Teaching has been one of the most respected professions taught by teachers that possess a highly progressive and appreciable level of knowledge regarding topics. We are fortunate enough to be guided by these mentors. Teaching has been a god-like profession.
However, appreciated and valuable this process happens to be, many modifications and changes over the ages haven’t been conducted. Like, if we compare a primitive type of vehicle to a vehicle of today, so many things have changed. There also have been various modifications in its parts that have been replaced by advanced and so much better technologies. One being from a primitive era would definitely stare at this new car in full flabbergast. However, it might not be for the teaching sector. If we see the teaching of the very primitive era and compare it to the teachings of today, we can find that not many have changed, probably nothing. Previously teaching was held in Ashram with a Guru and some pupils and they used to listen to the Guru spill his teachings while the pupils would shower with it. Today, we went to the classroom, some twenty pupils listening to the teachers' talk. Things have remained the same. So it can be argued that changes in the teaching profession should have been required by the society and it was to come later or sooner.
The Corona pandemic has hit hard for many countries and many people. It has been a hard time for all of us. In this situation where people have lost their source of income, the schools are reopening may be due to the mere fact of attaining a source of income; or my judgments could have been heavily biased. Nonetheless, for the bigger picture, for this lockdown period, people, instead of sitting ideal and worrying about the on-going chaos have found a way to stay engaged and productive. This leads to online teaching platforms.
Online teaching was already a thing in western countries that are seen as more advanced and developed with many universities going online with courses etc. Even so, the eastern population could never have anticipated at the alarming rate this trend would be coming their way. For countries like Nepal, please realize the power of the internet and the need for adaptation in it. Solely, our future depends on it. Many retail stores, manufacturing companies, service providers, influencers have arisen from this platform and even online tutors and extra teachers.
Nevertheless, we can’t ignore the fact that we live in a small developing South Asian country Nepal, I currently reside in the capital city Kathmandu and am fortunate enough to be blessed with the latest gadgets and technologies such as laptops mobile phones, and internet and I don’t wake up in the morning worrying about how I’ll be able to attend the day’s class or if I’ll miss it again like yesterday. But my home is in Nuwakot, and I have friends complaining about the little things I live with privilege here. Not all communities have access to the internet, nor the ever costly and expensive latest mobiles phones, and laptops. When there is no source of income and when it is difficult to meet hand to mouth, buying a new cell phone for $100 is not a question but an answer. A firm ‘No! We can’t afford it. Not even at the cost of your future.’ The government’s ignorance has never been helpful.
I also recently read an article in the newspaper regarding two teachers who decided to go from village to village educating the children that wanted to learn. Even so, with such a brave and praiseworthy act, in such a pandemic situation where you can not even trust your closest ones, the people in the villages were obviously skeptic.
With my own experience, I have frequently missed my old mates sharing the same lame jokes and laughing at walls. I miss them terribly and dearly for it has been so long. I often find myself gazing at the abyss as the words of the teacher play in the background from my small screen of the laptop. I partially blame it on my situation for I have no one throwing chalks at me to capture my attention. It has been boring and reluctant at the same time.
All in all, it is a challenging time for all of us and we are slowly adapting to it. It is indeed a good initiative by schools to engage students in a productive session, however, in a developing country such as Nepal, it is very important for the government to interfere in the education system and provide the facilities that the less privileged are not getting. More projects, more distribution programs may be the next big step for the government.
As we’ve seen in history every big change happens after a long era of war. I honestly think online classes are one such big step in the history of mankind and advancement.
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