INTRODUCTION:
As it is well known that COVID-19 outbreak initially, and then its spread to India has become a havoc across the globe. It has adversely affected many sectors and among them one of the severely affected one is the education sector. This being examination time and almost on the verge of the end of the semester, is hampering the teaching and examination activities.
MEASURES TAKEN TO MINIMIZE THE DAMAGE TO THE STUDENTS:
Although no amount of alternate measures will compensate for the loss of studies, attempt has been made in our institution to compensate through online classes. The immediate remedial measure that occurred to us was to start the classes’ online classes and give assignments. We also conduct a quiz and take attendance at the end of each class so that we ensure that students have been attentive in the class and were present.
In April second week our internal examination is scheduled. We have opted to give online assignments and the students will complete and submit through e-mail. Evaluation and awarding of marks will follow.
Admission and placement process also takes place around this time. Although it will affect to some extent, but by and large the processes are now a day’s online. Even admission tests are conducted in online mode these days. But we should enhance technology further so that they shall be able to appear for tests in online mode from home.
Digitalization is indeed a blessing in disguise for the academic functioning of the college.
Observations:
It has been observed that students are participating with enthusiasm and are looking forward for the classes as lockdown has probably brought about a realization in them and thereby making them more sincere. We encourage sincerity and not seriousness.
Secondly the students of today are technology savvy. Hence whatever app is being used for the classes, they are able to get connected and are comfortable.
In fact since they have to attend from the comfort of their home, they are happier about it.
They find it advantageous as we are also sharing the power point presentations. Hence they are having ready study material.
Admissions process will have to be modified and that is conducting admission tests online, Group discussion and personal interview may be done through online mode.
So we can say that technology is the breather for all academic related problems. It is connecting minds and studies.
CONCLUSION:
Although this a black period in the history of human beings, it is teaching everyone many things. The students understand the importance of class room teaching. Those who were known for absenteeism are the first ones to get connected to the link. They are able to understand, comprehend, make running notes and clarify the doubts at the end of sessions.
Thus we would like to spread the message to our counterparts that we should have all our study material accessible through online mode. Even if the college shuts down at a short notice, we should be able to deliver our duties with justice from home. This is possible only if we are organized, and technology friendly.
Acknowledgement:
I place my deep sense of gratitude to our Chairman, Darussalam Educational Trust (DET) and Managing Director, Deccan College of Medical Sciences and Trustee , DET.
• Principal, Department of Hospital Management, Deccan School of Management, Darussalam, Nampally, Hyderabad-500001 (TS).
