Ahmedabad: For Jinesha Shah, the principal of Sajna Talavdi Primary School near Karamsad in Anand district, the initial few days of Covid-19 lockdown were difficult.
“Challenge was to keep the students engaged and ensure that they learn something every day. We then devised a plan where we made group of the parents and started giving instructions about craft and other subjects. On September 5, it will be culmination of 160 days,” she said, adding that she also went to the students’ home to interact with small groups. “But working with new tools and technology has opened a new vista for us.”
Prof Vijaya Sherry Chand, chairperson of the Ravi J Matthai Centre for Educational Innovation (RJMCEI) at IIM Ahmedabad (IIM-A), said that Covid-19 scenario has made teachers realize possibilities of technology. “The teachers have tried it and have found that it is not difficult. However, they have struggled to reach students with no internet connectivity or technology support at home,” he said.
Identifying challenges for the teachers, Prof Sherry Chand said that remedial work along with the current year’s instruction, will be one. “Second, is there a need for some accelerated learning methods, given the time lost? Third, given how children mingle freely, and the possibility of the virus remaining for a long time, should new behaviour norms be thought of?” he asked.
“Any disruption in education is an opportunity to redress past inequalities and deficiencies—now is the time for the state to urgently develop a new vision and communicate it to its teachers,” he said.