TODAY -

Proposal of Online Education: Its impact positively and negatively
North East Dialogue Forum (NEDF)

 North East Dialogue Forum NEDF Logo



The Union Government has announced that it will need to focus on online education to revamp the challenges of education amidst the COVID crisis in India. At this juncture, NEDF (North East Dialogue Forum) an umbrella organization of several NGOs, CSOs, and POs (people organizations) takes on this serious issue of Online Education and its Pros and cons of the new system.

NEDF provides strategic recommendations to overcome the challenges including the budget for education. Below is the document detailing the strategy addressing to the MPs of North East, Chief Ministers, Education Ministers, and Union Minister of Education .

This attached brief notes on the merits and/ demerits of online education and are there alternatives to existing of education other than online education. This will require a given time frame say, seven months minimum from now for readiness to open schools for formal education.

North East Dialogue Forum


Subject: Request for urgent attention on the proposal of Online Education, Its impact positively and negatively.

Owing to the overwhelming presence and amoebic spread of the global pandemic, corona virus or COVID-19, many of the prevailing existing systems on ways of living have been curtailed, stopped, or recast with the hope that it will lead to improvement for a better way of life with hope for a positive future. And this includes education, i.e. the Union Government has announced that it will need to focus on online education. Therefore, this brief note on the merits and/ demerits of online education and are there alternatives to existing of education other than online education.

1. Meaning of Education: “schooling, teaching, instruction, tuition, coaching, training, tutelage, drilling, disciplining, priming, informing, indoctrination, inculcation, enlightenment, edification, cultivation, development, improvement, preparation, rearing, nurturing, fostering.” (The Concise Oxford Thesaurus, 2002, p. 233)

“Education means four things as illumination, as an agency of improvement, as physical development and as not merely book learning. … It is physical training, intellectual training, … moral deportment and good manners.”

2. Objective of Education:

“According to the school of Indian philosophy, the aim of education is the attainment of liberation… is the development of human personality… It is fulfilling social obligations and then achieves salvation. It also aims at strengthening its society.”

Have we missed the birds for the bees?

o When a child is sent to school, what are the motives for doing so ? Is it to be like the Jones’s - learned ? Know how to read and write? to be free from child’s haggling for a few hours of the day ?

o As they climb the stairs of learning, aren’t we, as parents, proud that our baby/prince charming is better than the others ? Aren’t we proud and expand our chests when the teacher praises our idol on how he/she is sociable, attentive, studious, discipline, absorbs the instructions imparted and so on comparing to other pupils/students ?

o As the grade of studies goes up and up and become harder or tougher and demanding, what is the child’s attitude ? Is he/she responding willingly or grudgingly or reacts negatively by way of attitude towards the family since he/she cannot yet show his/her dissent or rebellion but there could be grumbling to too much homework/assignment, no time to relax, no time to mix with friends/ peer group off school hours.

o When the 11th hour of schooling arrives, what does he/she wants to do - proceed to higher studies or seek a job career or takes up apprenticeship in family business or exists aimlessly ?

o If it’s to be a job, does the schooling with its syllabus/curriculum fits in with what he/she is about to plunge him/herself in ? Will he/she float and swim to the other side or drown instead ?

These are just a few questions that keeps coming to mind with regard to existing formal education system and motives.

Nevertheless, there are positives and to mention just a few, they are :

o It helps to acquire knowledge beyond the home compound and more as age increases and compartments in the brain cell, retrieve, store and systematically compile them for future use;

o Character is molded through mentoring process;

o Rights and wrongs are diagnosed for selection and rejection with the help of the mentor;

o A methodical and logical mind is developed through years of knowledge acquisition;

o An introvert becomes open to social relationships and widens his/her horizon of understanding and accommodating interdependence while the extrovert comes to accept limitations and spirit of co-operation which extends to the animal world and the forces of nature.

o Fairness, hypocrisy and limitations of his/her mentor is registered and could be exploited if not given proper direction and comprehension of human frailty.

Would online education meet the aforementioned though it has its limitations ?

o Would the quality of course content be excellent and of the highest standard ?

o There would be technical issues because of lack of high bandwidth, weak internet service and not being able to afford having modern efficient equipment’s and should the student be tech savvy ?

o Adaptability struggle of the student from a formal traditional classroom and being directly engaged with educator/teacher/instructor to a totally different environment of learning will be there initially and can it be overcome ?

o Poor communication without having the opportunity for a face-to-face chatting/discussion with the tutor and students can’t ask questions.

o There is the feeling of isolation which include the feelings of inadequacy and insecurity as time progresses resulting in lack of confidence in himself/herself and which could become a psychological issue and result in mental depression. What is the healing remedy?

o Those who have through years experienced online education, have found “online learning requires increased time-management skills and focus” and that people over 50 years of age, appear to have more discipline and motivation to complete course while it could be negative experience for younger students.

o Credibility issue whereby it has been found that “online instructors don’t take their lesson preparations as seriously as they could, and this lack of commitment… has a profound and negative effect on the quality of online learning.” Will there be a monitoring committee/board?

