Various academic clubs are dissipating knowledge through handouts and pointers on social media: Siddharth, LBSIM

These are first-hand student accounts on how our young population is managing to keep their exam prep or college course work going from the confines of their homes. In case you want to share your lockdown study experience, write to us at publish@shiksha.com.

While comparing online and offline classes, we have to realize that, there are pros and cons to both sides. The advantages of an online class entail the freedom you have while scheduling your classes and the comfort of your own space. You can repeat the lecture or go back 30 seconds to understand a concept which you failed to grasp the first time around. A major limitation of this method though is that it gets restricting when you have doubts and despite virtual classrooms making it easier to ask doubts, it does not feel natural and takes time getting used to it. Surely though, the pros outweigh the cons.

Talking about MBA courses specifically, there is a lot of peer-to-peer learning involved; hence, online classes fail to encourage that aspect. This limitation is the most important one because the classroom environment that a good faculty and an interested bunch of students create is simply impossible to replicate. A virtual method of teaching is also a barrier for the faculty as it takes time to adapt to an orthodox system.

When comparing both methods on the fun aspect, online classes are certainly more enjoyable because of the freedom to study in a manner of your own choice from a faculty of your choice.

I am currently doing two internships, which are completely work-from-home. Post this short period, I will commence my 2-month, curriculum mandatory internship. This time period is a great opportunity to grow and try out different skillsets and hone the preexisting ones. I have also taken up two courses to enhance my knowledge base.

Many courses are available online to facilitate the learning process. LBSIM has tie-ups with some companies as well which specialize in skill training such as Six Sigma, Python and Machine Learning. Various academic clubs at our institute have also taken initiatives in this regard by dissipating knowledge through handouts and pointers on social media.

Due to the aggravation of the pandemic, our exams were halted in between and we were asked to return home. Naturally, the preparations as well have come to a halt as of now. Everyone is focused on building their CV up and acquiring skills because practical knowledge and application are far more relevant when it comes to placements or even generally in life. Such experiences will always hold us in good stead in the future.

The exams have been postponed indefinitely in our institute. The administration will take a call soon enough, according to the best interests of the students. Parents around the nation I believe have been generally seemed more interested now in the administrative process of institutions, whether be it regarding the schedule or the steps that the administration aims to take under the current circumstances.

About the Author:

Siddharth Prasad is an engineering graduate from Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal with a passion for the Marketing profession. He is currently pursuing MBA from LBSIM. Writing blogs and articles is his hobby that developed over time. He writes on a plethora of topics ranging from Economics to Cricket.