8th July 2020, Kathmandu
A study conducted by Women in Information Technology Nepal authenticated that both teachers and students faced challenges of technological knowledge, weaker networking, unreliable electricity, and limited access to gadgets.
The survey to celebrate International Girls in ICT Day. The study was completed by the end of May 2020; A total of 123 students and teachers currently involved in online classes in Nepal participated in the study.
The assessment indicated that both teachers and students are satisfied; they were able to use technological advancements for education. More than 80% of teachers and students stated that it is their first opportunity of testing online media, mainly Zoom, Microsoft team, and Facebook for education.
Teachers pointed out the need of parents support as it is difficult for them to monitor students directly during the course as well as the lack of discussion with parents so that limited gadgets in the family do not discriminate children within the household.
Some other interesting findings of the study are:
- Only half of the students confirmed that they were able to understand the courses.
- 95% of teachers and 75% of students are enjoying distance education
- On the contrary, only one-third of students are interested in taking online courses in the future
- 81% of students stated that they are aware of using the internet safely, but teachers and parents guided only half of these students on online safety
- Nearly half of teachers only received support from their respective institutions and parents
Distance Education is next-generation modalities of education; the government should strengthen required communication Infrastructure as well as reliable support mechanisms to both teachers and students. She opined that civil society and the government should collaborate to support students of low-income families to avoid challenges of the digital divide that can deprive them of educational access. She further added quality and inclusive education inter-linked with global education should reach to rural Nepal, and commitment of the government is essential to recognize the right of quality education to all.”
The study has found distance education can be an excellent option to continue the education of children avoiding risks of global pandemics. Therefore, more attention is required so that it does not create educational discrimination between having and have nots.
