The worst pandemic of the century, SARS-COV-2 or Coronavirus has engulfed every one’s life across the globe. Several major changes have been implemented while many other are being thought about to survive in this post-COVID world. Many multinational corporations have switched to ‘Work From Home’ for majority of their employee, but the education sector of India is still finding it challenging to operate remotely.

There are certain challenges that educational institutes are facing while continuing the academics during Coronavirus-induced national lockdown. Many institutes don’t have facilities and equipment to operate remotely. Therefore, many scholars and citizens support the need of reinventing the existing education system and making it more sustainable and smart.

This calls for the shift from traditional classroom to Smart Classrooms.

virtual classroom during coronavirus

While speaking to a leading media house, Ms Kiran Dham, the CEO and MD of Globus Infocom says, “A key aspect of coping with Covid-19 is to ensure that the learning remains a continuous process virtually. Connecting students and teachers through digital platforms and necessary software through the use of laptop or phones is the latest transition in education trying to eradicate the physical need of teachers or classrooms. This is an ideal time to accept technology and its latest offerings in order to make education delivery to students more efficient and make it more productive through online learning and assessments.”

In a bid to not let the Coronavirus crisis and lockdown hamper education, many educational institutes are adopting modern means of education like E-Learning, Virtual Classroom, E-Assessments, etc. Undoubtedly, this is the best time to shift to ‘Digital’ and make the best use of available digital technology tools to ensure continuity in education.

Ms. Dham believes that technology is turning education into a teacher and student-centric process from a solely teacher-centric process. Tools like Virtual Classroom, Online Classes make engagement and interaction between teachers and students possible and bring it as close to a real classroom-like experience.

Apart from maintaining continuity in education during unforeseen situations like Covid-19, there are other benefits of Virtual Classroom and E-Learning as well.

  • Education can be made more accessible and affordable for students who wish to study in colleges and universities located in the far end of the country. They can receive education online via Virtual Classroom.
  • A lot of time and money is saved that is otherwise spent on travel and accommodation. Virtual Classroom therefore reduces the overall cost of education since no travelling is required.
  • Enrolled students will get opportunities to interact with other students across the globe and hold group discussions. It helps boosting self-confidence and eliminates fear of facing public among students.
  • Teachers can connect with their students from anywhere. They can also interact with experts in their respective fields from any part of the world.
  • Virtual Classroom and E-Learning not only helps students receive education in their respective subjects, but also helps them hone their digital skills.

Also Read: Virtual Classroom: Bridging The Gap Between Demographically Isolated People