The Two Sides of Online Teaching | Godrej Interio

1. THE TWO SIDES OF ONLINE TEACHING

2. TABLE OF CONTENTS PG. NO. CHAPTER NAME The new normal for teachers 1 3 2 5 Online teaching - A boon or bane? Factors that affect the online teaching experience 10 3 Acing online teaching 14 4 THE TWO SIDES OF ONLINE TEACHING PA G E N O : 2

3. CHAPTER 1 THE NEW NORMAL FOR TEACHERS If the transition from corporate environments to working from home has been challenging, the blackboard-to-keyboard change for teachers has been seismic in comparison. Educational institutions across India have been functioning digitally for the last few months. And until a vaccine to prevent the coronavirus is developed, maintaining social distancing is imperative. To ensure that the students and the staff does not suffer, the Indian Ministry of Human Resource Development has been encouraging schools and colleges to opt for online classes. 90 million teachers the world over and as many as 6 million in India have come forward to uphold the process of learning and education at large. The transformation from blackboards to screens is new for students, as is for teachers. “I felt like a fresher again when I started teaching online classes due to the whole new experience and technology that we are using,” said a primary school section teacher during our research. The pandemic has forced education online. But is online teaching the future? How well have teachers adopted it? Is it efficient and sustainable? Such questions started coming up hence we decided to study the developments in online education, its pros and cons, and the implication of the developments on the lifestyle of teachers working from home. With an aim to assess a teacher’s daily routine while working from home, we studied the number of hours they work for and how technology impacts their productivity. We analyzed how the environment at home grants educators flexibility of work but also disrupts their routine. During this research, we concluded that this new trend of teaching comes with both advantages and disadvantages for teachers. We surveyed over 300 teachers working in different private, government, and semi-aided education institutions. As educators are working in a more controlled and safe environment from home, not only do they save commute time but also get an opportunity to spend more time with their family. Teachers enjoy the opportunity to up their digital literacy and make optimum use of resources along with having better control on their virtual class. However, online teaching also has its share of challenges. Teachers now end up working for longer hours with irregular or no breaks. They find themselves socially isolated since they spend a huge part of the day using gadgets like cell phones and laptops. Health and education experts find this situation alarming as teachers’ physical, psychosocial, and emotional wellbeing are acutely affected. THE TWO SIDES OF ONLINE TEACHING PA G E N O : 3

4. Additionally, we found out that it is unhealthy for teachers to spend long hours working on their devices and sitting in awkward postures. The process of online teaching can also result in musculoskeletal disorders (MSD), eye diseases and obesity. Our research revealed numbers which state the transformation in teachers’ days at work. We discovered that 78.10% of teachers started taking online lectures only since the beginning of the lockdown. We discovered that going forward, 54% of this community would like to opt for a combination of working from home and school to avail of the benefits of both. KEY TAKEAWAY: To assess teachers’ evolved lifestyle while working from home, we at Godrej Interio surveyed educators across India and studied the current education scenario. The option of online teaching provides certain advantages like zero commute time, increased work flexibility and an upper hand with technology which allows them to carry out their virtual sessions smoothly. However, teachers also face disadvantages like longer working hours with irregular or no breaks. It is also difficult to measure a student’s progress closely, as educators find themselves socially isolated. Teachers are forced to spend hours using smart gadgets resulting in MSDs and other health issues. Studying the situation, the team of experts at Godrej Interio recommends solutions through which teachers can adopt a smoother routine to guard their health and virtual lessons. THE TWO SIDES OF ONLINE TEACHING PA G E N O : 4

5. CHAPTER 2 ONLINE TEACHING - A BOON OR BANE? Today, technology is progressing rapidly and as a result, we stand armed with countless digital assets. Amongst other benefits, this digital transformation has made communication exceedingly convenient. Conversations are only a click away and the long process of sharing information fits into a one-tap button. This ease of communicating with one another has certainly benefited teachers the world over during these dire times, with benefits ranging- from being able to teach students through a screen to easily sharing notes with them. Not only does this transformation ensure teachers’ and students’ safety but also keeps the process of learning going. The option of teaching online has proved to be a blessing for the education system in some significant ways. BENEFITS OF ONLINE TEACHING: NO COMMUTE INCREASED WORK FLEXIBILITY UPPER HAND WITH TECHNOLOGY 1. NO COMMUTE The option of working out of home has saved teachers’ commute time and the expenses incurred for travel. Teachers now have the opportunity to invest this time in pursuing their hobbies or spending quality time with their family. 2. INCREASED WORK FLEXIBILITY Teachers have more time to prepare study material for students, and work around schedules THE TWO SIDES OF ONLINE TEACHING PA G E N O : 5

