MP plans e-teaching for schoolchildren
In a first-of-its-kind initiative in the country, Madhya Pradesh is planning to introduce ‘class from home’ programme for school students to ensure that their studies are not disrupted following closure of educational institutions in the wake of coronavirus outbreak.
The programme is in line with the ‘work from home’ concept adopted by various government and private organisations to protect their employees from infections.
“We have evolved a strategy to ensure that academic pursuits of students are not affected due to the lockdown. The ‘class from home’ or e-teaching programme specifies teaching through FM radio and various social media networking sites like WhatsApp”, the spokesman of the school and mass education department told this correspondent here on Sunday.
The one-hour ‘home class’ for students of Standard VI to 12 will begin at 11 am and will be conducted on all weekdays. Students can clarify doubts from their respective teachers through WhatsApp.
“We are initially planning to teach mathematics and science. Later, we may cover other subjects if the response is encouraging”, the spokesman said.
Meanwhile, the Madhya Pradesh government has decided to promote students of all classes, except standards 10th and 12th, of the state schools without exams in view of the coronavirus outbreak, an official said on Sunday.
The 10th and 12th board exams are carried forward, an official spokesman said.
Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Saturday night reviewed measures to tackle the coronavirus pandemic and decided to promote students of all classes of the state schools, except 10th and 12th board, he said.
“The 10th and 12th board examinations will be carried forward and general promotions will be given to students of all other classes,” the official said.
After the Bhopal gas tragedy in 1984, the then state government had also given general promotion to students of all classes, except those appearing for the board exams.
Meanwhile, Chouhan has also decided to provide ration free of cost to the poor, irrespective of whether they have ration cards or not, for the next three months.