Effects of radiation:

“It is now a well-studied and accepted fact that long term and excessive exposure to radiation will produce negative biological and health effects in humans.” (Christian Thomas, Wi-Fi Radiation --- Everything You Need To Know. This includes interruption of the brain glucose metabolism, increased permeability of the blood-brain barrier, interruption of cell metabolism, breaks in DNA chains as also fatigue, trouble sleeping, tinnitus, brain fog, chest pain and heart palpitations, skin reactions and others. Further, it is more acute on those aged 18 and below, i.e. School going age.

One may say that online education is within a given and limited time frame per day but who monitors when there isn’t human or person-to-person contact. It is stretchable and flexible timings unless disciplined and uniformed class timings is imposed and ensured. However, who will be guarantor of such an undertaking? Parents? But it is impracticable and debatable.

Is it affordable for all?

Supposing that every part of India has reliable internet service connection, but can every family having school going children afford to have desktop or laptop though desktop is much more preferable for keeping distance and mobiles are not advisable for growing children since they become addicted to it and radiation will be much higher due to very close distance. Yet not everyone can afford to purchase mobile phones. Obviously, it produces inequity.

Therefore, our submission is not to revert to online education.

Instead, may we suggest that the Union Government double if not treble its Budget for Education from 3 % to 6 % or better still to 9 % to

o Provide two school buildings instead of one since pupils/students will have to be reduced by half the number so as to adhere to social/physical distancing with many sections/streams for one grade/class;

o Reduce the teacher student ratio by 1 : 20;

o Recruit double the existing required number of teachers with crash course training on education;

o Provide financial assistance to private schools to accordingly enhance appointment of more teachers and construct more school buildings.

This will require a given time frame say, seven months minimum from now for readiness to open schools for formal education.

Thank you for your time and patience.

Humbly submitted

(Dr. P. B. M. Basaiawmoit)
Consultant
North East Dialogue Forum


* This information is sent to e-pao.net by Kshetrimayum Onil who can be contacted at onilrights(AT)gmail(DOT)com
This Post is webcasted on July 28 2020

* Comments posted by users in this discussion thread and other parts of this site are opinions of the individuals posting them (whose user ID is displayed alongside) and not the views of e-pao.net. We strongly recommend that users exercise responsibility, sensitivity and caution over language while writing your opinions which will be seen and read by other users. Please read a complete Guideline on using comments on this website.




