E-teaching ‘experiencing’ infrastructure, connectivity issues

MARGAO: Various schools have commenced e-teaching for the students promoted to Class X, but some heads of these institutions have stressed the need to put in place the basic infrastructure such as computers and internet connection for students as well. 

They claim that the grants provided to the schools do not enable them to purchase computers or have internet connectivity. 

The heads of institutions have hailed the State Government for having started the e-teaching in schools. However, they claim that there is a need to help the schools and students to make ensure they make the best of the opportunities. 

Headmaster of Anjuman Islahul Muslameen School Urfan Mulla requested the Chief Minister to convene a meeting of all school headmasters to seriously discuss and resolve the issues. 

“I request the CM to convene a meeting of the headmasters of schools of Goa and inquire into the problems faced by the schools” he urged adding that they don’t want to keep the students idle by any means. 

“It is the duty of the management to provide education to the students,” he said. 

However, he said many students are missing out on the programme as they don’t have mobile phones and internet connections. 

Anant Agni, Headmaster of the Konkani Bhasha Mandal School said, “The e-teaching is a great step. However, there are different issues experienced such as connectivity and infrastructure, which need attention. “One of our teachers from Gaondongorim, Canacona has to travel 5 kms just to get internet reception to make sure she can host classes for the students,” he said. 

Many students from the villages are left out due to connectivity issues. 

Some schools have sought the help of the Parents Teachers Association for the connectivity. 

The Goa Infotech Corporation which provided internet to schools some years ago has stopped the service. Some schools claimed that of 100 or 120 students most miss out due to connectivity issues. 

It is learnt that the maintenance grants to aided schools don’t cover the infrastructure of e-teaching. The schools have urged the government to include the same into the grants by revisiting the system.