Dr Asangba Tzudir
In compliance with Unlock 4 guidelines, schools were partially reopened from September 21. With Unlock 5, states and union territories are now given the freedom to decide on reopening of schools and coaching institutions after October 15 in a graded manner. While the decision shall be taken in consultation with the respective schools or institution management based on their assessment of the situation, however, the ministry clarified that online or distance learning will continue to be the preferred mode of teaching and also to be encouraged.
Certain guidelines regarding SOP’s have to be in place accordingly. Even then, students may attend schools or institutions only with the written consent of the parents. However, for higher education institutions, only research scholars and PG students in Science and technology streams will be permitted to open, the decision to which will be taken by he respective State and UT Governments.
In context, even though the process of reopening of schools and colleges has been initiated, the situation is such that, the mode of teaching-learning cannot be both online and offline, or call it ‘onoffline’ due to certain practical reasons. While most of the students are yet to return to their place of study, even for those students who are located in their place of study needs the approval of the parents. The COVID situation especially in Dimapur and Kohima is relentless and though inter district movement is allowed it will be difficult to take a decision to return to a ‘unsafe zone.’ The same goes for the approval of the parents for sending their children to schools. After all it is not an easy decision.
Considering the various disadvantages of online classes and learning a return to the normal offline classes is much longed for, which the students are also sincerely hoping for. However, in the current context online classes with all its disadvantages seems to be the most justifiable one, though many a time students are left at the mercy of internet connectivity. Network fluctuation and poor connectivity have not helped the cause of online classes.
The initiation of reopening within guidelines creates a divide and which is not justified. Being conditioned by parent’s approval or disapproval on the one hand and on the other, not all the students are stationed in their place of study, it puts many students at a disadvantage. Be it even for offline tutorial class, it is not justified in ‘privileging’ certain students over the others.
Over and above, the Covid-19 pandemic has created such a dilemma where it is difficult to take any concrete decision or measures considering the uncertainty of the situation and the current trend of rising number of COVID positive cases. Though unlock 5 guidelines has provided for reopening of institutions, unless there is a situation where none of the students are put at a disadvantage, it is not favorable to have offline classes in whatever format. With all its drawbacks, the current online system of teaching-learning seems to be the most justified one. In addition to the consent of the parents for offline classes, institutions simply cannot call students to return to their place of study.
(Dr Asangba Tzudir contributes a weekly guest editorial to The Morung Express. Comments can be emailed to asangtz@gmail.com)
