Schools around the world have shut down due to the coronavirus pandemic leaving over 1.5 billion students stuck at home. The educational sector hence has been severely affected by the lockdown. The termination of final examinations and a possible disruption in the academic calendar will lead to an altered academic year. The Education Minister C Raveendranath announced that the pending examinations for SSLC, Plus One and Plus Two will be conducted once the lockdown is lifted. The schedule has not been decided upon but will be designed to give ample time for students to prepare. If the need may arise, online examinations will be conducted.
Surge in use of Online Learning Platforms
The utilization of online education platforms is rising as people are left with no option but to resort to it. This has positively affected the sector, as the appreciation for this method of learning is definitely increasing. It can be understood that the surge of users on these platforms will not completely dissipate after the lockdown, as many begin to enjoy this form of learning. Online education has taken over and is likely to continue prospering long after the lockdown.
Online Classes provided by Schools
Schools are conducting online classes through services like Zoom, enabling the students to keep track with their educational development. Many of these classes are scheduled conveniently allowing all students to participate and make good use of the service. Different schools have opted different methods to make sure lesson plans are completed and students are not at loss.
Online Applications and Platforms that promote Learning
There are several online apps that provide students the opportunity to stay connected to their studies during the lockdown. Byju’s Learning App, an elearning unicorn named after its founder Byju Raveendran , had started offering free services to children. This has resulted in an increase in the number of users on the app. The app provides personalized learning options to its users.
Manorama Horizon is yet another online application that provides live classes and lessons to students. They are also inclined to prepare the students for the new academic year.
BrainsApp is a free application available to students in Kerala enabling them to access study materials and video materials. These applications and online portals aim to make sure that students don’t miss out on learning by providing virtual and interactive classrooms. Concept owl is yet another online learning platform for CBSE syllabus for classes from 8-12. Presently they are offering free and full access to their content to help the students.
Other than school and college related online education platforms, individuals can gain knowledge on various topics through online courses available on multiple websites such as coursera, futurelearn etc. This is an excellent way to keep the brain working and learn something interesting during the lockdown. Here are few online platforms for the students in Kerala:
- Brainsapp – Classes and Question banks for Kerala State Syllabus. Content available in Malayalam
- Samagra – Initiative by KITE, Samagra provides textbooks, question pools and other e resources to be downloaded for classes 1- 12 in English and Malayalam
- Manorama Horizon – Video and online classes for CBSE syllabus and competitive exams
- Concept Owl – Video classes CBSE syllabus classes 8-12. Presently offering free access.
- Entri – App for competitive exam have come up with free quizzes for the exam takers