Finally, schools have started registering over 90 percent attendance every day. Across many states in India, schools’ bells once more summoned students back to classrooms that had been empty for a considerable time since the pandemic outbreak. The prolonged closure of primary and upper-primary schools in the country for over 17 months had an adverse effect on students, especially those who hail from rural areas and economically backward families. A survey conducted by Road Scholarz, which is a group of freelance scholars and student volunteers interested in action-oriented research, socio-economic rights, and related issues, found out that in rural areas, only 8% of sample children are studying online regularly, 37% are not studying at all, and about half are unable to read more than a few words.
Going digital is not a pandemic-instigated discussion in the education sector. Even before the advent of COVID-19, we were enthusiastic about the online mode of learning. However, from what has happened in the last couple of years, it is evident that the world was not ready for a rapid education restructuring. Of course, we need the goods of both worlds. Hybrid learning that incorporates online learning methods and classroom lessons could be one of the few effective ways. The need of the hour is getting rid of old, inefficient practices, taking only the best into the bright future.
To take this discussion forward, we have come up with a special issue that focuses on the future of K12 Education and the trends that will reshape this will sector in 2022. We have included insights, ideas, and opinions of academicians and industry leaders to give our readers a comprehensive view of what is happening in school education.
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