Authors: Monica Prabhakar and Soma Sengupta
First Author Affiliation: Assistant Professor, Department of Philosophy, Daulat Ram College, University of Delhi. Second Author Affiliation: Associate Professor, Department of Commerce, Kamala Nehru College, University of Delhi.
Abstract: Covid-19 has impacted all sectors of the country including the education sector. In this new normal situation, though online teaching has become the order of the day, it has led to a digital divide among students. The study explores the possibilities of effective online methods of teaching and learning taking cues from the ancient Indian philosophy of education and the modern technologies developed to smoothen the process of learning. The objectives of the study are to re-invent the modern online teaching and teachinglearning process in the context of the ancient education system; and to analyse the pros and cons of online education with special reference to India. The study pointed out that there is an opportunity to build-up the current, on our ancient education system, on the three pillars of learning, i.e., shravana (listening), manana (reflecting) and nididhyāsana (internalizing). Implementing a total online education system will be a real challenge in a diverse country like India, with inequalities of income, leading to poor infrastructure and limited access to technology; coupled with poor training and content development; and political opposition and blame games. But all the stakeholders have to work towards making the system work. A common syllabus; development of high quality e-resource; newer and user friendly technologies which can be accessed by everyone; and a course fee suitable for individual pocket, are all imperative to make this system of teaching work. The learners should get the feeling that their mentor and peers are always with them in the process of learning. The emphasis should be on developing a quest for knowledge among the learners and improving their listening, reflecting, and internalising skills.
Keywords: Teaching and Learning, COVID-19,Pedagogy, Education System