R. Kaviya
In view of the COVID-19 pandemic, many schools started their academic year through online classes. The Madras High Court took serious note of the reported absence of statutory rules or guidelines to regulate the conduct of online classes. Observing that it was a matter of public importance, it directed the Centre and State Government to respond within a specified date. The Central Government released Pragyata guidelines for digital education. Madras High Court stated that the norms laid down by the Central government were only advisory in nature, so the State Government has to come up with appropriate guidelines as soon as possible. A Government order with State-specific to be followed for online classes by schools in Tamil Nadu was released by the Department of School Education on July 29.
GUIDELINES FOR SCHOOLS AND TEACHERS
No online classes for pre-primary classes for teaching curriculum. But teachers can interact with parents, that too not exceeding 30 minutes.
For Classes 1 to 8- a maximum of two sessions(30 to 45 minutes long) per day is allowed.
Classes 9 to 12- a maximum of four sessions per day.
No child shall be compelled to attend online classes.
A 10 to 15 minutes break shall be given between two sessions.
A teacher can take a maximum of 6 sessions a day and 28 sessions a week.
Classes may be scheduled between 9 am and 5 pm on all working days. All other electronic communication is restricted between 8 am to 6 pm.
Attendance can be a tool only for marking the need for extra care in academics and not for punitive or financial purposes and it would not be considered for performance evaluation.
While assessments and assignments can be done online, none of it can be made mandatory or be counted towards final grading/marking/performance evaluation.
GUIDELINES FOR PARENTS
Parents shall regularly interact with children to know their physical and mental well-being.
Check if the child is being secretive about their online activities.
Combine screen time with offline playtime.
Parents may also ensure some exercises or yoga during children’s break from classes.
Keep TV or laptops in the common area and definitely out of bedrooms.
Discuss netiquettes with children and talk about not posting hurtful messages about others, pictures, or videos of others without their consent and to think before posting one's own photos and videos online.
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