The Truth about Online Classes: An interview

Students are forced to attend online classes in a pandemic (Pic source: The Hindu, June 5, 2020)

This period of lockdown has taught us a lot about adaptability. With classes going online, the world now has a new outlook towards the essence of online teaching. It has also directed our focus to the relationship between a teacher and a student during online classes.

After interviewing a set of teachers and students from various schools and colleges, the complexity of the situation is made clear. It is like the saying, “There are always two sides to every story.”

During an interview with teachers about their views on online classes, Dr Anupama, a faculty of the English department from a college in Chennai, found online classes very stressful. Mr Cephas Samuel, a Music teacher from an academy in Bengaluru, said, “It is a good method to get in touch with the students during these times, but not the best." While some teachers like Miss Gifty, from a college in Bengaluru, preferred classroom teaching to online classes because of the difficulty in engaging with students at a personal level, some students found it convenient to have online classes, though they were bothered by connectivity issues.

When asked about understanding the students and giving effective responses, Mr Cephas stated, “It is in quite a compromised state, as you know that you are being watched by parents. The personal touch is lost in online conversations." Miss.Gifty added, “It is possible only if they open up. In a class of 50, we are not always able to understand a child. We need to call on them individually to find out whether they are listening or have understood the concept." Dr Anupama felt that it was possible to understand the students and give them constructive replies.

With regard to expressing themselves during online classes, Caroline, a sophomore from a college in Nagpur, said, “I don't think students can express themselves freely through online classes as students who are generally quiet don't like to open up and speak during online classes." A first-year student from a college in Chennai gave positive feedback on online classes saying, “Yes, I'm able to handle this better compared to direct interactions. I feel this is a better platform to express myself.”

An online interview with Dr Anupama for this article

Considering the relationship between the teacher and her students, Dr Anupama felt that it was a feasible option, while Miss Gifty said, “It has become very impersonal. Earlier we could connect better with students, meet them outside class and bond with them. Many children share personal issues that they are unable to do share when they are at home. Moreover, we are not able to gauge a child's mental state with her/his reactions during online classes.”

Students also feel that they have lost a deeper connection with the teacher, especially when tasks are assigned. The relationship between them gets strained, because students and teachers find it hard to comprehend each others’ expectations.

Lastly, in addition to the limitations that both parties face, in teaching and learning, there are numerous connectivity issues to contend with. The teacher is forced to rely on technology rather than his/her expertise and skills and this impedes quick and effective learning. Students also miss out on conceptual learning that also widens the relationship gap furthermore.

Editors: V Samyuktha, Evita Vincy