Bhaskar Majumdar, VP Digital, Lamhas Satellite Services Limited: Schools must prepare to function digitally

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July 30, 2020

How is Vu2Learn Learning Management System different from other products in the market?

Vu2Learn offers everything that is mission-critical for the academic fraternity from the perspective of online education delivery such as Live Classroom, White Board, Screen Sharing, Registration Control, Multiple device access, Distributed instructor and student base, Course calendars, Recorded class sessions, Tutorial Videos as VOD, Assessment, and Testing, Grading and Scoring for the overall management of an Institution/University.

Vu2learn has been built ground up keeping the needs of universities, schools, and colleges in mind, and is not an add-on extension of an enterprise video conferencing cum messaging platform as in the case of many competitive products.

The Vu2Learn platform has been designed to be ultra-light on bandwidth for the Indian environment using state of the art WebRTC and peer to peer network distribution technologies and allows students access to the platform through mobile phones or laptops with less than 1 Mbps bandwidth, without having to download any bandwidth-hungry user app.

Amid the concerns of security and intrusion of hackers world over while using some of the popular web/mobile-based apps Vu2Learn is highly secure through its robust architecture. Vu2Learn live classes use TLS v1.2 Certificate and 2048bit RSA Key with SHA-256 Signature Algorithm. Besides, the use of industry-neutral and technologies like LDAP, SAML2, and SAT Authentication are also available for institutions.

Lastly, Vu2Vu India took about three and half years to develop this product from scratch and it is fully developed in India, fulfilling all the criteria of “Make in India.”

How has COVID-19 changed the dynamics of school education in India?

Schools should be ready to be fully functional digitally, it is not just about online classes taken on an ad hoc basis. Student Registration and Fees, Attendance, Course and Virtual Classroom creation, Teacher Allocation, Assessments and Grading, Virtual Library all need to be integrated in a single system seamlessly. It requires a digital transformation in the processes of the school, and solutions like Vu2Learn enable schools to make the transition.

Course planners need to look into student capability for attending online classes and their capacity to comprehend online learning material. If students were attending 6-7 lectures per day in an offline mode, can the same pattern be repeated for online classes? Or do Course Planners need to think differently? How to make students learn on their own, using interesting audiovisual material so that they attend fewer online lectures, which could be for co-ordination and doubt clearance? Course design needs to be looked at keeping in mind the changing learning patterns, and aspects discussed above.

Also read: Measures for pre-schools covid-19

Assessment and Grading is another area where the dynamics are rapidly evolving. In an offline mode, standard textbook questions were sufficient. Now, sitting at home students have access to all resources at their disposal including Google, WhatsApp and their personal friendship networks. How do we conduct meaningful assessments in such an environment. Is technology-driven proctoring going to be sufficient, or do we need to change the way we ask questions and test the student’s lateral thinking so that whatever resources they use, the assessment is meaningful and they are still learning at the end of the day.

Teachers need to be fluent in using digital learning management systems going forward. They need to be trained in the digital delivery of their course content, use of the Learning Management System for taking classes, assessment and grading, including use of devices like digital pens and tablets. Schools need to ensure that teachers have sufficient internet infrastructure at home to be able to teach remotely. If not, then schools need to provide such digital infrastructure at its premises, so that teachers can come to school and teach digitally.

What are the upcoming innovations in the field of digital/online education?

While India embraces digital education, we must bear in mind that we should not create a digital divide, and online classes should not be privileged access for a few.

Learning Management Systems like Vu2Learn are very well developed and can cater to Indian school’s needs. The next challenge for us is distribution into wider India, where broadband penetration is typically restricted to cities, and affluent localities. How do we reach online education to rural areas, how do we provide access to underprivileged children who may not have a broadband internet line at home, that is our next challenge.

What are Lamhas/Vu2VuIndia future plans in digital transformation technologies?

Lamhas/Vu2VuIndia are currently exploring technologies and solutions for wider distribution of online education. So, our platform can provide an inclusive solution for rural areas and underprivileged children.

