Common Warning Signs:
- Exhibiting mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety and/or mood disorders.
- Withdrawing oneself from loved ones such as friends and family.
- Sudden changes in appearance, personality, and/or sleeping habits.
- Feeling of being trapped, hopeless, a burden, and/or have no more reason to live.
- Talking about or actively engaging in activities that are harmful to the self such as substance abuse and/or reckless driving.
- Suddenly trying to get all their personal work done, such as drafting a will, visiting friends and family, cleaning up their living space, etc.
Support Methods
- Try to actively listen and empathize with the individual who is opening up, while being calm and cool-headed, and ask open-ended questions.
- Be respectful of the person’s feelings and refrain from placing blame or making them feel guilty for their thoughts/actions.
- Remove any immediate dangers from the vicinity such as knives and/or guns.
- Encourage them to seek out professional help, and stay connected, checking in on them regularly.
- Educate yourself on the early warning symptoms and overall mental health, don't consider the subject to be taboo, and support the spread of awareness.
Integration of Digital Based Learning: Boon or Bane?
The pandemic has also deepened pre- existing inequalities in education. A recent survey suggested that about 56% of students in the country have no access to smartphones or the internet for e-learning. However, the absence of both supervision and peer pressure has resulted in greater individuality & online classes resulted in time efficiency. The availability of resources 24x7 has allowed students to learn at their own pace.
Reduction in Effectiveness
Teachers were not sure how effective their teaching was or how effectively the students were able to understand what was being taught. A few teachers stated the problems they face, like lack of proper teaching facilities like devices, lack of IT support, external disturbance during online classes, lack of data or network issues, etc.
Lack of Attention
Students not paying attention to classes online is one of the biggest challenges that teachers face today. Children are at liberty to mute their mics while attending online classes, and some children also get up and walk away from their device. The primary concern is effectively engaging the students during the classes. The teachers have to learn to hold the attention of their class the best they can.
Progress: Unregulated
During online classes, whenever the teachers tend to ask a question, students easily search the answers online and answer the questions. The teachers cannot pressurize the students to answer by asking them to switch on their videos, so this makes it difficult for the teachers to get to know the actual performance of the students. Students not paying attention during class is the primary cause of this problem.
Irregular Attendances
The students who were not able to go to school did not attend online classes regularly. The teachers understand the problems, but it becomes really difficult for them to know why the student isn't regular. To maintain regularity of each and every student in the class is quite difficult.
Students out of Reach
When it comes to the students who do not have access to the basic facilities such as smartphones, laptops, tabs or stable internet connection, the teachers face quite a lot of difficulties. The teacher cannot connect or stay in contact with the student and has to excuse the student many times on these grounds.
Impractical – Practical Learning
Knowledge is of no use unless you put it into practice. No practice leads to a lack of perfection, this, in turn, affects the value of education.
Distractions & Unstability
The most common challenge of online education is distractions by social media. Many students scroll through social media during classes. Non-verbal communication makes some students hear, but not listen.
"Network not connected" & More
Poor network connectivity is very common in online education. This can affect the flow of students' learning as the individual has forced distractions and unscheduled breaks.
Infrastructural Problems
Few students do not have the necessary facilities and resources to learn effectively as compared to those provided on the campus. Libraries, Labs, etc. are a few facilities necessary for fruitful learning.
Lack of In-Person Interaction
In-person interaction helps the students learn and socialize effectively.
Children
According to studies, due to adverse effects of the pandemic and lockdown, youngsters feel insecure, afraid, and alone leading to disturbed sleep, nightmares, poor eating, irritability, inattention, and separation anxiety.
The Youth & the Effect of COVID
Children and adolescents who are confined to their homes developed uncertainty and anxiety as a result of disruptions in their schooling, physical activity, and socializing chances.
Impact of COVID-19 on Productivity
The shift to online hybrid learning has seemed to be only effective if students have consistent access to the internet and computers. The absence of a structured educational setting for an extended period of time causes disruption in routine, boredom, and a lack of inventive ideas for participating in various academic and extracurricular activities.
Students have faced numerous issues like the lack of productivity when taking online classes, lack of motivation, lack of understanding of the material, a decrease in communication between students and instructors, and a sense of isolation caused by online classes.
Positive Impact of COVID-19 on Students
Despite the many adversities posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, it has also spurred unexpected positive outcomes for students. This unprecedented global event has catalyzed shifts in education and personal growth, presenting unique opportunities amidst the challenges. From innovative learning approaches to newfound resilience, students have navigated these turbulent times with adaptability and determination. In this discourse, we explore the silver linings amidst the adversity, highlighting the positive impact of COVID-19 on students.
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Quality Time with Family!
Before the pandemic, many people were busy like, juggling school, work, family, and more. It was hard to slow down and spend time with our families. With schools closed and most people working from home, has brought families closer than ever. That extra time for real connections is priceless and crucial to mental health.
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WFH: Not Exactly a Bane?
With shutdowns and stay-at-home calls, many businesses, institutions, and organisations have transitioned to 100% remote work and teaching. With employees and students able to work from home, less time is spent on travel, more time is available for personal needs, and working hours become more flexible, allowing many to achieve a better work-life balance.
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Improvement in Sleep Cycles
Healthy sleep is important to boost our immunity and fight stress. Sleep used to be the last thing we focused on in our efforts to fulfill other priorities in life. Getting up early and rushing to the office and to the university has become an integral part of our everyday lives. With people staying and being bound to work from home, they can now get enough sleep.
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Put Yourself First
Longer stays at home, the better sleep schedules, and a good work-life balance allows many to combat this stress by prioritizing physical and mental health. With healthcare resources readily available, including telemedicine video visits, it's easier to make self-care a priority.
TO CONCLUDE
Online education is no longer an option, but a necessity. Covid-19 has most definitely had a huge impact on education. Students still face problems similar to ones before the pandemic, hence, it is important that we abandon our conventional methods to adapt to the unconventional changes around us. "Change is inevitable, but progress is optional."-Tony Robbins