The world is facting the unprecedented health crisis which might even lead to the breakdown of the current world order. The world has recorded 4,628,903 confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 312,009 deaths by May 18, 2020, according to World Health Organization.Nepal has regiseterd 402 confirmed cases of with 2 deaths. The pandemic had spread to over 200  countries. The fast spearding pandemic and subsequent lockdowns have led to closure of 90 per cent schools, colleges and univeristies affecting 1.3 billion stduents.

Closure of eductaionl institutions forced education providers to shift to digital education. The shift to online learning was so swift that stakeholders did not have time to plan and reflect on potential challenges and opportunities that digital education might bring. Against such a backdrop, it is important to look into what has transpired and what might happen as we continue adopting the digital education.

Challenges

1. Digital Divide

It goes without saying that handful of colleges and academic institutions can run online classes smoothly since most of the students from public schools, community colleges may not have access to the uninterrupted internet facility.  While affluent students from private institutes can continue with their education while low income students will be deprived of their right to education for lack of internet facility. Scheduled exams and tests have to be put off due to outbreak of the pandemic. Only a few educational institutes have been able to deliver online teaching while majority of the low income and community college students are outside the domain of the e-learning in Nepal.

2. Cost and speed of Internet

Internet facilities in Nepal are ranked the most expensive in the south Asia. A popular magazine “The Economist” recently published a report “Inclusive Internet index 2019” which suggests that internet services in Nepal are quite expensive as compared to that being used in other countries of the world. In a list published in the report comprising of 100 countries based on the cost of internet services, Nepal was ranked 84. Likewise,  Nepal ranks at the bottom in tersm of affordability of the intrenet service in South Asia. Nepal has 4G coverage in all 77 districts, but it ranks way down in speed test, occupying 127th position among 140 countries in the Speedtest Global Index by Ookla, a broadband speed analysis company.

3. Untrained and Unprepared teachers for online education

Online education is fundamentally different from classroom lecture methodology in the physical classroom. Majority of tecahers and mentors are not prepared and well-trained to go for online teaching immediately after the pandemic erupted. Many are using ZOOM and Google Meet to teach stduents. They are still not trained and used to using dedicated online models and designs for digital teaching.

4. Passive learning

Online teaching  is sure to make students passive and dull as it lacks class and group interactions and discussion. Without direct guidance and watch of teachers, students lose their interest and just take classes to keep their parents happy. Students might join class and might keep be busy in playing games and videos.

Opportunities 

Disruptive change in education is likely to bring with it some new opportunities that will transform the  education system worldwide and especially in a country like Nepal which has planned  to bring about reform in this sector.

1. Blended Learning

Universities, colleges and school will shift to the blended learning where both face to face delivery  in physical classroom and  an online model will become a norm. This will require all teachers to become more techno savvy and go through some training to bring themselves to the level that would be required.New ways of delivery and assessments of learning outcomes will have to be adopted which opens immense opportunities for a major transformation in the area of curriculum development and pedagogy.

 2. Digitizing  Resources

The digital education will surely encourage educational providers to implement digital library. Every institution will create online library and train students and mentors to adopt to the new model of information absorption.  Establishment of learning management system will bring openness and transparency in education sector. Teachers will start creating their own online resources and provide them to learners accordingly.

 3. Development of communication and professional skill

Students in onlineclasses  are required to participate in interactive online activities, such as communicate through email, instant message, hold discussion sessions, and complete online assignments. Online classes allow students to develop many of the most desired skills and professional skills for today’s demanding and competitive workplace.  Communication skill, computer literacy, and writing ability are developed through digital learning.

4. Government Policy

The government launched the new National Education Policy 2076 in November. With the country adopting the federal model of government, the policy was unveiled to make it compatible with the federal structure and the provision of education as encapsulated in the federal constitution of the country.The government has stressed the provision for the introduction of information and communication technology (ICT) in education and emphasises the need for such technology in order for its schooling to align with global practices. The government policy and program for 2020/21 passed by the federal parliament envisions providing online education to all public schools and colleges through high speed internet service.

Crises take us by surprise. They put us in trouble. But, they also force us to pause and think to reinvent ourselves. Coronavirus pandemic has left us with uncertainty. But, people will still continue to exist post COVID-19. There will be schools and colleges even after the pandemic is over. Students will be eager to learn and teachers ready to offer their lessons. Virus has exposed human limitations. But, education has to continue and will continue. Despite having some flaws, digital learning will be the new method of education. So, it is better if educational providers start working to adopt to new method of teaching and learning.

Tek NathPoudel , Head of Academics of Malpi International College.