Online Learning in Developing Countries
Online Learning is more popular than ever. Social distancing has bolstered its influence as fear of COVID-19 is growing continuously. Especially in developing countries like Nepal, where the health system is still poor, this has been an alternative to traditional learning. Yet, its suitability is equally questioned on its viability in terms of factors like economy, socio-psychological, poor infrastructure, and such.
Physical presence has been part of our learning process be it formal education or vocational. Besides that, as social beings, we learn through "physical" communication, competition, and co-operation. Only when we are there like actually there, then we feel we are part of the learning process. It is considered part of our social life where we enjoy the physical presence of others. Why do most of us prefer hard copies of books rather than online PDF/E-pub? Why we make time for friends to have a cup of tea? It is because we give importance to the presence that can be experienced physically.
Prolonged isolation is psychologically unhealthy and counter-productive. It creates a distance between the isolated and others. As online learning has progressed, there is a dependence on electronic devices. Prolonged uses could lead to addiction, then depression. Furthermore, the performance and achievement diminish overtime. In conclusion, personal social life can be a challenge. Another problem is procrastination. As online learners, we all have been through it. We tend to leave the necessary effort for another day. Rather we turn our attention to the latest social gossips, memes, or Netflix, basically feel-good diversions. Also, we tend to complete the assignments at the last minute, often time at midnight. This affects our sleeping pattern and thereby this cultivates unhealthy habits. This affects our psychological and physical health.
Furthermore, prolonged use of electronic devices affects our vision including muscle and joints. We tend to be sited for prolonged hours. As our body is made for movement, this affects our physical health and as well may because of death. Other than that, it is truly a challenge for parents to bear expenses for internet, laptop, and necessary space for the children. In developing countries like Nepal, due to poverty, most parents are challenged by the COVID. They are going through an economic crisis due to diminishing or no income. Even fulfilling basic needs have been a challenge, how could affording expenses for e-learning be not? At least, before COVID, they could afford government schooling by limiting basic needs but now it is truly difficult.
Besides, the existing infrastructure is truly poor. With the monsoon in full phase, high winds can knock out power lines, while extreme cold can cause ground heaves, which may break or tear existing copper lines. City areas may not be so affected and the internet has reached the countrysides. Yet the cost is still not affordable to the latter as people are forced to use private connections for e.g. cellular options such as LTE Sticks and MiFi, which usually means limited data at higher prices. Also, the equipment so used is not up to the mark as there are frequent technical issues during online-workshops or video conferencing.
Learning is also about culture. How we interact with each other, share preferences, success, and failure, engage in conflicts and resolutions and all the human experiences are included in culture. Online learning has its origin in western culture wherein individualism is nothing new. Eastern culture like ours is totally different. We prefer a certain level of group mentality. We give more priority to the team than individuals. It is difficult for the learning experience to be meaningful when we lack social interactions and feel isolated from ourselves. Yet all this is changing as we embrace western culture. It has its own advantages.
Online learning in itself is the next step of evolution. Or more precisely a necessity. Governments are unable to manage the pandemic as we know it. The COVID cases have been increasing and as the economy is struggling with a crisis in remittance and tourism (two main sources of revenue), the government may not be able to afford the cost of traditional education. The cost of books alone is staggering (a set of books cost around Rs. 300-400), imagine the cost of maintaining schools, examination expense, material, dress, etc. As the government has its own concerns from political leadership or bureaucracy or funds management, private institutions can to a certain extent can offer online learning services with subsequent certification for an affordable price. It might require certain monitoring but in the long-term government cannot in itself take full responsibility.
Online learning is supported by international institutions like UNESCO, due to its convenience and affordability. People can take lessons, be part of discussions, submit assignments at their own convenience. Online platforms like Course-era provides free courses without certification or facilitates financial aid for poor and deserving students. University education online is comparatively cheaper, free from hassles like VISA, travel, and accommodations. Students need not be separated from family and friends. Furthermore, educational institutions need not bear the cost of maintenance of the physical structure, extra-hands, or take risks like during the pandemic. Educators can prepare lessons conveniently with online tools, provide learning materials, let students review assignments of peers, score based on the reviews, examine progress with the platform software, etc. Learners have access to online libraries, online materials, and video-conferencing facilities even from remote locations with internet access. Thus, educators can out-reach to wider masses of learners in comparison to traditional learning.
Thus, if the infrastructure for the internet is a bit mature (government/ISP), cost more affordable for parents/family, courses designed based on time-frame (Educators/Platform), as well as self-discipline on use of electronics by learners then online learning is boon rather than a bane. Considering the global implications of COVID-19 more evident in developing countries, it is more a necessity rather than a luxury we need to afford.
Reference:
https://www.examsanjal.com/2020/schools-book-new-price-list-for-2077-by-nepal-government/
https://blinqnetworks.com/wireless-matters/why-is-rural-internet-so-bad/
https://elearningindustry.com/elearning-health-issues-overcome-3-common
https://wenr.wes.org/2018/08/educating-the-masses-the-rise-of-online-education
Photo Credit:
https://www.inowebmarketing.com/how-to-find-the-best-scholarly-apps-for-kids/
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2018-05-social-isolation-brain.html
https://businessmirror.com.ph/2020/03/24/distance-learning/
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