Due to worldwide rapidly increasing Coronavirus cases, the World Health Organization declared it a Pandemic. In the aftermath of this, Pakistan also went into a semi-lock down with all schools and most businesses being shut. It initially started with Sindh and not soon after the whole country starting implementing closures.

Many schools opted for distance learning by asynchronous video lectures recorded, while other’s opted for synchronous learning with live sessions. During this unexpected transition, students struggled to get a hold of online learning and keeping up with the pace. Many students took to social media with their complaints of this transition they were unprepared for. In Pakistan, the hashtag: #WeRejectOnlineLearning started trending on Twitter.

Observing this situation, at Knowledge Platform, we also discussed this with our Learn Smart Pakistan students to understand the underlying issues they may be facing. We realized that students who dislike distance learning have the following 3, main concerns:

1. They want the kind of collaboration and engagement that they usually have in class. Online learning enables them to collaborate and engage on some levels, but not to the extent they are accustomed to.
2. They miss the physical and co-curricular activities which are a huge part of their cognitive development process and social development, as learning via textbooks is not the only aim of education.
3. It takes time to adapt to new trends. As humans, we are reluctant towards change and feel especially uncomfortable with drastic, enforced changes.

On the other hand, a different set of students mentioned that they feel comfortable with online classes as they can ask their teachers the questions they have through a chat. Also, they can listen to recorded lectures and revise topics as many times as they want to at their own pace.

Although there’s a mixed reaction from Pakistani students, online learning is still providing continuity in an unpredictable situation. Online education will be sticking around longer than most Pakistani students can fathom, especially given the circumstance.

As a result, the earlier students adopt this way of learning and take a proactive approach towards online education, the better equipped they will be for future challenges.

Those students who love self-paced learning and need to fill certain learning gaps in their online classes, can join our digital learning platform Learn Smart Pakistan and register for free now! At Knowledge Platform, we are working around the clock to ensure that your learning continues from home effectively! Sign up now!