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The role of technology in distant learning

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Author: L. Neelakantha Pillai
National Best Teacher Awardee
Director, Maharishi Vidya Mandir Group of schools

As a firm believer on education there is only one thing that cannot be taken away from you is your knowledge., in this Gen Z time I believe that technology has played a pivotal role in the field of education, especially in the context of distant learning. With the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, our world was quick to adopt technology to ensure continuity in education. It has been a game-changer for us, and we have seen first-hand how technology has made distant learning more accessible, interactive, and engaging.

Learn Continually- there’s always one more thing to learn – Steve Jobs, Co-Founder Apple

Technology has enabled us to offer a seamless transition from traditional classroom-based learning to distant learning. Through our online learning management system, students can access high-quality content from anywhere, at any time. This has allowed us to expand our reach, and we are now able to offer education to students who are not physically present on campus. It has also enabled us to offer a more personalized learning experience, where students can learn at their own pace, and teachers can track their progress in real-time.

One of the most significant advantages of technology in distant learning is that it has made education more accessible. With online resources, students can access a wealth of information that may not be available in traditional classroom settings. This has allowed our students to explore various topics in-depth, and they have become more self-directed in their learning. Moreover, technology has enabled us to offer additional resources such as online libraries, videos, and other educational materials, which have been instrumental in enhancing our students' learning experience.

Another advantage of technology in distant learning is the ability to communicate and collaborate with students and teachers in real-time. Through video conferencing and chat tools, teachers can provide individual attention to students, answer their queries, and provide feedback on their work. Moreover, teachers can engage students in interactive sessions such as group discussions, brainstorming sessions, and collaborative projects. This has fostered a sense of community and has allowed our students to learn from each other, just like they would in a traditional classroom.

Assessment is another area where technology has played a significant role in distant learning. With online assessment tools, teachers can assess students' progress and provide feedback in real-time. This has made it easier for teachers to monitor student progress and identify areas where students need help. Online assessments have also made it possible for teachers to administer tests and quizzes remotely, which has been important in ensuring that students can continue their education without interruption.

However, as with any innovation, technology in education has also presented challenges that need to be addressed. The most significant challenge we have faced is the digital divide. Not all students have access to technology or reliable internet, which can hinder their ability to participate in distant learning. To address this challenge, we have provided our students with laptops and tablets, and we have partnered with internet service providers to provide students with access to the internet. Moreover, we have offered support to our students and their parents to help them navigate the online learning environment.

Another challenge we have faced is the need for our teachers to adapt their teaching styles to the online environment. Online learning requires different skills and approaches than traditional learning, and our teachers have had to be trained to use technology effectively. We have organized regular training sessions and workshops to equip our teachers with the skills they need to use technology effectively in the classroom.

In conclusion, technology has played a significant role in enabling distant learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. It has provided our students with access to educational resources, enhanced communication, and made assessment easier for our teachers. Despite the challenges we have faced, we believe that technology has transformed education and will continue to play a crucial role in the future of education. I would like to conclude by quoting a favorite quote from Ratan Tata, Chairman Emeritus of Tata Sons

"Technology can help us create a more equitable and just society by providing all children with access to high-quality education, regardless of their social, economic, or geographic background."

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