Introduction

Man’s adaptability to adversity is amazing. In fact, calamities have always triggered man’s determination. It is no denying the fact that inopportune moments have more often than not led to innovation. The current unprecedented world scenario of COVID-19 is having a cascading effect on every single field including education. It calls for a revamp, especially in its mode of content delivery.

Adapting to the new change and gaining the latest technical know-how is incumbent upon everyone and is a new-found challenge for both teachers and the taught, though the latter being the quicker of the two in mastering online technology. However, not all are technically sound and willing to come out of the comfort zone, and the ones that are earnestly trying to get familiar with technology scarcely meet the standards thus exposing the vast digital divide.

Effective Use of Digital Tools

As online learning took off at a fast pace the number of e-learning technologies, sites and apps grew exponentially. It is ironic to note that the major issue for educationists is to determine the range of collaboration tools and engagement methods to suit their educational needs. Contrary to the traditional system of teaching where the teacher was delivering lessons with the help of slides and ppt, the modern-day classrooms supported by the internet have enabled teachers and students to enjoy interactive content delivery and enhanced classroom conditions in terms of knowledge transfer.

With high access to technology and internet connectivity the following range of activities such as pre-recorded lectures, notes, live discussions, live help or remedial sessions, online assignments and assessment can be suitably carried out. With medium access to technology, activities such as voice-over, slides, Email or phone-based help sessions like group chat and messaging can be arranged. The technologies such as Web 2.0: Wikis and social networks aid learning through collaboration.

The paradigm shift in the process of disseminating knowledge has paved the way for a plethora of digital tools coming into play a crucial role in the effectiveness of online classroom management. The effective use of digital tools facilitates students to apply their knowledge and demonstrate their learning through enriching classroom activities. So much so, in remote learning, there are a set of activities to meet learning objectives. While performing activities, a blended approach with both synchronous (one to one teaching) and asynchronous (sending the link for learning) activities can be chosen for the effectiveness of content delivery. While finding the appropriate tool one should give preference to the objective of learning. It is advisable to use tools that get learners talking, doing and making E.g. Google docs. Padlet, Flipboard etc., Above all the quintessential nature of teachers keeping temperament intact while experiencing technologies for digital natives. One has to resist those perfectionist tendencies to master all of the things at one go. An inventive approach of technology integrated education is phenomenal from the perspective of those advocating technology as it brings about a desirable change in the way teaching can be prominently carried out.

Additionally, as an applied tool, technology intensifies the learning process and provides opportunities for enhanced delivery of educational contents. As the present world is striving to get over the COVID-19 pandemic, educators across the world with grit and determination devise online pedagogy, by harnessing skills and creativity of students and to support them in their educational needs.

The fact remains that online learning is here to stay during the pandemic and beyond, and the integration of technology in the field of education will help students to face the challenges of future with confidence.

Mrs. Hameeda Kadar
Principal
M. E. S. Indian School
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