Not just the healthcare sector, but all the industrial zones have been badly affected by the pandemic outbreak followed by the remedial lockdowns in different parts of the world. Business operations, trading activities, financial operations, tourism, transportation, etc. have come to a standstill because of the COVID-19 attack. Undoubtedly, the lockdowns imposed by governments have forced people to stay back at home. Where the adults are restrained from visiting their offices, the youngsters and the children are stopped from going to schools.

The closure of schools, colleges, and coaching institutes has given a major jolt to the education sector. The exams are being postponed for an indefinite period of time as well as the onset of the new sessions had to be canceled or delayed by the school authorities to ensure the safety of the students and the teaching staff. In such dire situations, online education portals and virtual class platforms can play a significant role in keeping up with the syllabus requirements of the students. An array of online platforms are helping students in continuing with their usual study schedule by arranging for online classes, video lessons, and online quizzes. These help the learners to be in touch with studies irrespective of the outside circumstances.

As a significant move, the Indian tech giant, Tata Consultancy Services, has announced to allow the students to access its interactive TCS iON Digital Glass Room platform free of cost.

The platform will work as a link between educators and the students by providing them with a secure, safe, virtual environment. The participants will be able to enjoy an amazing experience where knowledge preaching will be transitioned from classrooms to interactive glass rooms. The mobile and web application allows educators to share lessons, videos, worksheets, assignments, and assessments using polls, debates, quizzes, surveys, and other tools. It also has a live classroom tool that helps students to have live classroom teaching experience.

Venguswamy Ramaswamy, Global Head, TCS iON stated that

These are unprecedented times. With schools and colleges shut down across the country, we want to empower these institutions and help them switch to a virtual mode, so students’ learning journeys can continue uninterrupted on our platform.

The platform is available to all types of institutes irrespective of the language, Board/University affiliation, or size. The interested schools and organizations need to get themselves registered on the official portal to get access. It is likely to help students in their studies who are struggling in this COVID-19 crisis.