Online Education, E-learning methods will generate employment for Teachers, with better remuneration, and increase their credibility to different stakeholders of Education.

The coronavirus pandemic has completely disrupted the Education system across most parts of the world. Since March 2020, schools and colleges had to literally overnight shift to the online platform, to ensure classes are delivered virtually, for completing the curriculum for the academic year.

Online classes, hence have seen a surge, and have gained traction across the world. This mode of teaching has enabled institutes to conduct classes as well as End Semester/Trimester/Year examinations. Nearly 1.3 million students in India have been affected, due to ‘the brick and mortar campuses’ being shut.

While students were also significantly impacted, due to coronavirus, teachers found themselves at crossroads. They had to quickly adapt to using Advanced Technology or become redundant.

The sudden shift to online classroom-based instruction, have compelled educators. To realise the need for up-skilling and being updated with the shifting sands of the education eco-system.

Consequently, there has been an exponential demand for Professors, who have quickly adapted to the changes which include redefining teaching pedagogy, lesson plans, and teaching styles, to support the online mode of student engagement.

The adoption of technology-driven instruction, due to the pandemic, has changed the structure of the Education Industry, and hence, newer jobs are coming to the fore. While many teachers are yet to get on top of the requirements and nuances of online teaching, the ‘timeless values of patience and agility’, have enabled students to rediscover the joy of learning (albeit in a virtual mode).

Requirements of teaching-related jobs

Reports have cited that is a spike in requirements of teaching-related jobs, in the time-window of March-August 2020. Those who are training to become Teachers are taking up ‘virtual-remote teaching’ roles, as the pandemic continues to keep students away from physical presence in the classroom.

Reports also suggest that there was a significant jump of 212 % (almost three times, when compared to pre-pandemic), and postings for remote teaching roles increased by 93 % between March and August 2020.

This rising curve has been facilitated by the increasing realization of the value and outcomes of Education, to the HDI rankings of India. The Teacher, whether in class or on virtual mode, has an extremely critical role in ensuring the professional and personal development of his/her students.

Beyond content sharing (whether hard copy or soft copy) and passing on knowledge and skills, Teachers have always been a key contributor to the progress of society and the Nation. Despite the involved challenges, impacting the delivery of lectures, Teachers have kept the learning spirits high, even in virtual mode.

While the demand for teachers and teaching professionals will continue to soar, here are some enablers that will contribute to this growth.

The teaching-learning process

The pandemic has facilitated Teachers to expand their horizons and increase their circle of influence. Teachers are transitioning, stronger, to the virtual learning mode, supported by adequate Training for effective use of different learning platforms for engaging students. Teachers are conducting ‘electronic polls’, to improve interaction with learners, while visual aids are being increasingly used to help them better understand the application of concepts.

While the teaching-learning process has ‘migrated’ to the digital medium, their empathetic response to the internet connectivity glitches, while solving doubts on a particular topic, ensures that the ‘classroom simulation’ brings to the fore, the human fallibilities of the teacher.

Usage of new tools and techniques

Online education has created a new category in education with better career opportunities and scope for the profession in the future. Digital tools in online teaching are ensuring the application of knowledge. This is creating a learning experience that involves creativity and curiosity for both students as well as teachers.

However, the driving force for the surge in demand for teachers is primarily due to the convenience offered, of online learning from home and the increasing disposable income of working parents, who are keen to spend on high-quality education.

Career Mobility

Mobility in the teaching profession has opened many gateways for Professors and Teachers. Teachers can leverage their knowledge and expertise in different fields. Subject/Course/Program Experts now have the opportunity to be visiting faculty at B-Schools and Universities (nationally as well internationally) in person and/or remotely.

Professors who are nimble between cultures and continents are able to provide tremendous exposure and credibility to the students’ learning experience, including developing skills to become a Global citizen leader.

A Professor, based in India, can now conduct classes for a student based in the UK. Additionally, Educators who live in smaller towns and cities in India can now conduct classes for students, across our country.

One-on-one Interactions

While in-person interactions are preferred amongst students, especially in B-schools, Teachers have managed to find newer ways to connect with them. Virtual one-to-one interactions, use of chatbox, have enabled Teachers as well as students to understand their respective requirements, including clarifying doubts and help required for course work.

This has helped to elevate the teacher-student relationship, even in such testing times. Teachers have also initiated online activities, to better engage with students- during classes/lecture/presentation- through more two-way communication (replacing the traditional method of one-way delivery).

Teaching has begun to be an attractive occupation and source of economic rewards. Online Education, E-learning methods will generate employment for Teachers, with better remuneration, and increase their credibility to different stakeholders of Education.

However the ‘ the core purpose ‘ of the Teaching profession would continue to be one of fostering & nurturing students to unfold as Global Citizens, demonstrated by their knowledge, skills, and attitudes, brought to life by their talent and choice of Profession.

When the world ‘returns to another new normal’, every Educator would be well equipped with a valuable portfolio, containing advanced and effective tools for the teaching-learning process, that would deliver impact in the ‘physical classroom’, while continuing to shape the character and wisdom of the student, through virtual conversations. This hybrid teaching-learning-education is here to stay.

Classroom learning cannot be completely substituted with virtuality. Virtual model of instruction would emerge as an effective enhancement to the face to face experiences. As Ed Catmull has opined, ‘Driving the Train does not set its course. The real job is laying the track.’