The surging COVID cases worldwide, has proved for a fact that any activity can be done indoors without any hindrance. One of the sectors which got its major shift in their working is education, especially online tutoring.
The traditional mode of learning, nevertheless, stands a chance in this sudden change of perspective. Homes have become classrooms and mute and unmute buttons has become the new voice of students. Teachers also have to mark their virtual presence and can no longer shy away from the process of learning the basics of digital world which has now taken over their conventional classroom standards.
The ambiguity of easing out from the classroom learning to online tutoring started off when COVID-19 spread aggravated from 18 March 2020. The online mode of learning has initiated quite a bit of chaos amongst the students since the onset of COVID-19 and the respective shutdown of countries globally. This has initiated a dynamic shift in the learning environment and there was an efficient requirement to revamp the current system of education.
Miscommunications which happened on due course because of unawareness of this mode of learning has made it equally difficult to most of the teachers in helping their students with adequate amount of guidance. Conducting regular classes and examinations have become difficult with the strict social distancing measures initiated as to curb the spread of this contagious disease. This change in landscape has in turn resulted in cancelling of exams not just in CBSE but also IB schools, perhaps  all educational curriculums all over the world.
Even when we give emphasis to the overall plight of the students, equal concern is to be given to the teachers who had a tough time to adjust to the rapid change in the scenario. They had to adapt to a culture which most of them were not familiar and digital literacy is comparatively less as they are used to conventional methods of teaching.
This initial obscurity caused students to turn into and rely more toward online tuitions. The online IB tutors there are well-versed with the system, they took maximum advantage of the current situation. All over the world students be it from IB curriculum schools in Hyderabad, IB schools in Singapore or IB schools in Chicago; the demand for online tuitions is soaring sky-high. Online tutoring help in bridging the gap that has arisen from the confusion projected by teachers in IB schools.
Online tutoring as a job is also becoming a sought after one through the time. Teachers can earn a living irrespective of their geographical standing. The resources required is also comparatively less when compared to traditional teaching system. The effort of student and a teacher is comparatively less as one need to have only a laptop to join the online classes and can sit in the comfort of their own home while studying and teaching online, respectively.
Recently, in India the CBSE has also decided to call off the conduct of exams in the last minute because of the unprecedented COVID situation in hand. It has evoked both negative and positive responses. The confusion around is how the marks will be computed and its effects on the future of the kids. The Board has decided to give 60-percentage weightages for the marks acquired in 10th grade and 11th grade final exams and a 40-percentage weightage for the performance in 12th grade. The moderation regarding the same will be considered with the previous performances of the schools as well. Many students are considering shifting their curriculum to IB diploma.
There is comparatively a higher rise in the percentage of students who come to me asking what is an IB Diploma? Or ibdp full form? The major reason why parents and children are thinking for a change is the amount of exposure one gets by adapting the IB curriculum.
IB’s decision of opting for no-exam route for middle years programme, diploma programme and career-related programme is a continuation of the implementation of its roll-out for IB results 2020 as it declared IB exams 2021 cancelled too. This is a great relief for all the students as there have been a considerable compromise in their learning hours and schedules.
The statistics also show that there is commendable increase in the number of pass outs since the adoption of the no exam route by IB, refer IB scores 2020 for more details.. This brings students hope and certain amount of relief to the uncertainty around us.
IB has decided to compute the marks based on the coursework (internal assessments) and predicted grades. The Internal Assessments (IA) conducted in school can be an ideal benchmark to evaluate the performances of the students. Such initiatives also promote better engagement of students in activities conducted by schools. IB ensures the fact that no student will be differently treated on the basis whether they took the exam or not. Evaluation of internal assessments and predicted grades are the best possible way to analyse a student in these trying times.
There is also another route which IB has suggested as to conduct the exams in places where the COVID situation is comparatively better off. While this has ignited a heated discussion among parents, teachers, and students; In my opinion I feel it was wise of IB to put forward a dual route as because it brings out an option to choose depending on your scenario.
The awaited IB result 2021 which are to be published on July 7th will bring clarity to the ambiguity prevalent in the air as of now. The IB result 2021 as a matter of fact will be accepted by many and cross-questioned by many others is just how things will be at these testing times. At the end of the day, IB focuses on the integrity of its outcomes and safety of its students as the prime need of the hour.Â
Overall, it has been an opportunity for IB tutors to offer their services and assist IB students worldwide.
