Veroli Zhimo
Parents who have watched their children struggle with online learning since schools across the country were closed in March are painfully aware that virtual classes are no substitute for face-to-face instruction. Even so, many of these parents worry that schools might hastily reopen without taking the necessary precautions to shield children — and everyone in the school community — from infection.
In this regard, the recent survey conducted by the state Department of School Education seeking the opinion of parents and guardians on reopening of schools is a move that is much appreciated. However, parental anxiety is strikingly evident as many voiced opinions that they are likely to continue home learning instead of sending their kids back to schools even if they reopen in a staggered manner before a vaccine is developed.
If this crisis of confidence continues to fester, thousands of families could well decide to keep their children home even if schools begin opening around the nation. This would further harm the prospects of school children who have already lost ground because of the pandemic and who are at risk of falling irretrievably behind. By the start of the next school year, the average student could have already lost a third of their expected academic progress.
Reopening schools would require a delicate dance of balance among three competing priorities: the health and safety of those in the school community, the impact of the pandemic on jobs and families, and the need to effectively educate students.
While a return to full-time school in 2020 looks unlikely, in case the government does decide to reopen schools, several logistical challenges and pertinent questions come to the forefront.
Some classrooms and other spaces are cramped; sports and lunchtimes present particular challenges; and children who live with vulnerable relatives, and staff with relevant health conditions, will require special treatment.
The State should also be able to answer how much testing will be needed to ensure protection of the state’s 3, 76,301 students, its 32,015-person staff and the vast number of families connected to them. (Figures as per Ministry of Education’s Unified District Information System for Education dashboard)
If a case has been diagnosed, how will health agencies track down and test people at risk of infection, particularly those in a poor and transient population? Will a school need to shut down once someone in it tests positive for COVID-19? If so, for how long? How often will schools be sanitised? Who will supply staff members and students with protective equipment?
Even if the government decides not to reopen schools for the current academic year, rebuilding and strengthening the links between children, families and schools should become a top priority.
The survey for the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) (Rural) 2020 which was conducted in September showed that only 70.1 per cent of government school students and 87.8 per cent of those studying in private schools in the state have access to smartphones. In Nagaland, 71.3% of students who had smartphones could access learning materials and logged in to attend classes.
Looking back, several modes of providing digital content have been tried, with 84.9% of schools opting for WhatsApp as the go-to mode of disseminating information and study materials, as per the ASER report.
However, in order to improve digital content and delivery for the future, an in-depth assessment of what works, how well it works, who it reaches, and who it excludes is needed.
More effort should also be put into supporting teachers to connect with pupils online. For vulnerable students, particularly those at risk of exclusion, and above all any children thought to be at risk from neglect and abuse, such links could become a lifeline. For thousands of others, the ability to see and talk to teachers would boost motivation and learning.
While the vast majority of children in all income groups are well cared for, the social and psychological effects of the lockdown will take time to unfold. It would augur well for the government to generate some curiosity and preparedness with regard to the impact of this crisis on the next generation, lest it ends in disappointment.
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