While we approach this problem, we realize that we are trying to solve a connectivity issue and multiple applications can ride on the platform we create, not just online education. A case in point being telemedicine, which uses broadly similar technology and to use our platform to provide primary healthcare facilities.

NEET Exams: SC seeks response from Central govt over Gulf centres

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July 30, 2020

The Supreme Court sought a response from the Central government and the Medical Council of India (MCI) on a plea seeking directions to hold National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test (NEET) exam centres in Gulf countries.

The plea, filed by parents of nearly 4,000 NEET (undergraduate) candidates, sought to alternatively postpone the examination until the COVID-19 pandemic normalises.

A bench headed by Justice L Nageswara Rao issued notice to the Centre and the MCI to sought their responses on the pleas.

Also read: HRD Minister: NTA to review exam dates for NEET, JEE

The parents of these candidates, who reside in Doha, Qatar, Oman, and UAE, have approached the apex court challenging the Kerala High Court June 30 order which had dismissed their plea.

In their appeal against the Kerala High Court order, the general secretary of Kerala Muslim Culture Centre in Qatar, Abdul Azeez said that the National Testing Agency (NTA) had the capability and willingness to open exam centres in Gulf countries as they had been doing so for the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE).

The petition contended that the NTA has said it would open examination centres abroad only if the MCI approved the proposal.

The MCI, in its communication dated May 21, informed that the online test for NEET is not possible, the plea in apex court stated.

Measures for pre-schools covid-19

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July 30, 2020

For the safety of children, the whole building including furniture, swings, garden area, washroom and all the touch points will be sanitized on daily basis, says Anu Gupta, Parenting proficient | Chairperson, Leaders group of schools in a conversation with Elets News Network (ENN).

The government asked schools to shut down around March 15, 2020 and still under lockdown due to surge in the COVID 19 curve in India. The HRD Ministry planning to open Sr. classes from August 2020 onwards and gradually will start primary classes from September/ October 2020.

Brief Guidelines for Kids & Parents

We have drafted detailed guidelines for the kids & parents, over here we are covering some brief pointers

1. For the safety of children, the whole building including furniture, swings, garden area, washroom and all the touch points will be sanitized on daily basis.

2. All the kids coming via busses or as walkers, thermal screening will be done before entering the vehicle & inside the school premises.

3. Shoes will be sanitized at the gate and once inside the premises near the gate only, washing the hands will be compulsory.

4. Wearing mask will be compulsory, no morning assemblies and any activities which will involve gathering.

5. Parents who come to drop kids to school, will be handed over kids at the gate and not allowed in the premises. In case they want to come at the reception, then thermal screening, mask and proper sanitization of them will be done.

6. Kids will not be allowed to play in groups at the swings, ball pool. If they will play.

7. They will not be allowed to share their food and water bottles. Even after every use of washroom, the toilet seat will be sanitized.

8. The class sitting arrangement will be accordingly to maintain physical distancing among kids inside the class.

9. In DayCare also the sleeping beds will be individual, and all the bedsheets will be washed on daily basis.

10. Busses/Vans seats will be sanitized daily.

Also read: Impact of COVID 19 on Education

Brief Guidelines for Educators & Support Staff

1. Thermal Screening will be compulsory along with mask for all the staff members including drivers

2. They will strictly follow up the social distancing by themselves & will make sure that this should be maintained by visitors & parents

3. Staff will not be allowed to call food or any other item from outside in school hours

4. Before & after taking any child to washroom Didi will sanitized her hands properly

5. BH’s will make sure that while cooking food for DayCare kids, Didi will follow all hygienic measurements

6. No staff will be allowed in the premises if suffering from any flu or infection

Equipment’s in Premises

To make ourselves ready we have all the equipment’s installed well in place

1. Thermal Screening Guns
2. Masks & Gloves
3. Hand free Sanitizer Machine
4. Disinfection sprayer machine
5. Disinfection solution for cleaning all the touch points like toilet seats, taps, swings, doorknobs etc.
6. Face Shields in case of any requirement.

