Physical classes unlikely to start soon, Edu dept releases guidelines

Bengaluru: The department of public instruction has issued detailed guidelines on how to conduct alternative learning for students of classes 1-10 in the upcoming academic year. The plans are based on the accessibility level of the students to various gadgets.

The academic year is set to begin on July 1 and schools have been asked by the department to plan from June 15-30 with the help of school alumni, public representatives, the School Development Monitoring Committee, teachers, and volunteers.

The department has asked the teachers to know about gadgets and technology available with all parents of students from classes 1-10. While such data was collected last year, it should be revised.

Educational qualifications of their parents also have to be collected so that in case there are no parents available to help children, any volunteers near the house can be identified.

Those who do not have any access to phones and television can watch Chandana channel or identifying neighbours who have access to mobile. In case, radio is available, students can listen to classes on Akashavani.

Students can download soft copies of textbooks can be using QR code. Teachers must make WhatsApp groups of parents and students, make short videos, audio clips and share with students, send practice sheets on mobiles.

In case physical schools reopen, teachers have to follow the usual yearly action plan. Otherwise, the alternative system has to be put in place to ensure continuity in learning and a uniform system of evaluation. A one-month bridge course will be held.