6. best suited for them. The changed circumstances have helped teachers establish a routine and an improved work-life balance. “I am able to give more time to my child and family due to this new non-chaotic way of teaching,” revealed a primary grade teacher during our research. 3. UPPER HAND WITH TECHNOLOGY For teachers, technology has enabled new ways of learning and communicating with students. The pandemic has made teachers more receptive to the latest technology, which rewards them with easy and effective ways of teaching. ▸ Unlike physical classrooms, online teaching offers teachers the ability to take full control of virtual classes, with features mute and video control.. They are no longer exposed to chalk powder or forced to stand for long hours without a break, which otherwise causes MSDs. ▸ Teachers have easy access to information. Not only can they join online communities, but also share information with students readily. Lessons can also be made effective with the help of screen sharing. “I can use more teaching aids, perform more activities and share slides, videos and diagrams,” said an eighth-grade teacher on being asked to share her thoughts on information-sharing strategies. ▸ Online education also provides access to more significant resources at any given point in time. “I can use technology and Google forms for assignments and quizzes. I can reach a wider audience through a simple click of the mouse,” said a degree college professor. ▸ Teachers are also rewarded with opportunities for cross-disciplinary, cross-cultural and cross-campus collaborations. They can reach out to local, national, and international institutions and up their knowledge. Additionally, they enjoy the opportunity to sharpen their digital literacy skills, which are crucial to surviving in the contemporary world. Yet, while teachers feel safe teaching from home, they also find themselves exposed to multiple health issues. Not only does this evolved mode of teaching result in physical health issues, but also some emotionally and psychologically ones. Teaching faculties worldwide spend their day working for long hours, adopting awkward sitting postures leading to MSDs. They also often spend a considerable amount of their day working on laptops or smartphones, which results in increased eye strain. THE TWO SIDES OF ONLINE TEACHING PA G E N O : 6

7. DRAWBACKS OF ONLINE TEACHING: INABILITY TO UNDERSTAND WHAT STUDENTS ARE GRASPING IRREGULAR OR NO BREAKS LONGER EXCESSIVE GADGET USAGE SOCIAL ISOLATION WORKING HOURS 1. LONGER WORKING HOURS Before the pandemic, teachers were accustomed to early morning lectures and pre- scheduled slots. But with online teaching, they have an irregular routine. Unlike classroom teaching, it has become challenging for them to prepare for their classes and convey the same to students. They spend more hours preparing for the lecture than taking it. “Work goes on for the entire day with us almost being glued to the laptop. We are doing less physical exercise which results in pain in the body,” said a sixth-grade teacher on being asked about the working hours. Through our study, we discovered that teachers around the country now work for an average of more than 8 hours a day, compared to more than 6 hours a day before the pandemic. The maximum time of a teacher’s day goes in conducting classes, coordinating with colleagues, preparing for the next class and working on study material for students. 16% of teachers reported that they work for more than 8 hours a day which includes their teaching, content preparation, meetings and collaboration and 38% revealed that they work for more than 6 hours a day. 2. IRREGULAR OR NO BREAKS Taking breaks while performing any task has a positive impact on the results. Similarly, well- timed breaks allow teachers to make better decisions, be more creative and concentrate more. It is extremely crucial for them to take breaks from electronic devices and be physically active. Our study reveals that 11% of teachers do not take any breaks while working on gadgets for 5-6 hours. It was also observed that 33.7 % do not do any physical exercise to stay active and healthy. THE TWO SIDES OF ONLINE TEACHING PA G E N O : 7

