Educational institutions based on traditional learning follow the setup of face-to-face lectures in a classroom. The dramatic outbreak of COVID-19 shook the world. It has been declared a pandemic by WHO. It has profoundly impacted the global economy. It has affected the education sector, and this fright is doubtless to resonate globally. The COVID pandemic forced countless institutions to stay shut temporarily. This challenged the education sector worldwide and forced educators to shift to a remote mode of teaching. Academic institutions have to alter old-fashioned pedagogical approaches and shift entirely to remote teaching-learning. There is an urgent requirement to cater to students, faculty, academic staff, communities, societies, and the nation. This study includes the importance of remote learning and strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and challenges of remote learning during the crisis. It also includes the probable strategies to be adopted by the stakeholders of childhood and elementary education to deal with challenges associated with remote learning.
TopIntroduction
Corona Virus, alas Covid-19, is a communicable disease which has a global impact on economy. This catastrophe has also an influence on education in many countries. It compelled many schools and colleges to close, affecting the futures of many students at all levels. In-person teaching in schools, colleges, and academic institutions has been phased out. According to the researchers, it is unlikely that regular teaching will recommence because social separation is so usual at this point to prevent the spread of virus this will definitely impact learning experiences. Educational institutions are trying to devise solutions. These situations emphasize the importance of humanity and cooperation. A solution is needed to save students, instructors, and academic staff, and also communities, from this pandemic.
Due to the Pandemic, children of all ages suffered serious academic, social, and emotional losses. They should not be expected to use a computer, television, or any other screen for standard face-to-face class lengths to learn math or reading but since they learn best through human engagement, hands-on exploration, and involving physical and sensory activities. To encourage learning, they require music, art, movement, and hands-on exercises. They also have social and emotional needs, such as identifying and managing emotions, demonstrating empathy, and constructing healthy relationships.
The early years have a critical role in determining the trajectory of lifelong learning. Prekindergarten through third grade have an influence on high school graduation rates and academic success. If we are to lay a solid foundation, online learning should be developed with early childhood in mind. They will also be unable to finish the appropriate structure and processes. States should provide more assistance and resources to young kids, as well as aid districts and schools in creating innovative ways to employ technology to fire young minds. Understanding child development is essential for designing an effective early childhood education (ECE) programme. The key to success is to deliver a fun learning experience based on a game that youngsters like. Because of the developmental nature of PreK-3, online learning must be short.
E-learning is linked to a number of debates. Life-long learning, learning pedagogy, affordability, accessibility, flexibility, and policy are one of the many reasons for embracing online pedagogy. Online learning is taken to be easy to use and may readily reach remote or isolated regions. This is viewed as a substantially cost effective means of education in terms of hotel, transportation, and the overall cost of institution-based learning. One very important feature enticing of online learning is the feasibility to manage one's time for qualifying a course. By mixing technology and face-to-face lectures, flipped classrooms are formed; this supportive learning environment can prepare students learn more successfully. Students learn better at their own pace and in their own environment, developing new abilities and getting prepare for a lifetime of learning. Such initiatives by the government are essential in today's fast-paced society.
Remote learning occurs in typical classroom settings when the teacher, student, and knowledge source are physically apart. Technologies like discussion boards, video conferencing, and online testing are used to transfer information. Remote learning can take place synchronously and Synchronously. Synchronously it can take place, with real-time peer-to-peer interaction and cooperation and asynchronously, self-paced learning activities, not supervised by an instructor can be performed.
Remote learning encompasses a wide range of styles and approaches, the majority of which is conducted online. There are quite many online options for engaging with pupils and providing instructional material and collecting assignments.
“The COVID-19 epidemic and social distance requirement have created unfair hurdles for everybody involved in the school system to implement online practises since they have limited time and resources.” It must be demonstrated that implementing an online learning environment is more than simply a technological challenge. It represents a pedagogical and instructional challenge” (Dr. Wahab Ali, 2020). The most major technological challenges are the unpredictability of Internet connectivity and the lack of basic electronic devices among many students. “Teachers and students are at the heart of the pedagogical difficulties: a lack of digital skills, a lack of structured content versus an abundance of online resources, a lack of interactivity and motivation among learners, and a lack of social and cognitive presence among teachers” (Fernando Ferri et al, 2020).