Online Vs. Offline School

Well…the debate rages on with proponents from both sides claiming they are right. The pro onliners say that ‘The world has changed, everything is online, from shopping to working so education should be too.’ While the other side argues.. ‘but children need physical schools for activities, social interaction and for better learning.’ I’d say all children MUST go to school (the moment it is safe)

“I want to be home schooled, I have stopped enjoying school so I am going to study from home” ..these very wise words were spoken by my 12 yr old DS last year and I was horrified. No, I said rejecting his idea right away. He came up with a million arguments but a mother I am and did not cave in. So bags on his shoulders he boarded the school bus reluctantly for his next academic year. I was happy and satisfied. All children should go to school and study; with that firm thought I walked back home mentally patting myself on the back. I mean all children should go to school to study right?

Had I said those words too soon…because then, the Corona virus struck, it was shutting down the world and soon enough, I found myself with a very smug 12 yr old super excited to be able to study from home. His school very quickly adapted to online teaching and he was there right at home being schooled. 4 hours in front of the computer screen with bulky earphones on his head, he looked like a young call centre executive.

His college going brothers had also joined the online education band wagon and their room resembled a very busy office space and they were doing important things, using terms like ‘I have zoom meeting scheduled at 5, Oh I have a google meet at 6 and then there is a project review meet with my friends at 7.’ Arguments were rife about whose call was more important who had to keep their videos on and who could manage to have a meeting in the balcony so as to not disturb the meeting in their room. The three of them were negotiating and planning and working out solutions albeit after a few heated discussions. I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry, my children sounded extremely important and scheduled and busy and grown up.

All I could do is helplessly watch them meander through this new way of learning. Despite being upset about this endless ruckus and very demanding snack breaks, I was secretly happy. Happy because, I know they are right there in the next room sharing their world with me. Sometimes their room resounds with laughter as they crack terrible bathroom jokes, other times all three of them discuss Anime, Battle cats, BTS (I still don’t know what that stands for) Harry potter or Elon musk or mathematical equations or IPL scores. I know very soon they’ll grow and to their lives they’ll go… I know schools will reopen and busses they’ll board... But till then, I’ll enjoy this madness in their (very messy) room. I often leave my work to join them in these moments of madness, tickling, laughing, talking, dancing, singing… having fun till childhood lasts.

PS: My 13 year old now really wants to go back to school.. “Mom this online education is not much fun” he says. “ Yes my dear, whatever you say”…. waiting for the virus to go away.