Thursday, Apr 16, 2020 14:45 [IST]
Last Update: Thursday, Apr 16, 2020 08:49 [IST]
DICHEN ONGMU
GANGTOK: Even as school teachers are imparting lessons to students through various online means amid closure of schools, the State Education department has decided to use every resources to reach out to the students and ensure that their studies is not hampered due to the nationwide lockdown.
Education department additional chief secretary G.P. Upadhyaya told SIKKIM EXPRESS that to address internet connectivity issues and smartphone accessibility, the department is using the medium of radio and local cable television to conduct classes. He added that the class through All India Radio Gangtok is starting April 16 and the first class in English for class VIII would be conducted from 1 to 2 pm.
With the extension of nationwide lockdown and closure of schools, Chief Minister P.S. Tamang had announced that the government will seek cooperation of AIR and Samvaad cable TV to conduct classes.
Stressing on the connectivity issue, Upadhyaya said the department has decided to start lecture series through AIR and local cable television Samvaad TV for the convenience of the students. “We will be releasing the entire routine soon but the first lecture will be for English subject of Class VIII from 1-2 pm through AIR. We are using every resources required to reach out to our students.”
Classes for Science and Mathematics subjects would be conducted through Samvaad TV as these are crucial subjects and cannot be covered fully through online classes that too at the time when students are facing network issues, it was informed.
According to the Education additional chief secretary, government schools are also conducting online classes via various apps (Zoom and Google classroom) including Sikkim’s own app Sikkim Edu-tech app.
“We are trying to make all efforts within our reach and I am sure this will help the students. There are some MHRD and NCERT resources online which I have been sharing personally for the higher class students. Children can see them on YouTube and learn. Our aim is to make sure that the momentum of the studies isn’t disrupted so that we don’t face difficulties when the school reopens after the lockdown,” he added.
Upadhyaya maintained that if the government approves and situation improves nationwide then the schools for higher classes (8-12) could be resumed.
On board exam appearing students, Upadhyaya mentioned that they have access to smartphones and are in contact with their respective teachers via WhatsApp and Sikkim Edu tech app. Also the high quality IRT lectures have been forwarded timely. Once the schools reopen there are plans of taking classes on all Saturdays, reducing the number of holidays to make up for the loss of classes during the lockdown period.