Odisha govt issues guidelines for varsities, colleges on online teaching

Bhubaneswar: A day after asking Universities and Degree Colleges in Odisha to start online teaching from July 13, the State Higher Education department today issued guidelines for the higher educational institutions regarding the online classes.

“Teachers shall form WhatsApp or/and e-mail group of students, not exceeding 32 in one group. They shall provide soft copy of notes/ textbooks/ reference books / good PPTs/ recommended lectures (of self or others) to students either through WhatsApp or e-mail for study at home,” the guidelines issued by the department said.

This apart, good digital study materials are available in e-PG Pathshala (e content), MOOCS (Massive Open Online Course), Odisha State Open University website, etc.

Teachers shall conduct on-line class with students for at least two to three hours per day for three days in a week. They can use Google Meet/ Zoom/Skype or other digital platforms for such purpose. The on-line class must be conducted by the teachers from the college premises, the department said.

The higher educational institutions were asked to start online teaching for students of Intermediate Semesters/Year from July 13, 2020.

Teachers will maintain attendance register of students attending on-line class and also maintain their own Lesson Plan and Progress Register.

Each Department shall prepare the Time Table for on-line classes and submit to the Principal who shall prepare the Master Time Table, which should be made available on the college website as well as to students through WhatsApp/e-mail.

Principal with the assistance of Academic Bursar/two to three senior teachers must supervise conduct of on-line classes from time to time.

The department said its officers will make surprise visit to monitor conduct of online classes.