Virus brings tech to ‘conservative' law colleges

The novel coronavirus might be a dreaded agent of death for many, but for a few government institutions like Dr Ambedkar Government Law College in Chennai, it has helped introduce modern concepts like virtual classrooms due to the lockdown. Moving towards e-classes is a paradigm shift for the college that had introduced even a simple computerised billing for tuition fee collection only in the recent years.

This is the first time it has even tried virtual classrooms, the college principal admitted. Now, the college has virtual learning platforms and YouTube channels to connect with its nearly 1,500 students from across the state.

“This attempt has received good reception and appreciation from the students. Our professors have been uploading videos, audios and study materials. They have also created YouTube channels and are continuously uploading lecture videos on all subjects of law,” said its principal Gowri Ramesh.

The lectures were made available through apps like Google Classroom and a few other virtual learning platforms. Around 400 students across batches have registered under each professor, she said. “This is a big step forward. The switch over has smashed the general perception that legal education was not prepared for online education,” she added.

“It is no big deal for engineering colleges and even private arts colleges. But, e-class is something we have not even dreamt, as our college has yet to introduce technology aided classrooms in a big way. There were some hiccups on day one. Probably, in a couple of sessions, we will get used to it. We wish the government and college management extend it beyond lockdown period and make it a regular feature,” said a third year BABL student.

“The government should equip law colleges with modern technology not just to prepare for such situations but to keep abreast with changing times. When custody could be extended through video calls between courts and prisons, why not optimise technology at colleges producing lawyers,” the student said.