LATEST IN E-PAO.NET
  • 31st Governor Cup Polo Tournament : Gallery
  • Violence in Manipur 2023-2025 : Timeline
  • PM welcome to Manipur: Feel the reality
  • Kainkhol wins best Social Message Film Award
  • Distortion of facts: Manipur sports movement
  • Govt services reach Manipur's tribal villages
  • 134th Durand Cup Trophies Flag Off
  • COVID-19: Update 05 July 2025 : Manipur
  • How to take care of oily skin in monsoon
  • First-Ever Tripura Esports Championship
  • Konung Kang Chingba #1 : Gallery
  • Manipur Iskcon's 25th Ratha Yatra 2025
  • Native Threshing machine made for farmers
  • COVID-19: Update 04 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Riso Ejang: Youth-led Transformation
  • Include males too in addressing HPV
  • Whispers from the past :: Poem
  • LPU opens permanent outreach centre
  • Raj Bhavan moving on the right track
  • Speculations over PM Modi's visit to state
  • Colonial Knowledge Production in NE #7
  • Make Yourself Visible to Opportunity
  • Orange bowl: tradition with ecological wisdom
  • 10 ways to keep a kitchen garden disease free
  • Between PR, military mandates & AFSPA
  • Allocation fund for MLALAD Fund during PR
  • Denounces Killing of KNA Deputy C-in-C
  • COVID-19: Update 03 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Cases of fake Aadhaar cards
  • Sincere dealing must for stricter Aadhaar
  • Archaeology: Culture of Manipur : Booklet
  • Wanna be a singer? Get Botox
  • A Central institute in Manipur
  • Nagging in the name of love
  • COVID-19: Update 02 July 2025 : Manipur
  • 'Benefits' of Indira's Emergency
  • Social Stigma :: Poem
  • Inking a peace pact: Why, how: SoO quagmire
  • Van Mahotsav under shadow of declining forest
  • 11th Th Kishan Memorial Lecture : Gallery
  • Shinthoibi, Jangvei, Tamphaton : eMing
  • Manipur crisis & the Left media's blind spot
  • COVID-19: Update 01 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Bombom RK : Musclemania Universe NYC
  • The Grief :: Poem
  • Music Concert & Quiz (MCQ) 2.0
  • SoO agreement unlikely to be scrapped
  • Regulating use of plastic carry bags
  • Mera Houchongba @Kangla #4 : Gallery
  • International Day of Yoga @JNMDA : Gallery
  • BD Behring: The inimitable Gentleman I knew
  • Violence in the name of patriotism : Misguided
  • Daily oral vs long-acting injectable for HIV
  • COVID-19: Update 30 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Smile :: Poem
  • Why was President's Rule imposed ?
  • BJP under pressure to forge unity
  • Kang @Leikai in Imphal : Gallery
  • July Calendar for Year 2025 : Tools
  • COVID-19 : A recurring crisis in Manipur
  • DC Kaith and Forestry in Manipur : Book
  • COVID-19: Update 29 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Longing for Peace :: Poem
  • Black badge, slogan protest by peeved scribes
  • Present the true picture before Delhi
  • Pung-Cholom @ Polo Tournament : Gallery
  • Life: A Journey Through Thought & Being
  • Khongjai Hills & Kuki claim to indigeneity
  • Master Time by Managing Information
  • COVID-19: Update 28 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Pride & patriotism in CCpur's army families
  • The Power of Poppy - 87 :: Poem
  • World Decarbonisation Day: green environment
  • Welcome Home - Nganthoi #2 : Gallery
  • Loss of two precious lives from Manipur
  • Balancing civil liberties with public safety
  • COVID-19: Update 27 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Gender equality & human rights are indivisible
  • Stay hydrated this summer season
  • Silent Half of the Sun :: Poem
  • Connecting the dots in the wishlist
  • Assembly record tampering claims by ex-CM
  • The immortal legacy of Pukhramba Kajao
  • International Day against Drug Abuse 2025
  • COVID-19: Update 26 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Black pottery from Ukhrul - tribal heritage
  • Program on "Mission-Drug Free Campus"
  • Play makes a better world
  • Urgent Appeal to the Honourable MLAs
  • Tribal Empowerment Campaign at CCpur
  • Talk doing the round: PM to come
  • 'Emergency' relief for under-fire BJP
  • Golden Jubilee Art Fair @Imphal : Gallery
  • Declaration: Meetei People Convention, Delhi
  • A Flower Among the Rocks :: Review
  • Book Donation Campaign
  • Improved road connectivity boosts livelihoods
  • To Have Great Dreams :: Poem
  • COVID-19: Update 25 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Regret vs Sorry: Technical & moral insight
  • Cocktail of inept Govt, selfish people
  • State trailing others in cleanliness
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #6
  • UHI effect & rising temperatures in Manipur
  • Frequent road blockades cripple economy
  • COVID-19: Update 24 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Unite Health with Community health services
  • NSU, Imphal, tops IIRF Ranking 2025
  • Endless conflict :: Poem
  • Pak nobel pish prize for Trump
  • May 3, 2023 - June 24, 2025: Failure of Delhi
  • Hotter days, sudden rainfall no more a rarity
  • "The Great June Uprising" #2 : Gallery
  • How to Build a Career, Lead with Purpose
  • 2nd Foundation Day- Karnataka Meitei Assn
  • COVID-19: Update 23 June 2025 : Manipur
  • NSCN-IM Amnesty threatens to isolate it
  • Sunset :: Poem
  • Intl Yoga Day for a healthier environment
  • Of clogged drains and plastics
  • Poor roads testify Govt indifference
  • Welcome Home - Nganthoi #1 : Gallery
  • The Silent Erosion of Manipuri Language
  • Design health services around people
  • Serene Hills Host Inspiring Int'l Yoga Day
  • COVID-19: Update 22 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Chopper services between Senapati & Imphal
