MADURAI: The long COVID lockdown has completely changed the teaching-learning process in India from schools to universities. With everything almost becoming virtual due to social distancing norms, online became order of the day.
To make best use of the lockdown and bring students-teachers-experts closer, a Madurai-based retired professor and water researcher Dr.P.S.Navaraj has created an exclusive WhatsApp Group in the last week of June 2020, with focus on science and particularly biology through which he was able to create a national network with his mobile phone contact numbers and this group is turning out to be a good platform for mentorship in higher education, zoology, botany, etc.
“The purpose of my WhatsApp Group is to reach out to students and experts. Lot of information on educational opportunities, admissions, scholarships, internship etc is being shared. This is a serious group to give clarity to students from school to university level. Response is very good,” Dr.P.S.Navaraj told news website ‘Lotus Times’ (www.lotustimes.org) here on 7th July 2020.
Yes. This WhatsApp group from Madurai became a sort of mobile classroom or a library in hand because scientists, academicians, school correspondents, teachers, officials and student are able to get connected and share ideas, latest science developments, science projects and important information.
Dr.Navaraj says that the group of contacts in his mobile phone is ringing in research ideas too besides giving a spark or rather ignite young minds in particular. Rural students will be able to know what, where, when and how about science in easy language.
“This is an enriching group…..Some popular personalities, scientists, professors and heads of various research institutions in India are in this WhatsApp group and their virtual presence will help youngsters,” he adds.
Stating that the ultimate purpose is to enhance research attitude, aptitude and academic enrichment, Dr.P.S.Navaraj points out information about COVID-19 too is being shared or forwarded in a big way. For instance, microbiology is in focus now due to Coronavirus and information on this specialized subject too is doing rounds.
So, those who got held up at home because of lockdown have got a chance to open up in a different format for new content and accurate information to utilize the time and cellphone for a good purpose. A good sign indeed for science because Zoom sessions and webinars are also being planned.
