Distance learning is here to stay: Shall we reorganize ourselves for the post-covid-19 world?

Abstract

Distance learning achieved academic recognition in 1892 when the first college level program was introduced. Later, due to rapid technological advancements in the late nineteenth century, the most prestigious institutions across the world introduced distance learning. The Covid-19 pandemic has expedited distance learning in the education landscape following a sudden closure of academic institutions; and soon online delivery of courses was initiated at all levels of education. In the current scenario, distance learning is very likely to stay beyond the covid era, and authors envision a "hybrid" model of education with blended learning i.e. a combination of face-to-face and online teaching. The necessity to follow social distancing will force us to limit the class room activities as well as hands-on practical training sessions to a reduced number of students. It will require the void to be filled through distance learning education.