The Problems of Online Learning in Rural Areas

An investment in knowledge pays the best interest, and in the trying times of the current National Lockdown, investing in our education at homes is our best bet for a better future. Unfortunately, this is easier said than done. In villages and rural areas, network issues are a common problem, but now have become serious hinderance in our journey to pursue knowledge. Due to this, even if we have strong time management and self-motivation to study, it is not possible to attend the classes our teachers are conducting online.

Furthermore, with our only option of communication being a digital screen, it becomes a difficult task for teachers also to be able to cover the necessary material and keep the attention of students. The lack of face-to-face engagement between teachers and students also makes it difficult for students to ask questions and for the teachers to monitor the students progress. In the end, we end up with an uncomfortable compromise that requires more assignments and work being given to students without the teachers being able to provide or fully explain the necessary material.

Perhaps the biggest problem faced in villages currently is the lack of digital devices that is cutting them off completely from any possible opportunities to be able to maintain their education. People who cannot afford smartphones, laptops and tablets and even those who simply did not buy them because they had no use in their day-to-day life are suffering the most now.