UGC may revise exam guidelines for universities

Schools News

By

-

June 24, 2020

In the wake of Coronavirus outbreak, University Grants Commission (UGC) is all set to revise the examination guidelines for Final Semester Exams to be held by Colleges and Universities.

The change in the UGC’s stand with regards to holding University Exams, especially for Final Semester comes following concerns raised by several educational institutions, students and parents about their safety and highlighting the risk of contracting Coronavirus during examinations.

A panel appointed by the regulator has also recommended cancellation of all examinations, be it for terminal semester students or for final year students in the light of increasing Coronavirus cases in the country.

Also read: UGC permits top 100 universities to start online courses

The committee headed by Haryana University vice-chancellor R C Kuhad, was appointed earlier in the month to identify ways of assessing university students in the wake of Covid-19 pandemic. This committee has recommended that instead of holding examinations, students should be evaluated on the basis of their previous semester examinations and internal assessments instead.

The committee in its report has said that as per the UGC guidelines issued in April, all higher education institutions, including colleges and universities, were to hold the Final Semester Exams for their students in the month of July 2020.

<blockquote class=”twitter-tweet”><p lang=”en” dir=”ltr”>I have advised the <a href=”https://twitter.com/ugc_india?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>@ugc_india</a> to revisit the guidelines issued earlier for intermediate and Terminal Semester examinations and academic calendar. The foundation for revisited guidelines shall be health and safety students, teachers and staff.<a href=”https://twitter.com/PIB_India?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>@PIB_India</a> <a href=”https://twitter.com/MIB_India?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>@MIB_India</a> <a href=”https://twitter.com/DDNewslive?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>@DDNewslive</a></p>— Dr Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank (@DrRPNishank) <a href=”https://twitter.com/DrRPNishank/status/1275737398840709120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>June 24, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src=”https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js” charset=”utf-8″></script>

Maharashtra to Bombay HC: Cannot allow CISCE Board exams in July

Schools News

By

digitalLEARNING Network

-

June 24, 2020

Keeping the rising Coronacrisis in mind, Maharashtra Government has informed Bombay High Court that it cannot allow CISCE Board to hold ICSE 10th Exam 2020 and ISC 12th Exam 2020 in July 2020.

The statement was submitted by the state govt after High Court asked it to clarify its stand on the matter it was hearing about cancellation of pending ICSE Board Exams 2020. Currently, Bombay HC’s bench comprising of Chief Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice SS Shinde is hearing a plea seeking cancellation of the pending CISCE Board Exam citing safety of the students.

During the hearing, Advocate General Ashutosh Kumbhakoni, informed the Bombay High Court bench that the decision not to allow ICSE Board Exam 2020 in Maharashtra was taken by the state government. He also added that the decision was taken in a meeting of State Disaster Management Committee, under the chairmanship of CM Uddhav Thackeray.

Also read: COVID-19 outbreak: ICSE postpones 10th and 12th board exams

Kumbhakoni also informed the Bombay HC that the state govt had also cancelled all pending semester exams in the state taking into account the serious situation.

Supreme Court was hearing a similar petition filed by parents challenging holding of pending board exams for students amid the on-going pandemic and the risk it poses to their health and wellbeing.

As of now, the case has been adjourned until 25th June, by when CBSE is expected to announce its decision regarding pending board exams.

MHRD: PISA postponed by one year

News

By

digitalLEARNING Network

-

June 24, 2020

Keeping the Corona pandemic in mind, the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) been postponed by one year to 2022. The PISA was scheduled be in 2021.

The Ministry of Human Resource and Development has sent a letter to the Chandigarh Education Department in this regard. The schools of Chandigarh are to represent India in PISA this time.

In the letter from MHRD, it was stated that the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development has confirmed that the PISA main survey scheduled for 2021 for the current cycle has been postponed by one year.

Also read: MHRD Ministry launches Yukti 2.0 platform

The field trial which was scheduled for April this year, will now be held in 2021 instead, mentioned the letter. The MHRD, in the letter, also stated that the Secretary Department of School Education and Literacy wishes that with schools closed due to COVID-19, period of lockdown should be utilised to improve the reading skills (reading ability and speed with comprehension) of the children.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had selected Chandigarh UT for PISA 2021. India had last participated in 2009. PISA conducted every three years, is a competency-based assessment. It differs from content-based assessment in that it measures the extent to which students have developed key competencies that are required for participating wholly in modern societies.

A triennial international survey, PISA aims to evaluate the educational system across the world by putting 15-year-old students to test in which their knowledge and skills are assessed. Students are tested on the basis of Science, Mathematics, Reading ability and collaborative problem-solving skills.

