As the pandemic subsides and schools open, it is evident that the pre-pandemic times will never return. Education has already been hit hard by the ongoing crisis, schools in Kolkata have opted for blended learning with smart classrooms and customized apps which is estimated to become the norm very soon.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had on Monday announced that government-run and government-aided schools could reopen for Classes IX to XII from November 16. However, private schools have decided to wait and watch as the cases have started rising since the Durga Puja in October.
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As part of the blended learning, classes would be streamed online too so that the students at home can also attend them. During the Puja holiday, MP Birla Foundation Higher Secondary School put up 10 interactive classrooms on a “trial basis,” spending around Rs 65,000 on each room. Every interactive classroom is outfitted with cameras, a laptop, and a projector. The lectures will be live webcasts. Entally’s Loreto Convent installed projectors in eight classrooms. Teachers can take lessons by connecting their gadgets to projectors.
Only registered students would be allowed to log in which would make the teaching hassle-free for the teachers. School principals have also said that simultaneous physical and online classes can solve the shortage of teachers. Further, it will also help the teachers who wouldn’t have to teach the same thing physically once and online again.
“We have equipped all the classes (with smart learning tools). Earlier, if a student was absent, he missed class, but now, with this (smart learning) facility, one can attend class from home,” said Prati Bhattacharya, General Secretary Shri Shakshayatan School. A hybrid model like this shall ensure that no one misses school and students and teachers are kept safe from Covid-19.
