Government to outline norms for online classes | Economic Times

NEW DELHI: With Covid-19 impacting academic schedules, the HRD ministry is set to announce guidelines for schools to run online classes which call for restricting screen time, consolidating learning instead of trying to cover the full course, and paying attention to students’ mental health as classes resume.The ideal time proposed for online classes is up to 30 minutes for the pre-primary grade, two sessions each of 30-45 minutes for grades 1 to 8, and four sessions of 30-45 minutes each for classes 9 to 12, people in the know told ET.While there will be strong emphasis on online classes of two-three hours with short breaks, the proposed guidelines will also advise that online classes of six to eight hours—which is being followed in some schools--is not advisable for both students and teachers.The ministry will also advise that teachers and schools should not rush to cover maximum curriculum or finish it, but instead look at “consolidation” of learning in students, given the current scenario.After several rounds of consultations with state governments and various stakeholders, the ministry has drawn up ‘Pragyata’, its guidelines for conducting the academic session in online mode amid the crisis brought on by Covid-19.The guidelines, in the works since May, are yet to be announced by the Centre, though schools have either resumed academic sessions through video link or are set to do so.ET has learnt that last-minute discussion is underway on the issue, keeping in view that inputs have also come in from the public on the subject of online education.While the junior classes are to have strong reading and art and craft components to ensure there is no continuous screen focus, a 10-15 minutes break between classes will be advised for the senior students to help reduce screen strain and ensure physical and mental well being.76779767Yoga, mental wellness exercises, projects are also advised to keep children productively engaged.Pragyata will also advise three separate approaches to students--depending on the access they have to the internet and devices.Category 1 will include students with access to internet and home devices. Such students are best placed for education in online mode and can get access to live classes and shared learning material. Category 2 students will be those with limited device and internet availability or access to a smart phone on intervals. Besides a weekly class module for them, it is likely to be advised that teachers reach out to them through WhatsApp- or email-based learning material, besides downloadable material that can be accessed through pen drives.Category 3 students will include those without access to the internet and devices. For these students, the Centre plans to start education through community radio service, community screens at panchayat offices for holding classes, besides lessons on TV channels and All India Radio.