Safety measures for schools post covid-19

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July 30, 2020

One of the main challenges we face as an organization is to meet the fear driven anxiety of parents says Dr Vidhukesh Vimal, Headmaster, The Assam Valley School in a conversation with Elets News Network (ENN).

One of the primary discussions that consumes us today are the changes we stand to face in the mundanity of our lives as we have known it. One of the main challenges we face as an organization is to meet the fear driven anxiety of parents. At The Assam Valley School, with its sprawling campus of 240 acres and a complex residential structure that caters to 800 students, a diverse teaching faculty and support staff, this can be a labyrinthine process.

Academics and Activity Programme:

• The School made a smooth transition to online teaching learning mode in a flipped classroom.

• Students and parents were acclimatized to the rigors of a digital environment with classes and assessments designed to extract the maximum off an online platform.

• AVS’s rich and diverse Activity Programme has been shifted online where teachers plan their sessions to actively engage their students.

• A significant element of a residential school is its Pastoral Care. Tutor-tutee engagement remains prioritized to ensure the mental well-being of the students where they are provided with an outlet to share their apprehensions if any.

Also read: Plan of action for the new normal post covid-19

Infrastructure:

• Provision of a bay has been made at the Main Gate to disinfect vehicles.

• Couriers and other goods received at the Gate are being set aside for the prescribed disinfecting period.

• Thermal scanners for all Boarding Houses and other strategic locations across campus is being acquired.

• Data is being collated for necessary procedures and training of staff on safety protocol has begun.

Medical Provisions and preparations for extreme emergencies:

• The School has a 32 bedded fully equipped infirmary, a Resident Medical Officer with trained staff and an ambulance with life support paraphernalia.

• Sanitizers have been placed on strategic areas across the campus while masks and gloves are made regularly available to all concerned.

• A suitable building has been converted to an Isolation Ward for flu cases and to provide quarantine facilities as and when required.

• The School is in the process of acquiring PPE Kits for our Health Care workers to tackle any unforeseen situations.

Emotional and Mental Readiness of all stakeholders:

• A long term goal, the aim is to ensure the mental health of students, parents and staff.

• The School Management conducts regular interactions with Staff at different levels.

• Online meetings are held with Parents to discuss their concerns.

• A series of Webinars with Parents of different age groups have been designed with the School’s Councilors and the Resident Medical Officer moderated by the Headmaster to address the anxiety quotient faced regularly by Parents and safety protocols that our children must be made aware of and trained in.

Pandemics have marked history in a queer fashion indicating that human evolution has often been hastened by tragedy. The values we teach our children today may just be the faith that sustains us tomorrow.

Home Ministry: Educational Institutions to be closed till August 31

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July 30, 2020

Union Home Ministry issued the revised set of guidelines for Unlock 3.0 phase which sets the norms with regards to restrictions that are imposed across the country as part of the COVID-19 precautions. Schools, colleges and coaching institutions will remain closed till August 31, 2020, Ministry of Home Affairs said while it issued the Unlock 3 guidelines.

The guidelines said the decision to not to open the educational institutions has been taken after extensive consultation with states and UTs.

The new guidelines, issued today, are based on feedback received from states and union territories, and extensive consultations held with related Central Ministries and Departments, the Ministry of Home Affairs statement said.

Also read: Home Ministry: No decision taken over reopening school

The new guidelines said Yoga institutes and gymnasiums will be allowed to open from August 5, 2020.

The guidelines said Independence Day functions will be allowed with social distancing and by following other health protocols, e.g., wearing of masks etc and in this regard, instructions issued by the MHA on July 21, 2020 will be followed.

On the occasion of 74th Independence Day, the earlier MHA guidelines had said that debates, quiz, essay writing and poetry competitions in schools and colleges will be held online. It has asked educational institutions to organise the events online on digital platforms.

A shift in mindset will be needed – to teach and learn post-pandemic

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July 30, 2020

Future transformations will witness these classroom transactions are complemented with newfangled technological tools says Dr Manimekalai Mohan, Managing Trustee & Correspondent, SSVM Institutions, Coimbatore in a conversation with Elets News Network (ENN).

