FRIDAY, APRIL 26, 2024
Team Herald
PONDA: Classes in schools which commenced in virtual mode on Monday have left parents worried about the future of their children who have been promoted without answering the exams.
Schools in Ponda started online classes, but the students and their parents complained that online education has its limitations.
Stating that the COVID-19 has created several hurdles in education, they hope and pray for the pandemic to end soon for the classes to commence in physical mode.
Some parents urged the government to put in efforts to start physical classes following social distancing and other restrictions.
School headmaster Bharat Naik said, “The pandemic should end soon for the normal functioning of schools to begin. I am eagerly waiting to see my students. There is no information which can reveal whether students are serious about online classes or not.”
Parents Vishal Fadte from Ponda, Sandeep Parkar from Khandepar and Sandesh Naik from Marcaim said, “We don’t know when the pandemic will end. Efforts should be made to start schools by following social distancing.”
Sandesh said, “Online education and promoting students without holding exams will affect their future. For the past 16 months the students are at home.”
He said, “We must come out with some solutions to ensure the safety of students. At least for Class X students, classes should be conducted by following social distancing. Thirty-three per cent students should be allowed in a class which should be held twice a week as this will lead to social distancing and students from Class V to X will be able to attend classes at least for two days a week.”
Sandesh said, “I am worried about the students’ future. Though they are promoted they find difficulty in understanding the syllabus of the next class. Online classes are not a permanent solution.”
Sandeep said, “We don’t know how long COVID pandemic will continue and efforts should be made to commence schools in physical mode by following social distancing and restricting the number of students in each class.”
Sampada Naik, a student from Kavlem, who has been promoted to Class VII said, “There is no excitement. I am bored staying at home and despite net connectivity I find difficulty in learning and understanding the topics via online mode.”
She said, “I want to see my friends and learn with them at school.”
According to a headmaster, at present the teachers are busy in preparing SSC marksheets which will continue till June 26. Some schools have even commenced Class V admissions which will continue for four-five days. Online classes will fully commence from June 27. Around 20 per cent students either face net connectivity issue or their parents cannot afford smartphone and for them we have provided a worksheet to learn at home.”
Some students said they have not been contacted by their teachers with regards to online classes and are waiting for time-table and online class schedule.