8. 3. EXCESSIVE GADGET USAGE Effective learning requires social space, the ability to think freely and act to develop oneself and society as a whole. But currently, we are bound to live and act through our gadgets. While these gadgets have become our lifeline, spending long hours with them have caused numerous health problems and stress. During our study, we observed that 29% of teachers use laptops for about 5-6 hours without any break, 15% use smartphones for 5-6 hours, and a negligible number of teachers use desktops. From the perspective of health, the larger the screen size, the more convenient for teachers. We also observed that most of the teachers were increasingly using smartphones for their work, often due to unavailability of laptops or desktops. Laptops are a smaller version of desktops, and smartphones a further reduced version. However, our research reveals that teachers are using smartphones and laptops more than desktops. One reason for this could be the unavailability of desktops and easy availability of smartphones in their house. Excessive usage of gadgets results in body pain. During our study, we observed that 23% of teachers experience pain in a particular body part and 43% experience it in multiple body parts while working on gadgets. Coupled with improper infrastructure and long working hours, many are also facing MSDs on account of the changed mode of teaching. TOP 6 MSDS IN TEACHERS: Eye strain 30% Neck 28% Lower back 27% Shoulder 22% Itchy eyes 21% Headache 21% 4. INABILITY TO UNDERSTAND WHAT STUDENTS ARE GRASPING WHILE ONLINE TEACHING Teachers are unable to comprehend the impact their lessons are having on their students, or the takeaways students are deriving from the classes. Many of them believe that certain topics and subjects like math are best taught on a blackboard. For primary classes, it is difficult for teachers to review handwriting or language. “I can’t see the facial expression of all my students so can’t judge that they are clearly understanding or following what I am teaching,” said a teacher during our study. THE TWO SIDES OF ONLINE TEACHING PA G E N O : 8

9. 5. SOCIAL ISOLATION During the lockdown, like most of us, teachers also felt isolated. Much as they enjoyed better control of classes, they also missed interacting with their students and colleagues. 96% of teachers miss face-to-face interaction with students and 48% miss a formal school/ college work atmosphere. “I miss meeting my colleagues. It would always serve as a de- stressor. Currently, I feel homebound”, responded a junior college teacher on being asked about her thoughts on working from home. “Miss the student and teacher interaction the most,” said another nursery teacher. During our study, we found that 18% of educators believe that they feel overwhelmed by working far away from their colleagues and students. For them, working from home lacks the rigour of a formal environment. They also yearn for informal conversations, coffee breaks, and brainstorming sessions with fellow teachers. KEY TAKEAWAY: Online teaching comes with significant advantages as well as disadvantages. While technology, zero commute time and safety work in teachers’ favour, factors like excessive gadget usage, irregular or no breaks and social isolation affect them physically, emotionally and psychologically. THE TWO SIDES OF ONLINE TEACHING PA G E N O : 9

10. CHAPTER 3 FACTORS THAT AFFECT THE ONLINE TEACHING EXPERIENCE With will, and pensive minds, every negative situation can be turned into a positive one. However, certain factors, if not controlled, can worsen these difficult situations. Such is the case with this pandemic, where while teachers avail the benefits of online teaching and combat the demerits, certain factors can result in a negative teaching experience. While the ease of teaching at preferred hours benefits teachers, a lack of a formal work setup reduces their efficiency, resulting in long working hours. Additionally, limited access to technology, internet issues and household duties hinder the agenda of their day and result in interrupted lectures. Here are some the factors that have a negative impact on the online teaching experience: ▸ Limited access to technology and the internet ▸ Insufficient technical understanding ▸ Excessive information ▸ Lack of a formal work setup ▸ Distractions at home ▸ Stress of teaching online 1. LIMITED ACCESS TO TECHNOLOGY AND THE INTERNET In some instances, teachers may have limited or irregular access to technology. Many of them share devices with family or rely solely on smartphones as their primary work tool. Some teachers may not have the required software and resources needed to teach online. When asked about the technology available and the ease of teaching from home, a teacher said, “distraction at home and no laptop for me is a big hurdle. Using a mobile phone is not comfortable”. Several teachers have limited internet access which can restrict their ability to obtain required information. An unstable internet connection also interrupts lectures, leaving the teachers and students frustrated. During our research, 68% of teachers revealed that unstable internet connection is one of the biggest problems in online teaching. Additionally, 38% felt held back professionally due to a lack of resources. THE TWO SIDES OF ONLINE TEACHING PA G E N O : 1 0

