The potential challenges posed by Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in the educational sector are highly concerning, especially given the similarities it shares with the common cold and the severe consequences it could have on global education systems. HMPV, a virus that causes respiratory illness, spreads from person to person, primarily through droplets produced when an infected individual coughs, sneezes, or even talks.
Common symptoms include coughing, wheezing, runny nose, and sore throat, all of which are typically associated with upper respiratory infections. While most people recover from HMPV without requiring significant medical intervention, individuals over the age of 65 and children are at particular risk for more severe illness.
The virus is known to be more prevalent during the winter and early spring months, which increases the likelihood of outbreaks during these periods. The current concern is that HMPV could become a pandemic in a manner similar to COVID-19. If this fear becomes a reality, it could trigger a widespread public health crisis, leading to another global lockdown. This would have significant implications not only for public health but also for various sectors, including education.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, it led to a dramatic shift in the global education landscape. Schools, universities, and other educational institutions were forced to close, and students, teachers, and parents had to adapt quickly to online learning. While some educational institutions were able to transition smoothly to remote learning, many faced substantial challenges. If HMPV follows a similar trajectory and results in a pandemic, it could once again disrupt educational progress, causing severe setbacks to the advancement of knowledge and skills across all levels of education.
Offline education, which is critical to the development of students, would be severely hampered if another pandemic forces widespread closures. This would particularly affect elementary, secondary, higher, technical, and vocational education, all of which rely heavily on face-to-face interactions for effective learning. With schools and universities closed, students would have limited access to quality education, potentially causing long-term consequences for their academic growth and future prospects. The disruption would also impede nations from achieving quality education for all, a key goal outlined in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
One of the major challenges that could arise in the event of a pandemic is the shift to online learning. While the internet and technology have enabled education to continue remotely during the pandemic, not all institutions and educators are equipped or willing to make the transition. Some institutions may lack the necessary infrastructure or resources to support online education effectively. Similarly, some teachers may not have the training or commitment to adapt their teaching methods to online platforms, resulting in subpar educational experiences for students.
Additionally, online learning presents significant barriers for students who lack access to the necessary technology or a reliable internet connection. This issue is particularly pronounced in low-income communities or rural areas, where access to technology is often limited. As a result, students who are unable to participate in online classes due to these technological barriers will fall behind in their education, further exacerbating existing inequalities in the education system. The digital divide has already been a significant issue during the COVID-19 pandemic, and if HMPV leads to a similar situation, it is likely that these disparities will widen, disproportionately affecting disadvantaged students.
Beyond the logistical challenges, there is a growing concern about the long-term psychological and social effects that a pandemic could have on students. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many students experienced significant disruptions to their academic progress, which led to a loss of interest in education for many. The isolation from peers and teachers, coupled with the uncertainty surrounding the future, resulted in increased levels of stress, anxiety, and mental health issues among students. A large number of students even abandoned their education during the pandemic, opting instead to marry early or pursue other non-academic paths. The social and emotional toll of prolonged lockdowns and remote learning could have lasting effects on students' academic motivations and career aspirations.
Moreover, a second pandemic, such as one caused by HMPV, could cause a similar decline in educational engagement. The prolonged uncertainty and disruptions to daily life could result in an even greater number of students dropping out or disengaging from their studies. This would not only be detrimental to the individual students but could also contribute to the broader issue of underdevelopment in nations. Education is a key driver of economic and social development, and any disruption to the education system could hinder national progress and contribute to widening inequalities between countries.
Session congestion, a persistent issue in Bangladesh's public universities, is another concern that could be exacerbated by another pandemic. Session congestion refers to the delays and backlogs in the academic calendar, where students are unable to complete their courses on time due to disruptions in the educational process. Bangladesh's universities already face significant challenges in managing session congestion, and if the HMPV pandemic leads to prolonged closures or limited in-person learning, these issues could worsen. Students may face delays in completing their degrees, and the backlog of courses could create a ripple effect that delays graduation for future cohorts of students as well. This would further impede the country's ability to develop a skilled workforce, which is essential for economic growth and national development.
The potential spread of HMPV and the risk of another pandemic raises significant concerns for the global education system. The disruption to offline education, the challenges of online learning, and the long-term psychological effects on students are all issues that need to be carefully considered. If HMPV leads to widespread school and university closures, the resulting educational setbacks could have far-reaching consequences for individual students, institutions, and nations as a whole. It is crucial that governments, educational institutions, and other stakeholders prepare for the possibility of such disruptions and work to ensure that all students have access to quality education, regardless of their socio-economic background or geographical location.
The writer is a Student, Institute of Education and Research, University of Rajshahi
