Schools Colleges closed for rest of the year in US
Rajat Taheem
May 06, 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected educational systems worldwide, with total closure of schools and colleges affecting nearly all the students world wide. Most of the governors of United States have recommended closure of schools & colleges for the entire academic year to contain the spread of Coronvirus in USA. Nearly all the states of US have come forward with this recommendation.
According to UNICEF reports, more than 186 countries are currently implementing nationwide that includes schools & colleges, impacting about 98.5 per cent of the world's student population. Schools & colleges can be one the fastest ways to spread novel coronavirus.
School closures impact not only students, teachers, and families, but have far-reaching economic and societal consequence. Though majority of the educational institutes are moving towards digital education, it's actual success is yet to be acertained. The worst affected are the international students or the under priviledged students as they face interrupted learnings, hunger, childcare problems, homelessness, & consequent mental trauma. Even if Students who have opted to stay in campus, stay in campus, could be deprived of services like gym, library & dining facilities.
Its very challenging to run a school with lower number of students in bus, social distancing in classrooms, prayers, games or other activities, and within the given budget. Raising fees during pandemic is only going to be a disaster.
Shutting of borders are add to the challenge for the international students as they cant stay either in US or in their hometown living them no choice whatsoever.
While universties are trying to figure out best possible ways of online study, students are trying to figure out best work arounds. Effectiveness of complete online education is a risk that entire world has to take, it seems.
What's next? Only time would tell