Introduction to Pandemic Pedagogy: Preparedness in Uncertain Times

Abstract

What started as an apparently benign virus in a remote district of China suddenly had the entire world under its grip, with thousands dying every day in all parts of the world. World Health Organization declared it a pandemic and requested every country and every institution to minimize human contact and maintain spatial distance. The pandemic was there to stay and while the world tried to find its antidote months and years passed before a solution was found, or nearly so. Educational institution was affected with the entire economy of every country. Future of our next generation and the continuity of education were at stake. The only possible solution was to teach and learn from the safe corner of one’s home. It meant a transition of the entire education system to an online mode, which was unprecedented. Institutions grappled with technology, trying to find the right approach of imparting education, with added expenses and training the academicians to find a level of comfort teaching online. This book explores the theory that evolved around online teaching and cites evidence that has been gathered toward self-regulation and resiliency, highlighting the power and privilege and the best practices for implementing techniques to support students. COVID-–19 meant a paradigm shift toward teaching–learning methods and soon became the “new norm” in designing curricula so that students can continue with their journey toward acquiring high-standard quality education without any disruption in the future.

Citation

Sengupta, E. (2023), "Introduction to Pandemic Pedagogy: Preparedness in Uncertain Times", Sengupta, E. (Ed.) Pandemic Pedagogy: Preparedness in Uncertain Times (Innovations in Higher Education Teaching and Learning, Vol. 49), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 3-10. https://doi.org/10.1108/S2055-364120230000049001