Rise of eLearning during Covid-19

With the onset of the terrible pandemic wave, there were drastic changes all across the globe. Nothing was left untouched and every sector was hit hard. But along with this, the pandemic upsurge paved the way for technology, which gradually took the centre stage in every sector of the economy. And if we talk about the education sector, then a new chapter was marked in its history. ­­­

Through various technological advancements, Online learning became an indispensable part of the education world. Digital learning, increase use of smart devices such as smartphones, computers and tablets considerably changed the learning style and habits of the students. Keeping this in mind, the Education Department of Rajasthan introduced ‘E-learning’, an innovative measure that imparts education through various online learning programs. This initiative was started with a motive to provide online study and learning material to the students so that the education is not adversely affected during the lockdown.

Who would have thought that education and learning of children will be confined within the realm of mobile, computer and tablet! On this note, let us discuss various online learning initiatives by the government, which imparted efficient education to the students of Rajasthan.

E-Kaksha:
To ensure that children's education is not interrupted in the corona period, the government has started an e-class program in which the children are studying through mobile phones, YouTube channels and education apps. The main objective of e-class program is to create an e-library for all schools in the state so that students' learning is not interrupted even in the absence of a teacher. This is a commendable step by the government concerning the adverse circumstances of the pandemic.

Smile:
The biggest challenge for the government was not to disrupt students’ education during the corona period. Keeping this in mind, the education department started a smile program for all the government schools across the state. In this program, video content and study material are being made available to the students via WhatsApp.

Shiksha Darshan:
The Department introduced the Shiksha Darshan program due to the limited availability of internet in remote areas during the shutdown in Corona. Under this program, the textual content for the students is broadcasted through Television (Doordarshan).

Shiksha Vaani:
The department started this education program under which the course material for students is broadcasted through Radio (Akashvaani).

YouTube:
Apart from connecting through radio, TV and WhatsApp, students up to 12th standard can connect with their teachers live through the YouTube channel also. By taking live youtube classes, children receive quick responses to their curricular-related problems.

Making sure that no student is deprived of quality education, ‘eLearning’ has been successful in helping the pillars of our society i.e, teachers and students. It has very efficiently and effectively facilitated comprehensive education even at the time of global crisis like Covid-19.

Unique Innovations in the Field of Education Sector

Technological advancements and innovations have led to rapid changes in the field of the education sector in India. From conventional tools to support online teaching, to remote learning initiatives, education has reformed in a large way. Various steps taken towards these reforms have changed the scenario of learning culture across India. It is not only affecting the students and teachers but is also creating awareness amongst the public at large. 

Keeping this in mind, the Government of Rajasthan is striving resistantly to improve the education system of the state, along with unprecedented challenges and hurdles. According to the record, in the past two years, the education department has made a qualitative increase in the level of education. This has been done by the successful implementation of various schemes like No bag day, e-Kaksha, Bal Sabha, and many more. These schemes have won accolades not only at the state level but have also been recognized at the national level. Let us discuss some facts about these schemes and their profound impact on the students as well as teachers.

1. Bal Sabha: An initiative to identify and resolve issues in upper primary schools situated in the rural areas, Bal Sabhas’ focus is on bringing qualitative changes in education. The main objective of organizing meetings in public places is the all-round development of boys and girls, the participation of people in educational activities, qualitative improvement in education and financial support to the school from the community. It will be attended by parents, teachers as well as village people at large.

2. eKaksha: Keeping in mind the education of children getting disrupted in the Corona period, a unique initiative ‘e-class’ has been started by the Education Department where students are studying as well as learning online. This program has been started with a motive to impart quality education to the children all across the state with no physical contact.

3. Reduced weight of School bags: This initiative has been taken by the Government to reduce the burden of school bags for the children of government schools. Nearly two-third weight of school bags has been reduced for the students studying in grades 1 to 5. With this step, the children do not have to carry heavy bags to their schools. Along with this, every Saturday is celebrated as ‘no bag day’ in schools. On this day, activities related to the physical, mental, and intellectual development of children are conducted in the schools.

4. Honouring Teachers: Before 2018, only 68 teachers were awarded in the state every year but under the leadership of Shri Ashok Gehlot and Education Minister Shri Govind Singh Dotasra, the state government has decided to honour 1101 teachers every year. Not only this, the honour amount has also been increased six times. This year the government has honoured around 800 teachers for their outstanding service in education.

5. Honouring Martyrs: Martyrs are the real heroes of our land, who not only protect us but also sacrifice their lives for the motherland. Keeping this in mind, the state government has taken a unique step to honour their bravery and martyrdom. They have named more than 50 state government schools after the name of the martyrs from the state. Along with this step, the state has also decided to include the ‘biography of the martyrs’ in the syllabus of class 1 to class 12.