State guidelines issued for school classes online

The School Education Department, in its order, said schools should adopt a proper time schedule with the availability of digital devices for teachers, taking into account the learner’s psychological and sociological factors like accessibility to gadgets and parental support. While this newspaper was the first to report that the government would soon issue its own guidelines for online classes, the order further stated that the school heads should consider conducting an informal survey to identify various ICT facilities available at home for each child. and analyse the data.

For online classes, the advisory said teachers and representatives of parents should chalk out modalities of digital education. The government also released a picture of how to sit on a table for e-learning.

Pointing out a short break from computer/mobile every day for 30-60 minutes will help reduce strain on eyes, it said one can walk around for a few minutes during breaks. On the online class timing, the guidelines said a break of 10-15 minutes shall be given between each session. “A teacher may take a maximum of six classes per day, subject to 28 online classes per week,” it said, adding all electronic communication regarding assignments may be restricted from 8 am to 6 pm. “Malpractices on the internet and other ethical issues may be reported to teachers,” it said, adding students, teachers and parents may be oriented on Dos and Dont’s of cyber safety.

For senior students, a break of 10-15 minutes could be given between two classes for students to focus on the next class.