The process of learning is not what it used to be a few years back. Today, learning can be through various means and mediums and degrees can be attained simply by studying theory while sitting at home. People today live by the phrase “Time is Money”. And if Time saved can be spent on making money, that would be the obvious option for one to choose. But is that also the right option?

Teaching is a highly skilled job which requires a good amount of theoretical and practical knowledge with ample on-field experiences.

While learning in certain areas of education can be obtained from distance learning courses, how beneficial are they for a teacher in training?

To have clarity of the same let us first understand the advantages/disadvantages of pursuing a B.Ed through distance education.

 
While a regular B.Ed degree course has it’s cons (as is evident from the Advantages column above) let us consider few facts regarding the same.

– A B.Ed degree empowers us to deal with the education of children up to secondary level.

– Through practical exposure, it enables one to gain experience in teaching children even before entering the job scenario.

– A B.Ed degree is a fine example of collaborative learning. Through collaborations with fellow learners, one gains added knowledge and learns ways to deal with children in a classroom situation.

In today’s technology driven world, anothertrend that is becoming extremely popular is of ……… “Online Courses”.

Online courses have their pros and cons too. Some pros as per a 2019 survey include:

• Online courses in India will grow by leaps and bounds.
• Online courses in unexpected subjects are increasing.
• Online supplementary education is flourishing.
• Focus is on career skills, not just on degrees.
• Quality and delivery will increase with the EdTech companies in India.

 
Let us focus on the key word here “SUPPLEMENTARY Education”. Online courses are an excellent way to further one’s expertise as well as to gain knowledge about all aspects of one’s job while continuing to be ON THE JOB. Online Courses can supplement your education not replace it.

All in all, a teacher is going to be working with highly absorbent minds and hence, needs to be prepared and ready even before entering the classroom.

An ideal way to go about becoming a teacher would be to pursue a regular B.Ed degree course and continue and extend your learning through various Professional Development Workshops and Online Courses while being ON THE JOB.

Ask yourself a simple question before choosing any course “Will this education prepare me to handle curious minds and equip me with a skill set to deal with varied classroom situations? “
Teachers today have the task of transforming themselves from simple being “Teachers” to being “Educators”.

Let your decision be one that reflects your choice – Teacher or Educator?