The Academic Year 2020-21

As our lives move forward, there are changes all over us. They might be because of the current situation, where it is difficult to continue with the normal routine, eventually resulting in changes. The Year 2020-21, being an exception, had changed to the entire learning system. From being in school for 7-8 hours a day to spending 3 + successive hours for school work, we’ve come a long way from what we were, to what we are. In other words, this was the online year, that took off and never looked back.

Back in March 2020, we were all excited to start virtual learning. Keeping in mind that it’ll take time to undo the damage COVID-19 was causing, we had enough time in adjusting to online schooling. Turning on the camera, managing the microphone, and keeping Wi-Fi in perfect condition. you nail these factors, and you’re the perfect online class student/teacher. Online classes have had a massive impact on our lives, and have definitely changed the world in a small period of time through the versatile ways of teaching.

What these virtual classes were all about is adjusting to the situation. We had the luxury of being at home and spending a few hours looking at the screen. Online classes are basically the brand ambassador of Technology, and the duo is almost ahead of their time. In our physical school and college days, all we could do was imagine being part of the online life, and only in our wildest dreams was it possible.

When we were part of the normal school routine, there was self-discipline amongst every student. Assignments, projects were all up to date, but 2020-21 changed the fact. Having the luxury to be at home has made most lazy enough not to complete their work on time. Staring at a screen is a massive challenge, and there's the temptation of chatting with your friends, daydreaming etcetera. With no classmates sitting next to us, there is no energy and motivation, and with several distractions, focusing in an online class is not easy. There are no teachers around us to check if we're doing our work in the right manner, thus leading to indiscipline and non-punctuality with work.

Being part of online life seemed okay to one extent, but it was taken to the next level. It was always deemed that it’ll only be online classes, but giving exams online was probably the BIGGEST and most surprising moment of them all. At first, there was speculation of giving online quizzes and typing the answers, but all we had to do was take a piece of paper and solve the entire thing. Despite being online, exams went the same way as always. People must’ve used unfair means to find their way out, and there was nothing anybody could do about it. The situation got worse every time, but that was all the school could do. Online exams were the only way to get the year going.

The number of assignments from previous years increased, in order to keep the students busy. There was an assignment popping up almost every day so that the students do not waste their time. If we look into it in a good way, then we’ll see that the teachers were trying their best to help us out, in tough times. Our vision was all about the workload, and we kept criticizing them. As time passed by, almost everyone got bored of online schooling. There was a lack of interaction between students and teachers.

The one important thing to mention is the lack of interaction with students in an online class. And by that, I mean that we can’t enjoy the morning breakfast with our friends, small chats during self-study, and the Precious Lunch Break to play and have fun with all. With online learning, student to student interaction has become very low.

There are no spontaneous debates between classmates and exchange of ideas between students and teachers, as everyone is comfortably seated in front of a screen. In these times, we had the luxury of choosing the location of our classes. We can move all over the house while the class is going in the background. The conclusion on this topic is, if we’re motivated, well organised, and have self-discipline and would prefer to study at flexible schedules and a location of our own choosing, online Learning would be perfect for us and as efficient enough as offline learning.

In other ways, online classes made us less dependent on others and helped us learn things on our own. The fewer hours of learning gave us more time to do a hobby of our own liking. With plenty of time at the offer, it was all about utilizing it in the best possible way, which most of us surely did. Both online and offline learning has benefits and disadvantages, and that is exactly why education programs including both learning systems with the help of technology, would create a powerful mega-giant education system, something we’d want in the future. Looking at what the circumstances are, the next few months will be virtual too.

The Academic Year 2020-21 was a developing year, updating itself. Us being accustomed to online means of learning has prepared us for the future. Lots of plans must’ve fallen down, but we can definitely call 2020-21 a successful academic year. There was one point when it would have almost been a ‘ZERO’ academic year but decide for yourself how the year spanned out. Most of us are bored of online classes but trust me when this is over, we will miss it, and it’ll be tough to be part of it for a long time. On a scale of 1 to 10, I would rate 2020-21 a decent 7. From nothing to something, A productive 2020-21 has come a long way. Until next time, stay safe, healthy, sanitize yourself, and WEAR A MASK. Cheers!

Adios.