  • High Court Judges interacted with convicts
  • Redyeing the Fabric :: Poem
  • Differences yet to be resolved stand
  • Border fencing rage as solution eludes
  • Radio E-pao: 14 new songs updated
  • Climate Adaptive Agroforestry
  • Manipur overlooked demographic shifts
  • Young designers shine on Fashion Stage
  • COVID-19: Update 21 June 2025 : Manipur
  • International Day of Yoga at Lamphelpat
  • International Day of Yoga at JNMDA
  • The Power of Poppy - 86 :: Poem
  • Keishampat Lairembi Haraoba #1 : Gallery
  • Crisis in Manipur's Contemporary Education
  • Best 8 Performances in Manipuri Cinema
  • Identity: Caught between China & India ?
  • COVID-19: Update 20 June 2025 : Manipur
  • To The Father Who Listens :: Poem
  • How does net suspension affect youths ?
  • Targeting farmers to cripple state's economy
  • The virus is back and spreading
  • Who is afraid of Manipur ?
  • A threatened lily growing at Shirui Hills
  • World Environment Day in Manipur : Gallery
  • Ambubachi Mela at Maa Kamakhya
  • COVID-19: Update 19 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Dolls made from repurposed vegetable refuse
  • Condemns Attack on Farmer & Killing
  • Abhorrent politics of SoO
  • Police arrogance on harmless drivers
  • "The Great June Uprising" #1 : Gallery
  • Solution from Buddhist & Jain perspectives
  • AI sparks employment concerns in Manipur
  • Greatest Foe :: Poem
  • Chief Justice at Relief Camp, Kangpokpi
  • Call for Recognition of a 3rd Category of IDPs
  • Jun 18, 2001- May 3, 2023: Seed of violence
  • Contract scam in hill districts
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #5
  • Spaced Out - Panthung Di Kadaaida! : Rvw
  • Condemns the Killing of Abdul Qadir
  • COVID-19: Update 17 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Thoubal aspirant makes Manipur proud
  • Tamenglong hospital brings quality healthcare
  • Chief Justice at Relief Camp, Mayang Imphal
  • Kuki CM & Sixth Schedule
  • Selective protests, selective silence
  • Nailing the culprits need of the hour
  • UK Meetei diaspora run for Myanmar : Gallery
  • Erwin Khundrakpam : NEET-UG 2025 topper
  • Will we rise to #endAIDS challenge or stumble
  • COVID-19: Update 16 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Appeal to Prime Minister: Manipur Crisis
  • Urges Action on Misinformation
  • Condolences : 2 young cabin crew
  • Grateful To Be Alive :: Poem
  • Making bonfire on the roads
  • Aggression yet again, inspite of playing victim
  • Aftermath of flooding @ Khurai #2 : Gallery
  • Zomia, geopolitics, & the struggle for unity
  • COVID-19: Update 15 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Condolences : Demise of 2 Manipuri Girls
  • Manipur unites in grief after Air India tragedy
  • Hail arms recovery as step toward peace
  • Cleanliness Drive at JNIMS Campus
  • Global Wind Day for a clean environment
  • First came the rain, then the heat
  • Rise in Covid-19 cases
  • Thang-Ta Day @Khuman Lampak #3 : Gallery
  • Meetei diaspora in UK runs for Myanmar victim
  • Manipur empower children with disabilities
  • COVID-19: Update 14 June 2025 : Manipur
  • World Blood Donor Day 2025
  • The Power of Poppy - 85 :: Poem
  • A Northeast Gin Makes Its Mark
  • Mera Houchongba @Kangla #3 : Gallery
  • Saluting Nganthoi, Lamnunthem : Joining hand
  • Condolence : Nganthoi & Lamnunthem
  • 50 years of Pebet #2 : Gallery
  • Indo-Naga Talks (From 2012) :: Timeline
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #4
  • Namphake Monastery @ Dibrugarh : Gallery
  • Protest @Checkon -AT arrest [Jun 9] : Gallery
  • Protests - AT arrest [Jun 8 night] : Gallery
  • Aftermath of flooding @ Khurai #1 : Gallery
  • /li>
  • Flooding at JNIMS Hospital #2 : Gallery
  • North East NSS Festival @ MU : Gallery
  • 27th Meira Paibi Numit : Gallery
  • Trump's tariff legacy & its global echo
  • Flooding at JNIMS Hospital #1 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #3 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #2 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #1 : Gallery
  • S Nirupama @Miss Universe : Gallery
  • Protesters to Raj Bhavan [May 25]: Gallery
  • Human Chain @Airport road [May 26]: Gallery
  • Miss Shirui Pageant Contestant: Gallery
  • 48 hrs Bandh: protest security forces: Gallery
  • Protest Rally: Journalist harassment: Gallery
  • HSLC 2025: Full Result (Check Roll No)
  • HSLC 2025: Important Info & Grading System
  • HSLC 2025 : Compartmental candidates
  • HSLC 2025 : Comparative Statement
  • HSLC 2025 : Statistical Abstract
  • HSLC 2025 : District Pass Percentage
  • HSLC 2025 : Govt School Pass %
  • HSLC 2025 : Aided School Pass %
  • HSLC 2025 : Private School Pass %
  • People's Convention on 3rd May #2 : Gallery
  • Featured Front Page Photo 2025 #2: Gallery
  • Riya Khwairakpam : HSE Science Topper
  • Keisham Hannah : HSE Arts Topper
  • Warepam Lidia : HSE Commerce Topper
  • HSE 2025 Result : Science Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Result : Arts Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Result : Commerce Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Information / Abbreviation
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Science
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Arts
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Commerce
  • HSE 2025 : Pass Percentage
  • HSE 2025 : Result Abstract
  • HSE 2025 : Candidates with Highest Marks
  • Ougri Lirol :: Part 1 : Ooba Video
  • President's Rule in Manipur : 1967 - 2025
  • Downloadable Manipuri Calendar :: 2025