Tech exec shares views on distance learning and the future of education
The school year 2020-2021 is about to start in August in the Philippines, and the shift to a mostly distance learning set up has become a hot topic in the country.
Mr. Gibu Mathew, VP and GM of Zoho Corporation
GMANetwork.com had an opportunity to speak with the vice president and Asia Pacific general manager of the Indian software development company Zoho Corporation, Gibu Mathew, to discuss his views on the 'new normal' that is remote learning and what the future in education can look like.
Pros and cons of the 'new normal' in education
Mr. Mathew is currently based in Singapore and he has observed that transitioning to online classes has many advantages, especially for students.
Most online classes are done through a video chat or video conference app such as Zoho Meeting, and can be recorded by educators so they can provide a copy of it to the students.
“Well, some children may not understand what is being taught the first time. Well, now, they can go back and replay or re-watch the recording.
“So, that means children have a mechanism to actually be thorough with what is being taught in school. That's a big advantage that I see.
“And then you have a lot of many other advantages, right? For example, students don't have to spend time on travel. So, that keeps them a little bit safer especially if there's a lot of traffic.
“And given the current situation, from a health perspective, yes, it also helps when you can actually learn from home.
“And undoubtedly when students learn from home and parents are also at home, there's definitely more family time.”
However, despite the numerous advantages of remote learning, it also has disadvantages that come with it.
“Social interaction and the physical touch and ambience are so important to develop as a human being.
“Now that is actually robbed away from the children, when it is purely remote learning. That's how I put it.
“Of course, there can be workarounds for that if you interact with your local community.”
However, Mr. Mathew emphasized than when interacting with others, social or physical distancing should still be observed in order to stay safe amid the pandemic.
What are the possible alternatives to distance learning? | Source: Pexels
Alternatives to home-based learning
Mr. Mathew is well aware that not all are properly equipped to transition into remote learning.
So, he shared some ideas on possible substitutes for distance learning.
“I think each town, village, or city in the country has different levels of development.
“And if you look at how humans have typically solved problems, each town or village can actual come up with a solution that is actually unique to themselves, even children, right?
“I believe newer approaches to learning will evolve.
“Definitely, you could also say we could have printed material, as being planned [in some schools] in the Philippines, to be sent out to children.
“But nothing can actually replace a teacher or somebody knowledgeable communicating the story or the message or the learning to the child.
“From a technology standpoint, we see that governments have new TV channels for different classes. So that is one thing that most homes have probably.
“Then definitely there are other things [that can be done], wherein local communities may come together in fewer numbers, sit in an open environment and learn together, while keeping social distancing in mind.
What the future in education could look like | Source: Pexels
The future of education
As the educational landscape evolves to address the changing need of students and educators, especially during the pandemic, one can't help but wonder if physical classes will soon be a thing of the past since almost everyone is transitioning to distance learning.
Mr. Mathew believes physical classes are here to stay but will definitely change in terms of purpose and methodology.
“Well, I think we are seeing a new complimentary and actually a very powerful mechanism to teaching.
“I feel physical classes should be there, that's what I personally feel. And I don't think it's going to be obsolete.
“It's going to evolve from a broadcast approach to a more of a question and answer or clarification opportunity for children.
“Of course, you can create online communities, but there's nothing like going to the classroom and getting those things answered then and there contextually.
“So, I feel classes in the physical world remain but the purpose and what it is will evolve.”
What the 'new normal' will look like in Philippine universities