Academics in Pandemic: 'Quality, effectiveness in digitised mode of learning must be addressed'

Strap: Principal of GNDU College, Kamlesh Duggal, has made premises digital but is also aware of flaws

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Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, September 9

Even as the educational institutions are using all available means to bridge the gap induced by the outbreak and following restrictions inflicted upon the structure of learning and teaching, the learned academicians, who have been in the field for decades, believe that online education can never be an alternative to classroom teaching-learning. Owing to the pandemic, the format of education and learning, including teaching and assessment methodologies, have marked a significant shift for past five months. Kamlesh Duggal, Principal, Guru Nanak Dev University College, Ladowali road, says e-learning is the new normal. However, he feels that there is an urgent need to address some serious challenges pertaining to quality and effectiveness in digitised learning. In a conversation with Ajay Joshi, he says the time has arrived when both the teachers and the students have to mould themselves according to the changed times.

How is the teaching of different classes going on?

As the covid-19 has resulted in schools and various educational institutes to shut all across the country, we have no option left but to shift to the digital world. Even the teachers who were not well-versed with the virtual learning are not making them tech-friendly. Apart from the graduation courses, our prime focus at this time is to conduct undisrupted classes for the students pursuing their Masters, including MBA and MCA.

What infrastructural changes have been made for the digital sessions?

The college has three computer labs in its campus, earlier utilised for conducting practicals. But now as the teachers have started coming, we have turned them into online teaching studios. Laptops and internet connectivity has also been provided to the teachers for better conduct of the online classes and due to desirable space in the labs, around two-three teachers easily take their classes. Besides, academic calendar and time-table along with the digital platform where classes are to be held has already been shared with the students and teachers. Language apps, virtual tutoring, video-conferencing tools, or online learning, we are using all the available softwares and apps including Zoom and WhatsApp too. The final year students are the prime priority so that they could be ready to face placements. In addition, looking at the situation, a demand of digital equipment, including camera, microphones and speakers have also been submitted to the university’s main campus.

Take on the conduct of final year exams?

As far as the exams of the final year students is concerned, we are only relying on the UGC’s guidelines and directions of the state government. Though it’s difficult for the students to attend examinations amid pandemic, exams are equally important as it would directly reflect upon the job placement. Better score or performance would help fetch better job.

How is the admission process going on?

Fortunately, the pandemic couldn’t dampen the spirits of students from continuing their classes. The admissions process is on and students from other states are enthusiastically enrolling for different courses. We have total 350 seats for Bcom course, but have received 565 applications for the same. Similarly, there are only 120 seats for BBA and number of applications are 145. Hence, the admission process is smooth. Students from neighbouring states are helped through online model. They are sending scanned copies of their documents and the staff is admitting them, subject to the eligibility.

Plans for academic session 2020-21?

The online classes for existing students had already begun last month. The detailed academic calendar and time-table has been shared. During this academic year we have incorporated various online lectures, competitive activities for students and other assignments to engage students. However, we feel online method can’t be a substitute to classroom teaching. Rest, the exams will be conducted as per the guidelines.

What will be your concern once the classroom teaching begins?

Our biggest concern is about the health and safety of the students and their families and for this we will put our earnest efforts to provide them a safe and conducive environment.

What’s your opinion on New Education policy (NEP)?

The government has tried to place its agenda by introducing the NEP that all the institutions will have to adhere to. Despite opposition, I think some of the key changes are acceptable, like the primary education in first language and others. Besides, the real opinion would be established after four-five years of its implementation. However, the students do need to get rid of the old school principles like cramming of syllabus and should focus on overall development.