Higher Education in India under COVID-19: Some Issues

Abstract

The novel corona virus has posed the challenge and given an opportunity to learn the many things in Human life. Due to the corona virus, as of 15th may 2020 approximately 1.725 billion learners i.e., 98.5 percent of student population in the world and about 285 million students in India are greatly affected. No doubt, the pandemic has significantly disrupted the higher education in the country. In view of this, presently country wide debate is going on with regard to ways and methods of teaching to be implemented in the country. Some argue that traditional way of classroom teaching is higher useful and the teacher can mould the student as a learned and disciplined citizen. Other side in view of the COVID-19, the continuing education through traditional class room teaching is difficult and students may lose academic year. Alternatively the best way of providing education is only through “online”. Hence all the educational institutions are advised to adapt “online” method of teaching at all levels in the country. Since long, AICTE and UGC have been insisting to adapt online mode of teaching, but most of the students and faculty reluctant to adapt new method of teaching i.e., online, due to lack of technical knowledge, cost and network issues, it has become challenge to both students and teacher to continue the education. However, the pandemic has given challenge and opportunity to convert from offline to online mode of teaching, now the society is experiencing the result.