The News Means of Education in 2020

It is difficult to grasp the idea that only a few months ago, everything was normal. Usual being a relative term, but there were regular flights, people would crowd the streets every night, and most importantly, schools were open.

Nevertheless, since the pandemic has forced the hands of the world governments to place restrictive lockdowns on their populations, the question arises, ‘What are we to do now? What does this mean for our future?’. 

It has been quite some time since a global event has caused the schools of the world to shut their doors and rethink the education system as a whole. During the two world wars, the future was as bleak as could come; however, as humans, we persevered and made it this far. Whether this is to our detriment or benefit is yet to be seen.

Without the facilities of modern technology, the 20th century was not as globalized as the generation of today. The pandemic has shaken the foundations of modern education and framework, leaders in education, teachers, professors, and students as well are thinking deeply about how to restructure and rebuild the education sector. Our education systems, even the big ones, were not built with a backup.

Findings suggest; Generation Z (the oldest of the whom will be 25 years of age) were born in the era of the internet. They are comfortable with the most modern technology. All they know is the internet. ‘Gen Z’ is genuinely a globalized generation.

Hand in hand with a pandemic that has put their educational and professional goals in lockdown, they have exams canceled, classes postponed and plans thrown into the wind of the unknown. A generation that has been defined by the age of the internet, and continually evolving. Gen Z seems to be the best fit for this dawning era of remote learning.

On the internet, crossing borders seamlessly and soaking up information is just a finger tap away. Artists, scholars, and students of the modern age do not shy away from collaborating with peers across the globe. It is the opportunity to learn from another culture to deep dive into the knowledge of a foreign mind that spins the wheels of this knowledge-seeking machine of the 21st century. 

Now, they must contemplate if they will ever have the opportunity for a bachelor’s or master’s degree post this pandemic. Especially essential workers, for students such as construction management degree majors, architects, and doctors who need real-life practical experience to excel at their jobs; this is a worrisome time.

With this current pandemic, more problems have been thrust upon these young hands as they figure out a way to educate themselves and build a platform to lift themselves onto for a better future for Gen Z, Alpha, and beyond. 

UNESCO responded that ‘It impacts 70% of the world’s student population.” The current pandemic is changing a lot of things, especially our outlook on our current way of life. It may help lead to understanding and preparing for what the future might look like for education. Here are some insights into what that may look like:

1. Interconnected globalized classrooms
   If there is one thing that this pandemic has illustrated, it is that we are all intertwined on a global scale. There are no longer isolated issues, and they concern everyone. It is the right time to grow mutually, seek out to help one another, bridge gaps, and tear down barriers. The age of social distancing will give way to remote education, in that very way. Helping teachers and students navigate the vast challenges and overcome differences in a mutually global effort.

2. What It Would Mean to Be A Teacher
   A teacher is someone who imparts knowledge, much like a book; information is dealt out in small doses in a chronological fashion usually. Nevertheless, with the internet, it is an omnipotent presence; the role of a teacher in today’s pandemic age is quite unfit. Being the bearer of knowledge that imparts it to the classroom at will, there may need to be a reevaluation of the role.
   
   Maybe a subtle move towards educating and facilitating students’ minds and developing them to contribute to society and the global effort more.
   

3. The Skillset of The Post Pandemic World
   Life is constantly changing. This generation and the ones to follow will have to sharpen their skills. For example, to be able to adapt to persevere in such rapidly changing environments. It is essential to be resilient, as to be able to not only rise above such trying times but as to stand out amongst the crowd in case a potential employer is keeping their eyes out.
   
   At this time, it is increasingly important to be able to collaborate and tap into the power of practical teamwork across the channels of the internet to be a useful and essential employee.

4. The Key to Delivering
   Since educational institutions are harnessing the powers of the technology at hand, a myriad of possibilities that were inaccessible before having opened up, students and teachers across the world are experiencing a new world, with more significant room to experiment.
   
   The flexibility of this new education system will create new gateways for children across the world, especially for the generation that is growing up in today’s time, kindergarten, till high school.

Conclusion:

Many educators are taking the situation in their stride to reevaluate their needs. Necessity is the mother of invention, and as of right now, time is of the essence to reinvigorate the model of education, use the tools at hand to secure a system in place. To make sure education is not only globally accessible and effective but looks beyond the current generation and prepares for the generations to follow as well. 

Thanks to the advancement in technology and the tech-savvy generation, alongside a cooperative educational system operating in their benefit, the students and educators of today seem to have it all figured out. Time will tell what we will make of the education sector, students, and the future of the economy. Nevertheless, one thing is for sure. There is no stopping the quest for knowledge.