Originally posted on https://www.academiaerp.com/4-major-impact-of-covid-19-pandemic-on-higher-education/
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected educational systems worldwide, causing almost complete closures of schools, universities, and colleges. Most governments have closed the education institutions to stem the spread of the coronavirus as educational institutions are among the most socially active places in the world. According to the study, as of June 7, 2020, approx 1.725 billion learners have been affected due to the closure of educational institutions. According to UNICEF, 134 countries have implemented nationwide closures, and 38 are implementing local closures, impacting about 98.5 percent of the world’s student population. Thirty-nine countries’ schools are currently open. Closure of educational institutions has impacted students, teachers, and staff and brought societal and economic consequences. Higher education and their students will suffer the most with these unfortunate events. As their major career decisions depend upon the higher education classes. It will be naive if we don’t understand the consequences of this pandemic. The upcoming years won’t be the same for higher educational institutions as it was used to be. Therefore it is crucial to see the bigger picture and prepare your institution for the future. Here are the ways this pandemic will affect higher education:Boost in Online Institute ManagementWhen the lockdown started in the middle of the session, many institutions and students suffered. There was nothing they could do. They either had to wait for the lockdown to be over or find a way to operate the institution’s curriculum online. However, it was easier for institutions that were using the online institute management system and had already transformed their day to day practices into a digital platform. They were able to connect teachers and students and continue most of their administrative activities while everyone was safe at their home. It shows us the importance of an automated institute management system. It helps institutions to prepare for dire times like these. It helps to maintain the continuity of educational processes, ceases the learning losses, and ultimately helps students, staff, and institutions. In the coming years, education technology such as the Student Information System and Learning Management System will be necessary tools for institutions to prepare themselves for all situations. Enrollment CrunchThe Corona pandemic hit hard the world economy. The resulting financial crisis will impact the career decision of higher education students and their parents’ capability to pay for their child’s education. Uncertainties about retention rates will likely increase the situation for institutions that were on edge to miss their enrollment target. Though the recession of 2008 has shown that enrollment for universities and colleges did increase but considering the current scenario, institutions will need to think critically about all pros and cons and to consider all the aggressive decisions to compensate for the situation. They will need to model out a strategic plan that somehow can maintain the entire institute management, including student enrollment rates. They’ll also need to be attentive to the changes in students’ career plans, the courses they are more inclined to, and what they are expecting from an institution in 2020 and in the coming years. It will help institutions pick up the pace and get on track again to beat the current crisis. It’ll also advance the institute to be more robust and future-ready. Acceleration in Online Learning EnvironmentsAccording to a study, the online education market will be worth $319 Billion by 2025 in North America. This data shows the potential of this education platform. Owing to the COVID-19 pandemic and national lockdown in countries, institutions are adopting this method more rapidly than ever. Online education has been trendy for the last few years. Platforms like ByJU’s, Khan Academy, Udemy, Coursera, etc. have developed a rich ecosystem for students who want to learn while sitting at their homes. Now that social distancing and school closures are in the picture, online education will become an essential part of the education curriculum. Universities like Harward, Oxford, etc. have also started online courses for students. It is only helping local students, but international students are also getting huge benefits as the international commute is compromised due to this pandemic. Changes in Student Learning OutcomeClosure of educational institutions negatively impacts student learning outcomes. Institutions provide essential learning, and when they are close, children and youth are deprived of opportunities for growth and development. The disadvantages are huge for underprivileged learners who tend to have narrower educational opportunities beyond institutes. When their primary learning platforms are close, parents are often asked to expedite the learning of children at home but they struggle to perform it. It is especially true for parents with limited education and resources. Students gain slower during school closures than in a business-as-usual academic year. Student drop-out rates incline to increase as an effect of institute closures due to the challenge of ensuring all students return to the institute once the closures end. It is especially true for prolonged closures. Financially compromised, at-risk, or disadvantaged children are more likely not to return to institute after the closures are ended. The effect might be a life-long hampering of lost opportunities. Educational Institutions are also hubs of social activity and human interaction. When institutes are closed, many children and youth miss out on social contact essential to learning and social development. Conclusion:The COVID-19 pandemic has brought challenges for everyone; the education sector is not alone. But thanks to the globalization of the internet, connectivity, and technology advancement, educational institutions can overcome these challenges up to a high extent. Therefore institutes will need to think strategically and smartly for a new era of education management. Academia SIS has been a great help for more than 220 institutions during this lockdown, helped to maintain institutions’ continuity, student-teacher connectivity, and remote institute management. Are you looking for the same? Know how Academia can help. Book a FREE demo session now! Originally posted on https://www.academiaerp.com/4-major-impact-of-covid-19-pandemic-on-higher-education/
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