The World Cup of online education 

In the not-so-distant past, the pleasure of witnessing one of the finest sports – CRICKET, was only limited to the crowds that could make it to the stadiums. Earlier, cricket matches were recorded, and parts of the match were stitched together in the form of reels, as we call it today, and were played in theatres before the movies. However, cricket managed to reach millions of Indian households through Bombay Talkies, a pioneering studio based out of Mumbai, that was founded in 1934.  The arrival of television only accelerated the fandom for the Cricket World Cup, by bringing the matches into the living rooms of millions. The most memorable moment for a cricket fan must be India’s tour of Pakistan in 1978-79 which was directly telecasted on TV resulting in a rapid increase of Television sales. Thanks to satellite television in the 1990s, cricket became the most viewed show in the country.  

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Just like it is a dream of every Indian cricket enthusiast to witness a live cricket match with legends making/breaking records, it is a non-negotiable aspiration for us Indians to make it big in education. Completing high school, opting for an under-graduation and even completing a post-graduation is as much a part of our DNA as the love for cricket is. From gurukuls to home video screens, our education system has come a really long way. What was once considered a privilege blessed upon a very few and achieved by otherwise outstanding individuals, has now become a basic right of every Indian. As the education system continued to try and accommodate more learners, the whole landscape of online learning just made the process of accessing quality education a lot more realistic. 

Today, education is as much a global spectacle as cricket and is at the doorstep of anyone with an internet connection. Let’s delve into the intriguing parallels between the evolution of these two seemingly disparate entities. 

Cricket & education: An elite affair back in the days 

Once upon a time, cricket was a sport that only a privileged few could witness live. The stadiums echoed with the cheers of the elite, and the World Cup was an exclusive affair, limited to those who could afford the time and expense of attending matches.  

Did you also know that even education was largely accessible only to the privileged. For instance, in Europe, schools were run by Churches and were reserved only for the elite! 

Accessibility: From elite to everyone 

From what was accessible only to those who could afford the time and expense of watching live cricket matches in stadiums, cricket soon became more accessible to people from all walks of life. Thanks to television, cricket was viewed with utmost passion by every household.  

Also, the idea of online learning came about much before you thought it did. In 1994, the first teleconferencing facility at IGNOU (Indira Gandhi National Open University) offered a one-way video and two-way audio communication through phone lines. However, things went down south due to lack of technology. After Covid, technology was put to its best use by way of online learning. 

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Live telecast of cricket & classes 

After televised cricket became a democratic experience, live telecast of cricket made it possible for ardent fans to watch their favorite players from the comfort of their homes. All they had to do was switch on their television sets, subscribe to the channel and enjoy the match! 

Similarly, online education united learners from different backgrounds, providing them with equal opportunities to pursue knowledge and skills, all from the comfort of their homes.  

Live cricket or live classes: All at your fingertips 

The parallels between cricket’s journey and the rise of online degrees deepen with the role of technology. Cricket live streaming soon reached mobile phones and digital broadcasts have brought cricket matches to our fingertips. Missed a live match? Worry not! You can watch match highlights online too.  

Read more: Everything you need to know about the Tech Marvel at ICC Cricket World Cup 2023

On the other hand, whether you want to attend live classes or study, you can do it anywhere, anytime, on your mobile phone.  

DRS = online proctored exams 

DRS has been such a savior for cricketers as it has helped umpires make more accurate decisions. There might be a slight chance for an umpire to make a wrong call, but one cannot mess with technology.  

In the same way, if you think writing exams in the online mode is easy, you’re wrong. The concept of online proctored exams has made it difficult for learners to engage in malpractices, allowing for an ethical online examination process. 

Conclusion 

From exclusive spectacles limited to the elite, both cricket and education have evolved into global phenomena, accessible to anyone with a desire to participate. The democratization brought about by television in cricket and online platforms in education has broken down barriers, creating a more interconnected and inclusive world.