No matter how hard we try we can never go back to life before the pandemic. Life took a sudden turn when COVID 19 hit the world, all of us were forced to sit at our homes and for a long time, it felt suffocating, and we could not wait for all this to end and get back to our usual routine but with time we got used to living with the pandemic. From work from home to online classes we did everything sitting at home in front of our computer screens. We did not stop working, we just found another alternative and when it comes to education we shifted from offline to online classes. The beginning of this seemed quite interesting but online classes have taken a huge toll on students.

From studying with a group of people to attending classes alone, from uniforms to night suits and desk benches to bedroom not just the mode of education changed but also the concept of school. While in offline classes students not only got to learn together but they shared their food, prayed together, got punished, made jokes, played games, and the never-ending excitement of going back home. With online classes, we did get an alternative to carry on with classes but we could not recreate school education on our computer screen. Online education has taken a huge toll on student’s mental and physical well-being. 

Riya from D.A.V public school says that “Online classes are difficult to understand, there is a lot of classwork and assignments to complete. We hardly get time to enjoy ourselves. I miss my friends and  the games period” 

It’s not only the students but also teachers and parents who are not satisfied with the online education system. It’s difficult for teachers to give special attention to weak students. Many students could not afford smartphones, computers and internet facilities and it has been difficult for their parents to arrange for all that. 

Students have to spend hours sitting in front of their computer screens. From education to entertainment, their life has started to revolve around the internet and this has had a huge impact on their physical and mental health. With no social interactions and very less physical activity students have had no life and only studies making them upset. Fortunately, with the pandemic in control at many places, the classes are shifting back to offline mode. Returning to the old school system will take time but it is a good step taken by the government. 

AASTHA SINGH