Introduction
There is no doubt that pandemic has resulted in schools and colleges shut all across the world. Across the globe, over 1.2 billion students are out of the classroom. In the aftermath, education has evolved dramatically with the typical rise of e-learning. Thereby school & college teaching is undertaken remotely and on digital platforms.
In the rise of the coronavirus pandemic, as the world economy continues to deteriorate with organizations shutting down and people being confined to their homes, the impact on the education sector has also led to the closure of various colleges and universities across the globe leaving them in a very tight spot. The unexpected shift in circumstances has not only affected students but also organizations leaving them with little option but to switch to remote learning. While some have adjusted to the new normal has assigned for education, others are still hostile to get the hang of it. However, the longevity of the existing crisis has left no choice for universities to rethink and work out strategies for a completely new perspective.
Rise of online education
It is evident that learning online can be more effective in a number of ways for those who do have the benefit of access to the right technology. Recent researches reveal that on average, students are able to retain 25-60% more course materials through online learning. While they are able to retain only 8-10% in the classroom environment. This is because that the students are able to learn faster online and digital learning requires up to 60% less time to grasp than in a traditional classroom set-up. This is absolute because students are able to learn at their own pace, going back and rereading, skimming, or fast-tracking through subjects and their concepts as they choose.
Simultaneously managing the learning curve, creating a safe study environment, and reaching out to every student are major challenges every educational institution faced. Yet, one cannot disregard the fact how digital transformation is acting as a virtual anchor between the students and staff members. For sure, digital transformation has bridged the gap between the students and staff irrespective of the demographic boundaries and remoteness.
While everything seems easy in traditional methods, moving on to a new platform and adapting to the changes may take months to years to adopt. Right from conference room meetings for better understanding, seminars & workshops to gain wisdom, and guest lectures to boost up is challenging to be replicated online.
How Tablets aid in today’s online education
Fortunately, during the wake of COVID-19 the tables have turned around in and have been implemented by many universities and colleges in super-sonic speed. In the changing dynamics, all universities and educational institutions alertness and the fervour to respond to the changing forces that make it rethink, revaluate, amend and adapt the fundamental approach.
The EduTech sector is also endorsing an astounding up thrust in demand across the globe, as a consequence. The pandemic has propelled new solutions in the form of learning consortiums that encompasses governments, universities, schools, academia, and technology solution providers who come jointly to propose design solutions like tablet-based learning for the students. It is definitely a trend-setter for the future of education.
Both the teacher and the student have embraced technology platforms where students can actively participate and engage in learning. This coupled and accompanied with tablet-based learning where sending & receiving emails, uploading & downloading videos, tests & assignments will create a new skill set that will be much in demand in the future. Tablet-based learning will definitely be a silver lining in the current scenario as it promotes digitalization.
While all the universities in the world manage complex risk assessment & moderation processes, none had placed ‘global pandemic’ high on their record. But, even before COVID-19, MCET has decided to adopt technology in education and help students grow and conquer the sky. They understood the value of e-learning. While technology is invading education, it is easier for students to undergo learning sessions through tablets. The instructor can quickly deliver engaging material to the students in real-time in just a few clicks. Sorry, in just a couple of taps! Moreover, students can use the acclaimed resources to do their homework. Tablets give students instant access to their distinct research topics and provide a tremendous knowledge base to be available at their fingertips. The MCET Connect Platform implemented through Tablets has helped the students to transit from conventional learning to Digital learning seamlessly. In addition to regular content, the Tablet supports online compilers and spreadsheets for programming and analytical courses. All assessments both Objective and descriptive as well as individual or Group Assignments and Quizzes are easily conducted through the Tablet. Further Tablet based learning supports Self-paced learning and provides scope for individual learning styles. Over the past four years, more than 3400 students have been benefitted through this initiative. In fact, Dr. Mahalingam College of Engineering & Technology is always future-ready for making its students as great entrepreneurs or industry-ready personalities!
