Online classes return, decision sparks debate

The sudden suspension of offline classes for students in classes 6 to 9 in Karnataka It has led to a mixed debate between academics and parents. Apart from this, on Thursday, the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, S Suresh Kumar, also clarified that physical classes will continue to be taught for grades 10, I PU and II PU.

Although parents have welcomed the move, the school leadership is against the decision. D Shashi Kumar, General Secretary, Associate Managements of Primary and Secondary Schools in Karnataka, said: “We believe that children are safe on school campuses. It is unfortunate that the decision was made at a time when we were preparing for the exams. There was not exams last year and this year too, it could be the same situation. The government should have waited at least until the exams were over. We are following SoPs and we want the Education deparment to give us time for tests. ”

Lokesh Talikatte, president of the Association of Recognized Private Schools Without Aid (RUPSA), called it a ‘black year for education’ as this decision will affect students academically. Meanwhile, Associated Managements has written to Kumar indicating that they will take the exams immediately before the schools close completely.

Meanwhile, several schools have even decided to take online tests. Mansoor Ali Khan, Member, Board of directors, DPS said: “We will switch to online mode as per the government’s decision.” Nooraine Fazal, Director of Adventure academy, said: “After due deliberation and discussion, we have decided to conduct pre-final exams online due to covid.”

Satish Gowda, one of the parents, expressed her satisfaction with the suspension of offline classes: “With an increase in cases, it is ideal for children to stay at home. We are also seeing the formation of covid groups in schools and many students are testing positive. Looking at the current situation, I don’t think there will also be offline classes in the next academic session. ”

Many students studying in PU classes have also demanded suspension of offline classes citing an increase in cases. However, in reaction to this, the education department said that they have already clarified that attendance was not mandatory and therefore students may prefer to attend classes online or offline based on their convenience.