11. 2. INSUFFICIENT TECHNICAL UNDERSTANDING While teaching online, teachers need to be well-versed with their training tools. In some instances, technical training may not be readily available to teachers. In our research, we found that only 39.3% of teachers have received formal training, whereas 21.4% have not; nearly 39.3% are self-taught. “I am trying to get used to it and am getting the hang of it by myself everyday little by little, students are great teachers as far as technology and its uses are concerned,” said a self- taught, post graduation teacher, talking of how the younger, digital natives are assisting teachers in their journey of learning. 3. EXCESSIVE INFORMATION Often, excessive information, ‘how to’ guides, and online resources can be overwhelming and confusing for teachers. In such a scenario, it can be challenging for them and students to discern the relevant piece of information. THE TWO SIDES OF ONLINE TEACHING PA G E N O : 1 1

12. 4. LACK OF FORMAL WORK SETUP A formal work setup plays a crucial role in setting up a positive environment for any professional. Similarly, for teachers, a work desk or a quiet corner of the house is essential. However, many teachers, particularly the ones in metro cities, are forced to work alongside their family members due to space constraints. Our research revealed that 31% of teachers do not have a dedicated work room; they share the space with family members. In the current scenario, where most people are working from home, every family member needs a dedicated work area. Our study revealed that the top four infrastructure elements used at home for teaching and working online were a study table and chair, used by 63% of people; a dining table chair and desk, used by 25.4%; a bed, used by 22%, and a sofa, used by 25%. We also found that as many as 16% of teachers work sitting on the floor. These numbers suggest that teachers do not have a dedicated work space. 49% of teachers said that they work while seated on a wooden chair, and a majority of people sat on chairs that didn’t even have basic adjustment features. 54% said their chair does not have the feature of seat height adjustments; 51% said their chair does not have the feature of armrest adjustments, and 60% revealed that their chair does not have the feature of back recline adjustments. These statistics demonstrate that a large number of educators do not have ergonomic chairs while working remotely. It is imperative to understand that not only the infrastructure but the sitting posture and the task carried out are equally essential to determine the comfort of the space. During our research, 53% of teachers said that they sit bending forward while working on a laptop, whereas 24% said they sit cross legged. Another 18% said they rest their legs on an object which is placed below the desk. 17% revealed that they sit on the edge of the chair. All these postures are awkward and are likely to cause neck pain. We also found that 72% of teachers face body pain issues while working from home. 19% reported that they sit bending forward while working on the bed without any back support. 14% said they sit cross-legged on the floor without proper back support. Both these postures frequently account for back pain and knee pain. 5. DISTRACTIONS AT HOME While working from home, teachers often feel distracted by their family members which affects their efficiency at work. 32% of teachers believe that children and other family members distract them during lectures. Such distractions may originate from either the THE TWO SIDES OF ONLINE TEACHING PA G E N O : 1 2

13. teacher or any of the students, but they end up causing the whole class to lose their concentration. Educators also feel bound to meet their responsibilities at home including childcare and daily chores. 41% of teachers feel that they are unable to focus on lectures due to household duties. 6. STRESS OF ONLINE TEACHING In the broad spectrum of skills needed for successful teaching in virtual classrooms, formal education in technology-enabled teaching tools is an essential indicator of preparation. In this, personal commitment as well as the support offered by educational organizations for training, are necessary. During the lockdown, many teachers found themselves teaching online for the first time with no formal training for this new mode of classes. This compelled several teachers to learn the ropes themselves, in addition to coping with the added problem of the presence of parents during the classes. These problems are pertinent to the changed norm, but certainly not insurmountable. The key is to identify physical, environmental and psychological impediments and devise appropriate solutions to safeguard the health and wellbeing of teachers. KEY TAKEAWAY: Certain online teaching tools have been introduced to facilitate teachers as they conduct classes from home. However, the teaching experience from home is severely affected by factors like insufficient technical understanding, lack of formal work set up, and distractions at home. These factors, if not controlled, can result in a negative experience for teachers. THE TWO SIDES OF ONLINE TEACHING PA G E N O : 1 3

