The Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) is working on Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for online classes to make sure that students need not spend an unjustified amount of time in front of computers or on phones to attend online classes.
The coronavirus pandemic has necessitated a general shift from classroom teaching to online learning as schools continue to be closed for more than three months.
The decision to make SOPs was made after parents complained that their children were having to spend a lot of time in front of the computer or on phones, as online classes were being given much the same way as in regular school. They also complained that some families had only one device and it could only be used by one child at a time.
“There were several complaints about the sudden increase in screen time for students due to the online classes,” a senior official said.
“Also, on one hand, schools did not permit mobile phones within their premises and discouraged their use for students and now suddenly they are dependent on electronic devices the whole day. A balance has to be maintained to ensure there is a healthy approach,” he continued.
The new guidelines are being framed after consulting a number of stakeholders. It is likely that a given duration of online classes will be fixed to ensure that students do not spend excessive hours with electronic devices.
“The online platform… will allow students to learn at their own pace,” the official said. “Prioritizing mental health of students, addressing cybersecurity concerns and ensuring a safe and accessible learning environment for students will be among the focus areas of the guidelines.”
The guidelines will also suggest alternatives for candidates who have access to online learning to those who have only a radio set.
At a virtual conference held by Ashoka University, the School Education Secretary Anita Karwal also spoke about the SOPs.
“There has been an upsurge in digital education and also an uproar on the way some schools are doing it. Some schools have simply replicated the timetable and the child is sitting in front of the device for seven to eight hours,” she said.
“When we began with the thrust on e-learning, the focus was more on access to e-learning. Technology without equity will not lead to effective learning in all our children.”
Comments