Today, due to unforeseen extensions, it is difficult to predict when schools will resume. As educators, we must look after the emotional, social and behavioural health of our learners, which is diametrically opposite to social distancing.

Currently, SSVM is effectively engaging students with online education. Our prime focus is at the inferences of the novel learning approaches that are being redefined through technological innovations, right from the live academic meetings, video interactions, online theatre, to working with all learners fulfilling their varied learning needs. Future transformations will witness these classroom transactions are complemented with new-fangled technological tools. It is time to embrace learning “anywhere anytime”.

The new reality takes us towards technological assessment systems, digital paper corrections, eBooks and smart classroom boards and many more.Moreover, it is very early to be judgemental about how the learning trajectory will be affected by online teaching.However, when students participate in online learning, their responses have been awe-inspiring, and this has strengthened the resolve of our teachers and has motivated them to work harder and smarter.

Also read: The new normal for schools post-covid-19

Moving forward, towards the new normal post-pandemic environment, we require a considerable shift in the mindset of the entire learning community— both emotional and social. We hope for the safe return of teachers and learners to school so that hands-on teaching and learning can happen smoothly. A fresh approach is the need of the hour to teach and learn in this reformed online paradigm. Therefore, a post-pandemic Institutional plan is very significant, and this demands systematic preparation.

SSVM would indeed initiate new approaches by which learners can be assimilated back into the schools’ physical setting safely from the virtual world. Besides practical measures such as frequent cleaning of classrooms and sanitising all the areas where the students regularly converge, prioritising of recess, wearing masks and face shields, distance-desk markings, sizeable students- teacher ratio, sufficient medical support- staff, safer zone to eat, play and so on will also be implemented.

A revised school calendar will be planned where the events with large gatherings of students/parents will be avoided. There would be a cancellation of field trips, conferences and inter-school competitions, but will make it possible through the virtual world without compromising on the quality. School timings will be modified, giving students’ attendance its due space. School bulletins would have colourful, pictorial depictions and slogans that sensitise students on essential hygiene and cleanliness such as washing hands frequently, safe socialising and social distancing.

Considering senior students, we have almost lost the year 2020. Bearing their future progression in mind, we must help them realise the significance of their academic excellence by educating them to gain adaptability and mental strength to face any challenges in life, aiming to achieve their goals.

These are unpredicted times, and we need extraordinary measures to tackle them. No doubt, returning to school after this pandemic will indeed be a new learning exercise for learners at all levels. Adaptability is the key to unlock any adverse circumstances.

National Education Policy advocates use of technology in education

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July 29, 2020

The Union Cabinet has approved the National Education Policy 2020. Two committees were formed and their reports had been considered while framing the new policy. This is a historic day as the country has got a new education policy after 34 years.

The NEP, 2020 emphasized the usage of technology in education. E-courses will be developed in regional languages and virtual labs will be developed and a National Educational Technology Forum (NETF) is being created.

E-content will be developed in many regional languages other than English and Hindi in NEP, 2020.

The ministry will use the technology in education planning, teaching learning and most essentially in assessment.

Also read: MHRD forms single Higher Education regulator

The ministry will develop regulation- self disclosure & minimum human interface in education sector according the new policy.

It has also given priority to increase asses for disadvantaged groups of the society. It will also develop Divyang friendly education software.

The new policy is eyeing to digitally equipping schools, teachers and students.

MHRD forms single Higher Education regulator

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July 29, 2020

The Union HRD Minister today announced the New Education Policy for the country. It has been changed after a period of 34 years.

Many new strategies have been made for Higher education. Regulatory System of Higher Education to be distinct for regulation, accreditation, funding and academic standard setting will be all under the umbrella of Higher Education Commission of India.

In another reform, four major verticals of HECI to be National Higher Education Regulatory Council (HNERC), National Accreditation Council (NAC), Higher Education Grants Council (HEGC) and General Education Council (GEC) which would further form a National Higher Education Qualification Framework.

UGC, AICTE to be replaced by a single Higher Education Regulator in the NEP,2020.