14. CHAPTER 4 ACING ONLINE TEACHING Unable to ascertain the amount of time it will take for the entire world to get back to the familiar comforts of physical proximity, each of us is striving every day to maintain our versions of the new normal. Similarly, teachers are working their fingers to the bone to aid students through online teaching. Of late, multiple educational institutions worldwide have announced that they are switching to online-only learning. In keeping with this shift, institutions, along with teachers, are working day and night to develop effective and feasible online courses. As educational institutions and students get familiar with this new mode of learning, we at Godrej Interio decided to use our background in wellness and ergonomics to develop a set of remedies that can help teachers ace online teaching. Here are some ways in which teachers can master online teaching: ▸ Keep it simple ▸ Learn step by step ▸ Establish a routine ▸ Work in a formal set up with the right infrastructure ▸ Stay physically active ▸ Gain knowledge on how to sit right ▸ Stay socially connected ▸ Stay connected with nature 1. KEEP IT SIMPLE Online teaching usually begins with a whole group walk-through, followed by an endless stream of questions by students. A distinct drawback of distance learning is that teachers and students are no longer in the same space to discuss queries together. Instead, the vast majority of learning time will undoubtedly be dominated by assignments that involve a high degree of self-direction. Simplicity is therefore essential to virtual education. Very specific instructions and just one or two tools can make online teaching time-efficient and effective. It is also best to share study material in formats that the students can conveniently access later. THE TWO SIDES OF ONLINE TEACHING PA G E N O : 1 4

15. 2. LEARN STEP BY STEP Teaching and learning go hand in hand. While teachers take lessons, they can seek their students’ help to get a better grip on the technology. Using friendly mobile communication applications, educators can conduct classes or be in touch with their students at any time. Additionally, reviewing assignments regularly will help them track students’ progress. Teachers can also use the chat feature of online teaching tools to address students’ queries at any hour, which in turn will keep the class motivated and inspired to interact and raise questions. If dissatisfied with the available teaching tool, teachers should seek the management’s help to prevent any last-minute obstacles during their online session. 3. ESTABLISH A ROUTINE Having a well-defined routine will help teachers stay focused and be efficient at work. Scheduling working hours and breaks in advance will prevent them from feeling exhausted. Additionally, teachers need to classify their work based on the highest and lowest priority. THE TWO SIDES OF ONLINE TEACHING PA G E N O : 1 5

16. 4. WORK IN A FORMAL SET UP WITH THE RIGHT INFRASTRUCTURE Setting up a formal work desk or working in a quiet corner of the house will distance teachers from any distractions. Taking steps like asking family members not to disturb them or turning off TV and music systems can prove to be beneficial. Additionally, getting a stable internet connection and working with study material that requires less memorization will result in seamless teaching. However, it is also essential for educators to consider ergonomics while setting up their workstation at home. The right infrastructure and equipment will add to teachers’ comfort and keep MSDs at bay. Our study reveals that most teachers aren’t aware of the right sitting posture - thereby running the risk of health issues. The right desk and chair are crucial for teachers to maintain a correct sitting posture while working from home. It is advisable to invest in ergonomic chairs and work desks which come with basic adjustment features. An ideal work chair should have seat height, armrest and backrest adjustment. Excellent lumbar support for the back is also crucial. For a comfortable experience, we at Godrej Interio suggest that teachers should adjust the desk at the right height. One can always ascertain that their sitting posture is correct if while using the keyboard, their elbows are at a 90-degree angle. What is also important is keeping the screen at the apt height, which if not followed, can result in a sore neck and related issues. The screen’s height should be at eye level, ensuring that teachers don’t have to slouch to view it. Using accessories such as a laptop stand, an external keyboard and monitor will make sure teachers assume proper postures. They should also keep their laptops at arm’s length while using it. Practices like alternating sitting postures, using the correct light, comfortable room temperature and using noise regulation devices can help educators focus better. 5. STAY PHYSICALLY ACTIVE Practising easy workout routines every day can benefit our body considerably. Not only does it ensure overall fitness, but it also works on our cognitive ability, energy level, and helps manage stress. In the current scenario, for teachers, functional exercises are essential to work all their muscles adequately. They should practise suitable and easy exercises to stay physically active. 6. GAIN KNOWLEDGE ON HOW TO SIT RIGHT We at Godrej Interio suggest and recommend that educational institutes around the THE TWO SIDES OF ONLINE TEACHING PA G E N O : 1 6

