This article — one of the winning entries in the 2023 FT/World Bank student blog competition — is part of the Financial Times free schools access programme. Details/registration here.
When Covid-19 struck, our classrooms were transformed into browser tabs, and our homework notebooks became Word documents. The lunch breaks disappeared, and our school shut down.
It was a difficult time for students. We lost valuable learning time due to the viral scare, and the threat of diminished economic prospects loomed over us. Suddenly, I couldn’t see my friends or teachers anymore. But it wasn’t the end.
India, always resilient, recovered from the pandemic, and so did I. Even after it ended, I noticed a newfound autonomy in my study schedule. I could choose my online study materials easily, learn better time management, and dedicate more time to my extracurricular activities.
As schools across the country resumed teaching, the increased use of technology turned out to be a silver lining. Not only was high-quality educational material readily available on the internet, but there were also fewer external distractions for determined students.
The pandemic served as a mirror, reflecting our true selves and exposing our flaws. Teenagers and young adults aged 13-20 lacked practical knowledge in crucial areas such as finance, geopolitics, and healthcare.
Addressing these issues requires providing education in financial matters, imparting geopolitical knowledge for informed decision-making, and teaching medical basics to dispel myths surrounding vaccinations and viral diseases.
But that’s just the beginning. We need to ensure that children feel safe and confident enough to shape their own futures. This can be accomplished by adopting new and improved learning methods.
A plan is necessary. Hybrid learning models that combine online and offline teaching are an excellent way to cover the complete syllabus. Personalized learning styles for children with special needs can also lead to a student-centric education.
Updating the syllabus to address present-day challenges is crucial. India’s National Education Policy 2020 has already introduced such changes, with a focus on equitable education and critical thinking.
Collaboration with edtech companies is another option to ensure continual technological growth in the education sector.
The younger generation holds the key to the future. Achieving an accessible and bright education requires precision and consistent planning. I firmly believe that not only my nation but also the global community can make this vision a reality.
Chinmayee Bhattacharjee is a student at Prerna International School in India
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