Write an essay on COVID-19 Impact on Global Education, School, Colleges and Universities
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The COVID-19 pandemic has affected educational systems worldwide, leading to the near-total closures of schools, universities and colleges.[1]
Most governments around the world have temporarily closed educational institutions in an attempt to contain the spread of COVID-19.[2] As of 7 June 2020, approximately 1.725 billion learners are currently affected due to school closures in response to the pandemic. According to UNICEF monitoring, 134 countries are currently implementing nationwide closures and 38 are implementing local closures, impacting about 98.5 percent of the world's student population. 39 countries' schools are currently open.[3]
On 23 March 2020, Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) released a statement announcing the cancellation of Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge O Level, Cambridge International AS & A Level, Cambridge AICE Diploma, and Cambridge Pre-U examinations for the May/June 2020 series across all countries.[4] International Baccalaureate exams have also been cancelled.[5] In addition, Advanced Placement Exams, SAT administrations, and ACT administrations have been moved online and cancelled.
School closures impact not only students, teachers, and families.[6] but have far-reaching economic and societal consequences.[7][8] School closures in response to the pandemic have shed light on various social and economic issues, including student debt,[9] digital learning,[10][11] food insecurity,[12] and homelessness,[13][14] as well as access to childcare,[15] health care,[16] housing,[17] internet,[18] and disability services.[19] The impact was more severe for disadvantaged children and their families, causing interrupted learning, compromised nutrition, childcare problems, and consequent economic cost to families who could not work.[20][21]
In response to school closures, UNESCO recommended the use of distance learning programs and open educational applications and platforms that schools and teachers can use to reach learners remotely and limit the disruption of education.[22]
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Answer:
Impacts on education – Schools & College / Universities globally
UNESCO released its figures on 23rd March, 2020 stating that 1.3 billion (1 Cr. 30 Lacs or 1,379, 344, 914 students) learners around the world were unable to attend school or university (on that day). The ‘learners’ here refers to those enrolled for pre-primary, primary, lower secondary, upper secondary and tertiary levels (including schools and colleges).
Various entrances to go abroad and even for colleges in India, have either been postponed or if the results are out, the communication is delayed. Internships of many B-schools are being revoked with actual threats on final placements of the college. Institutions like HRD Ministry, AICTE etc. have been approached to minimize the adverse impacts on students, but substantial information can only be gained once the pandemic comes to a halt.The UNESCO website provides detailed data about closures of schools worldwide. The data also covers what the UN defines as ‘learners’ on geographic and academic fronts. The legend provides an understanding of whether the institutions are open in that area, if there is a country-wide shut down or a localized one. India specific data is also provided on the website, as can be seen in the picture attached. This data is specific to 13th April, 2020 (UNESCO, 2020). "We are working with countries to assure the continuity of learning for all, especially disadvantaged children and youth who tend to be the hardest hit by school closures," UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay said in a statement.
"While temporary school closures as a result of health and other crises are not new unfortunately, the global scale and speed of the current educational disruption is unparalleled and, if prolonged, could threaten the right to education." Lucia Azilona, Education Minister, Italy, one of the worst hit countries, announced the schools to stay closed until further notice. In Washington State, where multiple cases of coronavirus have been reported, health officials have said there is no set protocol for school closures. "Our priority is the health and safety of our students, and we are taking extra steps to prevent and contain the disease," Seattle Public Schools said in a statement. China and Japan have also adhered to the shutdown policy adopted by the world. (McCarthy, 2020).
The virus has forced many students to abstain from travel. While travel restrictions to and from China have been helpful in slowing down the spread of the disease, they have also left international students stranded. According to a COVID-19 Survey by the Institute of International Education (IIE), 830 Chinese students have been unable to return to the US to continue their studies. While this may be a small percentage of the overall international student population, the question remains: How long will this last? If the restrictions remain in place, the global higher education system could bear the brunt of an economic downturn.
To understand, be aware and cooperate in this downturn is the first step towards coping with the global pandemic.
The most effective tool in keeping student retention and maintaining access to learning has been online courses. Stanford University has called off the remaining two weeks of in-class lectures, urging its professors to move any remaining lessons online. The University of Washington announced a ban on on-campus classes until after spring break, after a member of staff was diagnosed with coronavirus last week. Other universities, including New York’s Hofstra University, New Jersey’s Princeton University and Seattle University are starting to make the move to virtual classes. Many IIM’s, IIT’s, MBA colleges and even school’s in India have made online classes compulsory during the testing times.
While the majority of colleges and universities around the world integrate some form of online education into their coursework, moving all programs online may prove challenging. While some universities may already have strong online systems, smaller universities may struggle under the weight of the demand. University course creators should work closely with their IT departments to ensure their programs are able to be supported online.
One such university that is currently undertaking these measures is the University of Southern California, which is testing its online platforms to ensure its technology can handle its 7,000 plus lectures.
With online learning the way to go, universities should also ensure students and staff are protected while on campus. While COVID-19 is a high risk for those over 60, traditional-aged university students face relatively low risks from the disease. However in recent weeks, we have seen just how quickly the novel coronavirus can spread in areas with a high concentration of people - and university campuses are no exception.
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