct the examination in online mode even with the students sitting at their home.
Deployment Of 5G Infrastructure Across The Country
The 5G mobile communication aims to provide almost unlimited access to the information in a ubiquitous manner. It indeed shall prove itself as the great catalyst for transforming the society, government machinery, and the economy encompassing the education system as well.
The ubiquitous teaching and learning process beyond the physical confines of the classrooms could be made possible by 5G infrastructure. It is the only technology to offer an interactive environment for quality education and enhanced learning.
The 5G mobile communication will provide the students with the opportunity to learn with minimal intervention of the faculty. Deployment of the 5G mobile communication infrastructure across the country covering remote locations of this vast country will empower the students coming from all strata of society to avail of the opportunity of learning through online mode. It is imperative to adopt 5G technology and pave the way to deploy this basic infrastructure sooner than later.
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Prof. Brahmjit Singh
Professor at National Institute of Technology, Kurukshetra
Has published 151 research papers in international, national journals, conferences
Recipient of the best research paper award from the Institution of Engineers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Indian Education System
The Indian education system can be improved through measures such as increasing public investment in education, improving teacher training and recruitment, introducing innovative teaching methods and technologies, and promoting vocational education and skill development. Additionally, there is a need to focus on providing equitable access to quality education, particularly to disadvantaged and marginalized communities.
The higher education system in India includes universities, colleges, and technical institutes that offer undergraduate and graduate degree programs in various fields of study. The system is regulated by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and other statutory bodies.
The major boards of education in India include the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE), and various state boards of education. These boards conduct examinations for students at the secondary and senior secondary levels.
