I had a very bad experience due to the frequent power outages. While answering my papers, I missed my submission deadlines. Infact I had to rewrite an entire paper because my charge ran out and the document was not saved. My classmates too have experienced similar terrifying situations. One of my classmates couldn’t even contact the teacher to inform her about the delay in submission because her phone charge died and the WiFi was turned off. There is fear that this could lead to serious problems academically. I feel that power outages during exams are definitely a big issue in Goa. It’s indisputable that students answering online exams need constant power supply.
- Shreeya Kudchadkar, Margao
Power outages
are something common where I live, and it becomes really hectic during online
exams when this happens, because it’s difficult to use mobile data in a village
with no proper network. I have to completely depend on the wifi service at
home. However due to frequent power outages the wifi service keeps cutting off,
because of which the submission of the exam answer sheet is delayed. Yes,
online exams are safer and the youth is protected, but these factors should
also be taken into consideration. We need reliable power supply to ensure
uninterrupted flow of work.
- Evane Picardo, Student, Divar
Frequent power
cuts disrupt the internet flow, students panic due to unstable connectivity.
Electronic gadgets lose their charge due to power cuts and we were unable to
complete our papers which forces us to settle for undeserving grades. Also, the
required comfort and convenience that keeps us focused is disrupted.
- Joswalt Noronha, Student, Margao
The causes and
consequences of power outages in an age where almost everything is digital is
not something new we have had to face. As students have to answer online exams
in view of this threat (of power outages) the fear is quite apparent. Sometimes
even teachers treat such statements (“Ma’am our WiFi is down’’) with
skepticism, making life really difficult; convincing them to accept our paper
becomes a frustrating task and many students face the taunting accusations of
teachers and staff. However it is very clear that power outages are here to
stay and as long as online classes and exams are still the norm the only
solution to this problem would be, ‘being ready.’ Connecting laptops and
mobiles to CPU’s to keep them charged and connecting the WiFi modems to some
battery backup is one way. Charging mobile data services with adequate packages
to help upload PDF’s in case of WiFi shutdowns is also a solution
- Frederick Fernandes, Student, Panjim
I have not
experienced power outage in my area. But if outages happen frequently, it will
be a tough time answering online exams. It will increase our level of anxiety
because of the fear of not finishing the paper on time. Hence, it is extremely
important to take precautions and keep an alternative ready in case if such a
situation arises.
- Aafreen Khan, Student Panaji,
Online exams
got more challenging due to persistent power cuts. My phone doesn’t provide
very good battery life, since the screen has to be kept on throughout for
referring to the question paper, it often switched off during the time of
submission, which increases the chaos. Many times I couldn’t submit the paper
on time, and had to face repercussions. I was on the verge of giving a re-examination
for a paper that I had answered well.
- Taarini Parashar, Student Taleigao
Answering an exam online can be very
difficult due to power outages that turn off the WiFi connections. This causes
trouble in downloading the question paper or uploading the answer sheets. Also,
due to periodic power surges throughout the night, study apparatus such as
laptops and mobile phones do not charge, causing panic and anxiety to the
student.
- Aaron Morais, Student, Ribandar
Power cuts
during online examinations are really stressful. When the power keeps
fluctuating time and again we face a really difficult time concentrating, a lot
of our time goes into downloading the paper, finding connectivity and even
submitting the paper.
- Shimron Nathan, Student, Panjim
Unscheduled and
frequent power cuts can cause a major nuisance while answering online exams,
making students write their papers in a rush in order to submit them before the
battery of a device goes off.
- Praveen Borkar, Student, Marcel
Frequent power
outages are like a nightmare during online examinations. The worst thing is we
are completely dependent on electronic devices, which need to be charged after
a certain period of time but because of constant power cuts it becomes very
difficult for the devices to function properly. Fixing them and searching for
an alternative, consumes a lot of time, leaving our papers to be incomplete
which in turn affects our overall grades.
- Astrid Ataide, Student, Divar
Frequent power
fluctuations whilst answering, left many students facing a quandary as they use
WiFi. With the instability in power, they have no resort but to wait it out
till it returns. I too have faced this problem and submitted my paper five
minutes after deadline. Power outages are totally deplorable.
- Christopher Eugene D’Souza, Student, Curtorim