17. country educate their staff about ergonomics and train them on how to sit in the right posture, since an awkward posture can result in MSDs. Our study shows that due to long working hours, 33% of teachers now experience immense pain in different parts of the body. The Teach from home Webinar by Godrej Interio will aid teachers as they work from home. It will help them identify problems, find solutions and learn the best practices that can be followed during online education sessions. This one hour webinar is aimed at helping teachers upskill and learn about the health implications of online learning. The module also covers techniques to sit right and an exercise demo which can be carried out simply throughout the day to avoid MSDs. 7. STAY SOCIALLY CONNECTED Distance learning has deprived teachers of their daily interactions in which they engaged with students and had casual conversations with colleagues. So, alongside a focus on lessons, it is important for teachers to stay connected with peers through mediums like emails, video calls, phone calls and text messages. 8. STAY CONNECTED WITH NATURE Adding biophilic elements to the working environment can better teachers’ mood, enhance their creativity and cognitive skills. Research suggests that elements such as natural light, dynamic colours, and plants have a positive impact on a person’s health and wellbeing. Daylight has been linked to improved academic performance in students. Additionally, multisensory and enriched environments not only engage one’s senses but also beneficially impact cognitive, motor and social skills. KEY TAKEAWAY: Virtual teaching has been a part of our lives for longer than we anticipated. Practising it on a daily basis, it is best for teachers to gain knowledge on how to sit right, stay physically active and socially connected. It is imperative to establish a routine, and learn step by step to ace online teaching. To ensure teachers’ wellbeing while working from home, we at Godrej Interio recommend the Teach from Home Webinar. Apart from helping teachers with techniques to sit right, this webinar will introduce them to exercises and practices through which MSDs can be kept at bay. THE TWO SIDES OF ONLINE TEACHING PA G E N O : 1 7

18. ABOUT GODREJ INTERIO Godrej Interio (GI) is India’s premium furniture brand in both home and institutional segments with a strong commitment to sustainability and centers of excellence in design, manufacturing and retail. Led by the largest in-house design team in the country in the furniture category and awarded with 37 India Design Mark Awards till date, GI aims to transform spaces with its thoughtfully designed furniture to create brighter homes and offices with products that have the highest design quotient in aesthetics, functionality and technology. With consistent pursuit of excellence and a special focus on health and ergonomics, GI’s product portfolio comprises a massive range. Today, we design and manufacture furniture for office spaces, homes, educational institutes, healthcare facilities, laboratories and more. Along with furniture we offer Audio Visual and 360 Degree Turnkey solutions. Each of our product range revolves around comfort and aesthetics while delivering well-designed, fun and functional furniture solutions. Briefly, Godrej Interio transforms dream spaces to life! GI commitment to the environment has resulted in manufacturing products with lesser environment footprint. Our pioneering efforts include designing less environment burdening products, usage of eco-friendly materials and setting up less polluting and consuming processes, ensuring eco-friendly packaging and transportation and finally the extended responsibility of recycling/reuse of used furniture and scrap, thus ensuring a lifecycle approach to green. Currently present in over 650 cities with 250 exclusive showrooms and 800 dealers, GI is one of the largest divisions of Godrej and Boyce Mfg. Co. Ltd., part of the Godrej Group, one of India’s largest engineering and customer product groups. THE TWO SIDES OF ONLINE TEACHING PA G E N O : 1 8

19. DISCLAIMER This paper represents the opinions of the authors and is the product of professional research. This report has been prepared for the exclusive use and benefit of the addressee(s) and solely for the purpose for which it is provided. Unless we provide express prior written consent, no part of this report should be reproduced or distributed. While every attempt is made to ensure that the information contained in this document is true to its best. However, Godrej and Boyce Mfg. Co. Ltd., its employees, representatives, affiliates or any of its divisions, etc. shall not be responsible for any reliance made on this paper or for any errors / omissions in information obtained from the source while preparing this paper. THE TWO SIDES OF ONLINE TEACHING PA G E N O : 1 9