New norms, digitisation to make life easy for pupils

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, December 14

As the Centre caps school bag weight and recommends less homework for school students in the New Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020), the educators and parents think that the time is suitable to implement the new norms in education to move towards digital format.

With onus now on reducing homework and weight of school bags and asking schools to provide lockers and monitor the weight of the bag, the change in this regard, agree most schools, has already been made.

“The school weight cap was a recommendation that was proposed two years back as well. So, we implemented changes that include providing cupboards to keep books and introducing one notebook for five subjects to reduce burden on students. We even reduced homework assignments for primary and middle classes and already digitalisation of learning through the pandemic has enabled students to learn without having to bear the extra burden of books. Now, with softwares like Edunet, learning would mostly be technology-driven rather than adding to the weight of books,” said Upasana Mehra, principal, the Senior Study II.

Several other private schools that have shifted learning to online mode, say that classroom teaching, whenever schools reopen for all, will definitely require fewer books in bag. Introduction of smartboards, lockers for students have mostly been adopted in private schools. “Everyone, from teachers to students and parents are now digitally trained for teaching. With new learning enabled softwares and applications in place, I think that this is the perfect time to implement these recommendations under NEP 2020,” said Sushmita Sharma, a teacher from city.

Parents too agree. “Now online teaching has put students at ease. I think this change will now continue even after schools reopen for junior classes. So, school bags would definitely get lighter,” shared Shivani Bhalla, mother of two.