Mohammed Zeeshan is the CEO and Co-Founder of MyCaptain, an online mentoring platform. His vision has always been to impact Education and bring a societal mindset shift when it comes to Careers in India and all across the World, and MyCaptain is a step towards this. He comes from a B.Tech Mechanical Engineering background and has a keen interest in Policy, Education, and Impact. Zeeshan believes that every student has the right to not just information but also empowerment when it comes to choosing a field of Career. According to him, the time is ripe to start concentrating on Offbeat careers, as even parents, who are generally the decision-makers in these cases, are evolving.
Albert Einstein once said, “The measure of intelligence is the ability to change”, and the Covid-19 pandemic has really taught all of us the actual meaning of this saying. This unforeseen situation changed the way we have been functioning so far, be it school, offices or businesses.
specially the K12 education sector had to transform a great deal, and that too in a very short period of time. This change was necessary to secure the future of students and to provide them the education they deserve. Even though the K12 education sector has always been changing and evolving, the pandemic has really fast-tracked its process.
What is K12 Education?
A solid educational foundation is critical to ensuring that students can cope as they reach higher classes. The K-12 model is one of the revolutions that the Indian education system has accepted and made mandatory.
K-12 education includes a combination of primary and secondary education. It covers the years from Kindergarten through 12th grade and includes Kindergarten, Primary, Secondary, High-School and Pre-University education in India.
The teacher-student interaction in K-12 is something which sets it apart from other systems. It encourages practical activities which build advanced learning habits.
According to research, India has 1.46 million K-12 schools, with 54 percent owned by the state or federal government, 21 percent by local corporations, and the remaining 25 percent privately operated.
Importance of K-12 Education Sector
- Interactive Classes
It allows students to connect and interact with their peers, resulting in a more positive learning experience. K12 education offers a welcoming environment in the classroom where students can engage and learn together which helps them in becoming more confident.
- Skill Development
This system provides students with activities that nourish them for optimal growth and development during their learning phase.
Teachers work on activities that help students improve their learning capacities and become an expert in their chosen subject.
- Support and Guidance
Students require support as well as guidance in order to enhance their learning capabilities. Through this the K-12 system enables them to expand their horizons.
- Peer Learning
Through peer learning in the K-12 system allows students to interact with their classmates/peers and learn from each other beyond the walls of a class. This creates an atmosphere of open communication, which is critical for learning. According to research, children who participate in free communication perform better academically.
E-learning in K-12 Education Sector
The rise of technology as well as easier accessibility has had a significant impact on the K12 education system. Textbooks are no longer the primary source of information for students.
Various tools and e-learning platforms have become a way of learning and acquiring information.
These platforms help students in sharing and exchanging ideas through various activities, games, projects etc. This helps the schools and teachers engage students as well as in changing the outlook that students have towards learning and make them more passionate towards education.
If we look closely this is how e-learning has impacted the K-12 education sector
- Safety from Covid-19
One of the biggest challenges that the education sector is facing today is the Covid-19 pandemic. Teachers and students being forced to adjust to this new normal hasn’t been easy but crucial for the safety of everyone.
E-learning platforms let teachers engage with students without placing either of them in danger. Students can learn from their own homes. Furthermore, they can still get involved in peer learning, engage in group projects, and attend live classes.
- Higher Student Engagement
External distractions may cause students to be less interested in a classroom. Some of them may even have an issue learning, making it difficult for them to understand the subject matter and limiting their participation. Another aspect to consider is a general lack of motivation because these classes may appear as just “theoretical” to the students.
One of the biggest advantages of e-learning platforms is its practical application. Live projects on top of online classes makes the student understand the practicality and usage of the subject matter that they study. Students can also select subjects that resonate with them and meet their individual goals.
- Personalized Classes
In a traditional classroom, it is not impossible to provide a personalized learning plan for each student. Every student has their own set of goals, preferences, learning styles, and constraints. Even with a lesser number of students, it is hard for teachers to provide one-on-one support and guidance to every kid.
This is where e-learning platforms come into play. Aside from synchronous events, e-learning platforms enable the students to create their own schedules. Projects, checklists, and video can
help them in developing the skills that they wish to learn. Also, they have the option of choosing what they want to study based on their specific interests and aspirations.
- Better Time Management
It isn’t possible for a teacher to address problems of each and every student and give feedback. Likewise, students may be coping with time constraints that restrict them from properly learning the topic. Every student has their own way and pace of learning which cannot be nurtured in a traditional classroom.
E-learning platforms offer a more adaptable learning environment. Furthermore, instead of striving to keep up with others, students can complete each activity at their own pace. As a result, they are not pushed to complete a topic and overlook important points.
Conclusion
A perfect blend of e-learning in the K-12 Education Sector is helping in improving the overall learning experience for students. While helping the educators in providing a personalized learning experience, making it a well rounded experience for both.