Oh Corona, Corona....Our Educators are Stronger Than you Think !

Perhaps the only certainty in 2020 is that it is highly uncertain. Forest fires in Australia, cyclones in the Bay of Bengal, asteroids brushing past Earth, and more importantly. CORONA !! COVID-19 has dislodged operations worldwide.  No industry has been spared thus far. 

Being a market research analyst, I've seen multiple markets that are expected to plunge into the Marina trench in the next couple of years, while there are a few which are anticipated to prosper. However, the purpose of this write-up is not to delve into the technicalities of the effects of COVID-19, but rather to share my thoughts on the struggles of a particular group of professionals in India - the teachers.

Memes have become the modern-day cocaine in terms of its high level of addictiveness. Logging into a social networking site can give you a rough idea of what I'm talking about.

Perhaps the only professionals who've been spared from the subject of memes are the healthcare professionals. Currently, teacher memes are selling like hot tea and samosas on a cold, chilly evening. Their presentation style, technological adroitness, dressing, etc., are being closely monitored by the 'social media scholars'. In fact, several YouTube channels are also coming up with innovative methods that allow the students to skip online classes.

My concern is simple. During the job interview process, being adept in online teaching and having proficiency in computers wasn't a prerequisite for almost 95% of the teachers.

For the educators in government colleges, I would even say that the percentage goes up to 100. 2020-2021 academic year has begun in states such as Kerala. The government in Kerala is doing a commendable job in ensuring that the students are getting access to virtual classes through the medium of a TV channel. Private schools, on the other hand, are currently deploying tools such as Google Meet, Cisco WebX, Skype, amongst others. 

However, let us think for a minute. Do you expect everyone to have mastery over the computer, and the internet, let alone using tools such as these? Technology is difficult, especially when you haven't paid much attention to it for all these years. Now, you may ask, " Why did they not learn about computers and laptops? Hasn't it become an inevitable part of everyone's life ? ". Well, the short answer- NO! The long answer? NOOO! Technology isn't a necessity. It's highly optional, especially when your existence doesn't depend on it. It is easy for young adults and technocrats to look down upon the teachers for being not familiar with the technology. Nobody asked them to learn it. Some didn't/do not have the means.  Some simply do not want to use it.

BUT! This doesn't mean that they aren't trying. Trust me, they are trying. They are learning about the "qwerty" keyboards, LAN/Wi-Fi connection, screen sharing, and <insert technological jargons>. They are putting in substantial efforts to provide the best course materials to their pupils. Their whole family is supporting them. Some teachers are even purchasing new laptops and upgrading the current ones just because they are concerned that their students shouldn't lose out on quality classes because of hardware issues from their end. Forgot to mention one point by the way. Some are even rearranging their houses to provide an environment conducive to learning. 

My point is simple folks. If you are reading this as a parent, please understand that the technologically "illiterate" teachers are working hard to ensure that your wards are provided with quality education. They are building the bow and sharpening the arrows to fill their computer arsenal.  If you're a student, kindly appreciate the efforts of the teachers who are working tirelessly to create presentable online lessons. If you're a school administrator, try to understand the difficulty in mastering technology and provide them ample amount of time to learn things that are alien to them.  Do not rush them. If you're a teacher who is the 'Wizard of Computer', kindly do not flash your technological prowess on the beginners and further deter them from learning. Teach them, but do not scare them. The situation is akin to an overweight person walking into a gym, only to be scorned by the "Gym Bros" because they're overweight.  If you're a teacher who is stepping into online education, please do not try to copy the actions of the aforementioned professionals. Punching above the weight is recommended, however, not with technology! You can achieve those feats after building the basics. Remember, a multi-floor structure collapses without the firmest of foundations. 

 Imagine that you're working in a manufacturing unit. The company is planning to automate the processes. Now, you may not be aware of automation, but you try to understand the methods and functions so that you can operate the machine successfully. It takes time to become familiar with the new system. It is difficult. The same is the case when a software professional needs to learn a new language for a multi-million dollar client project. IT TAKES TIME. Likewise, please grant the luxury of time to our educators as well. After all, many of you can read this because the teachers taught you "A for Apple, B for Ball..." during the school years. Kindly do not mock and vilify them. Do not hurt their self-confidence, which may already be at the rock bottom.  Some teachers are already being thrown into the technological swimming pool without having the faintest idea of swimming. Do not record videos and share them in groups so that it can induce laughter among your peers. Provide constructive criticism and inputs on how they can improve, and more importantly, tell them that it is perfectly normal to fumble at times.

Let us support them in these times of peril so that the teachers inside the computer cocoon can metamorphose into a computer butterfly with their wings flapping loud.

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