My parents sneakily try to budge in when the class is going on: Evlyn, Don Bosco College

These are first-hand student accounts on how our young population is managing to keep their exam prep or college course work going from the confines of their homes. In case you want to share your lockdown study experience, write to us at publish@shiksha.com.

Coronavirus pandemic has impacted our education system in many ways. The students are struggling to cope up with their lessons, their focus is deteriorating, and much more. Many educational institutions have opted for online classrooms. Everything has its pros and cons and the same is with online classes. But first, let us take a look at its advantages.

It gives students a closer view of the content/PPT which is put up. One can hear the teacher speak clearly without any disturbance. Also, not to forget if one feels uncomfortable asking questions over the microphone then comes the chat option at your service.

The best part about an online class, which most of the students will swear upon is, one doesn’t have to hurry to reach on time neither you have to scramble around for shoes nor your tie. One can simply attend the class in your own way without having to worry about the rules.

I can bet that attending a flexible schedule class ‘’in the comfort of one’s house’’ is the most fascinating thing for a student.

Now, there may be tons of advantages but it also has its set of demerits which makes it not the ‘best substitute of offline class’. Let me break down to you by corresponding it with its merits. One can surely hear the teacher from closer and see the content better but on the other side, the teacher can’t understand if the students haven’t understood because he/she is unable to see the facial expressions and body language.

Also, there may be students not willing to come forward and clear their misunderstandings which is possible in a normal classroom for a teacher to read out. There are also chances that students may not be able to focus and may fiddle around with the phone as they do not have anybody to monitor them.

Even though I have stated about not having to follow the rules in the ‘pros section’ but come on whom are we fooling? The rules are made for our betterment and abiding by them just makes us better-disciplined which for the fact we lack by studying online.  Another thing I would like to add is that now parents exactly know what we are up to.

It may be a pro or a con depending upon the nature of the student. My parents sneakily try to budge in when the class is going on and as soon as the class ends the rapid-fire round starts…you know!

But honestly, I prefer my offline classroom which gives me exposure to the things happening around my campus. My friends, my teachers, every single person I meet in the hallway, canteen, and class has a role in shaping my personality. With this online mode, it seems like we have turned ourselves into robots. We have forgotten to appreciate it. We have forgotten the sense of greeting people and most importantly we are missing human interaction.

To keep up with your ‘human nature’ I’d say be in touch with people around you, opt for a video call instead of a text. Spend time with your family. Take out that ‘dusty- crusty’ board game you played as a kid. Or simply put that frisbee to some use. At least, I have been trying my hand at cooking and rest of the above things and I have no regrets. I have been spending time reading novels. Those of you who always had an excuse for not having the time to read, there you go.

Picking a hobby during this phase can be soothing for your body and mind.

As for exams, they have been postponed. The exact timetable and dates are not out yet but we are hoping that it would be sooner as it gets tough to focus on our studies with the on-going fiasco. We are expecting a brief brush up on the subjects as soon as college is re-opened because it seems like ancient history since we went to school.

I know I am exaggerating but that is how the students are feeling right now. In times like this, all that we can do is wait patiently and pray for the dark clouds cast over us to pass and it will! Because nothing lasts forever, be it sadness or joy. That’s what makes life a rollercoaster, isn’t it?

About the Author:

Evlyn Fernandes is currently pursuing BBA from Don Bosco College. Her hobbies include reading and writing poems and write-ups. She likes experimenting with food.