For the online classes in TN, attendance not compulsory
Posted on: 07/Sep/2020 10:37:50 AM
On Saturday, the department of school education issued an order and as per the order the attendance is not mandatory for the students for the online classes in TN. It also stated that assignments given to the students in the online classes would not be taken into consideration for the final performance evaluation.
Set of mandatory guidelines has been issued by the school education department for the online classes. Truth is government school students are the worst affected and most of them do not have any access to the digital tools or an internet connection.
According to a senior official belonging to the department it was clear that other students are finding it difficult as they do not have a chance to have face-to-face interaction with their peers.
The stress due to online classes plus examination due to pandemic had led to the deaths of 2 students in TN. Well-being of the students is now given importance by the teachers.
It is now said that those students who had missed the online classes would be taught when the schools reopen and these students would be brought on par with others. The order stated that students must be forced to attend the online classes and terms like shall, should, must and compulsory would be counted in attendance grades, marks and evaluation would be based on this etc must not be used by the teachers.
The officials were of the view that these words might lead to stress in the students and then might result in conflict inside the families. Providing emotional support to the students is important and the school education department has asked the teachers to do this for the well being of the students. For monitoring the online classes, the schools have been asked to appoint a counsellor.
It is worthy to note that the teachers have been asked to inculcate healthy practises among the students like exercises, good nutrition etc. In addition, the teachers have been asked to have regular discussions with the students and their families regarding online learning and related issues. Fact is after the classes went online there was a drastic drop in the student attendance.