The professional councils, such as the Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR), Veterinary Council of India (VCI), National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE), Council of Architecture (CoA), National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET) etc., will act as Professional Standard Setting Bodies (PSSBs).

Also read: HRD Minister announces New Education Policy; Key Highlights of the new policy

Students pursuing 4 year degree programme would have an option of getting a degree with Research if the research process is completed in the area of study as specified.

Primary task or NRF would be to fund competitive, peer reviewed grant proposals of all types and across all disciplines and also act as a liasion between researchers and relevant branches of government so as to allow breakthroughs.

Major reforms suggested in the higher education to give more flexibility to the students.

HRD Minister announces New Education Policy; Key Highlights of the new policy

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July 29, 2020

HRD Minister announces New Education Policy

Changes have been introduced in the Indian Education Policy after a period of 34 years. As per the changes introduced the Ministry of Human Resource and Development has been renamed as Education Ministry.

Union HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank said that the New Education Policy 2020 has been structures to resolve various issues in the education sector. The minister had also shared that the new policy will provide the youth of the country with more convenient access to higher education.

National Education Policy 2020: Key Highlights

The Right to Education (RTE) has been extended covering children under the age group of 3 to 18 years. The new policy aims to universalize the pre-primary education and provide foundational literacy to all by 2025.

It proposed universalization of Early Childhood Care Education (ECCE) and the establishment of a National Mission on Foundational Literacy and Numeracy.

The National Education Policy 2020 proposes a 5+3+3+4 curricular and pedagogical structure on the basis of the cognitive-developmental stages of the children instead of their age.

Also read: Board Exams set to get easier in New Education Policy

NEP 2020 thus divides the K12 segment further into Foundational Stage, (for Age 3-8 yrs): 3 years of Pre-primary plus Grades 1-2, Preparatory Stage (for Age 8-11 years): Grades 3-5, Middle Stage for Age (11-14 years): Grades 6-8 and Secondary Stage (for Age 14-18 years): Grades 9-12.

Coding to begin for students from Class 6. The curriculum will also include 21st-century skills, scientific temper and mathematical thinking.

NEP 2020 also has a provision for multilingual studies with a focus on the classical languages of India.

School students of all levels will have regular periods and opportunities to participate in physical activity and exercise, including sports, games, yoga, martial arts, dance, gardening, and more.

A National Assessment Centre – Parakh to be established under NEP 2020.

NEP 2020 also prescribes an independent, state-wide, regulatory body called the State School Regulatory Authority for each state.

NTA will conduct Common Entrance Exam for admission to Higher Educational Institutions.

NEP 2020 aims to take the Gross Enrolment Ratio to 50% by 2035. HEIs excluding legal and medical will have a single regulator under NEP 2020.

Universities to be named not on the basis of ownership but on quality of education.

The provisions of National Education Policy 2020 aim to provide students a multidisciplinary and holistic education with more flexibility and choice of subjects.

The National Education Policy 2020 establishes a new highest regulating body, the Rashtriya Shiksha Aayog or National Education Commission.

Board Exams set to get easier in New Education Policy

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July 29, 2020

In the New Education Policy (NEP), board exams are set to get easier. Over the years, Board exams which lead to a lot of stress among not just students by also parents. The board exams for Grades 10 and 12 will be continued in NEP.

Board exams may be divided annual/semester/modular offering all subjects beginning with mathematics, at two levels. It can have two parts exams or objective type and descriptive type.

The NEP moots that with regard to all of the above, guidelines will be prepared by NCERT, in consultation with SCERTs, Boards of Assessment (BoAs), and PARAKH, the proposed new National Assessment Centre etc.

School Education Secretary Anita Karwal said there will be a change in progress card of students.

Also read: MHRD Minister announces New Education Policy

The progress card will be a holistic, multidimensional report that reflects in great detail the progress and the uniqueness of each learner. The progress card will include self-assessment, peer assessment and teacher assessment.

Teachers to be prepared for a transformation in the assessment system by the 2022-23 academic session, the NEP holds.

The NEP was cleared by the Union Cabinet and the MHRD Ministry renamed as Ministry of Education.

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