BSEB Dummy Registration Card released for 2021 exam

Schools News

By

digitalLEARNING Network

-

June 24, 2020

Amid Coronavirus epidemic, the Bihar School Education Board (BSEB) Dummy Registration Card has been released for Class 10 and 12 Exam 2021.

The BSEB Dummy Registration Card 2021 is available on the official website, biharboardonline.com.

The students who will appear in the classes 10 and 12, 2021 academic session must cross-check all the details and verify them to ease out the process of registration.

All candidates are informed that they will be able to make corrections their name, parents’ name, date of birth, cate, category, gender, photo, subjects, etc later too.

Also read: Check Bihar Board Class 10 Results on biharboardonline

The schools and colleges would need to send the Bihar Board Final registration Card 2021 by July 7, 2020.

Steps to download the admit card:

-Visit the official website of Bihar Board- biharboardonline.com

-Go to the link that reads Bihar Board 2021 online Registration

-Enter the school detail and the principal’s id

-Type in the OTP received there and print the form for future reference.

UPPSC declares results for PCS Mains 2018

Government News

By

digitalLEARNING Network

-

June 24, 2020

Amidst Coronavirus epidemic, Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) declared the results of its commonly known as PCS (mains)-2018 which is combined state/upper subordinate services general selection/ Divyanjan backlog (mains).

Aspirants can check their results on official site- uppsc.up.nic.in.

The exam was conducted for a total of 988 posts, including four for which no interviews are to be conducted and the selections are to be made based solely on the written exams.

“As a result, for the remaining 984 posts, a total of 2,669 candidates have been declared successful and qualified to take part in the interview round of the selection process,” said secretary, UPPSC, Jagdish.

The UPPSC secretary said for four posts, including one post of executive officer class-1/assistant city commissioner and three posts of accountant urban development, no interviews will be conducted. The final result of these posts will be declared along with the final results of PCS-2018 after the interview round of other posts.

Also read: UPPSC PCS 2019 Main exams to be held on 25th August

Result of women candidates from outside Uttar Pradesh declared successful on the basis of the release issued on October 5, 2019, will be subject to the final decision of the court in special appeal 475/2019 filed by the UP government.

PCS (preliminary) exam-2018 was held along with the recruitment exam for assistant conservator of forest/range forest officer on October 28, 2018. The exam was held at 1381 centres in 29 districts of the state.

Haryana to cancel higher and technical education exams

Schools News

By

digitalLEARNING Network

-

June 24, 2020

In the wake of Coronavirus epidemic, the Haryana government has decided not to hold higher and technical education examinations. Students will be promoted to the next semester on the basis of internal assessment and previous performance, said state minister Kanwar Pal.

Earlier, the Haryana’s Higher and Technical Education Department had said all terminal examinations of final semesters will be conducted from July 1 to 31. The education minister said if a university wishes, then it may conduct online examinations.

It will have to ensure that all students are able to take such exams. The minister said students of intermediate and final semesters will be promoted to the next semester on the basis of the internal assessment/assignment and previous examinations.

Also read: Haryana CM urges Centre to remove uncertainly over NEET and JEE Mains

Both components will be given 50 per cent weightage each. However, students will have the option for improvement in grades later on the basis of a written examination once the coronavirus situation improves. The same formula will also be applicable for distance education/private students, he said.

The minister said the students with academic arrears in previous examinations may also be exempted and promoted to the next semester on the average basis of the previous examinations. The same formula will also be applicable for distance education/private students, Pal said. The education minister said for the first-year students, only internal assessment may be calculated for promotion.

He said practical examinations wherever not conducted so far, the marks are to be awarded as an average of all previous practical examinations or the 80 per cent average of theory examinations marks of previous semesters whichever is higher.

Prof PB Sharma, Vice Chancellor, Amity University, Gurugram: Need for a new A-Z for Young India

Article

By

digitalLEARNING Network

-

June 23, 2020

For a long time children have been taught A for Apple, B for Bat and C for Cat. It worked well to learn the alphabets and also to master the language English. But the learning of the foreign tongue came with increased self-esteem, rather ego that created a foreign language speaking community which gradually drifted away from our age old traditions of Aatmiyata and Compassion so important today to create a caring and just society.

I took this matter to my grandchildren Vasu and Dev in US and Aadeesh and Sanskrit in India to redefine A-Z with a renewed focus on creating a new world order in which Aatmiyata, Compassion and caring concern for man and Mother Nature rains supreme over narrow selfish considerations.

The new normal post Covid also requires a radical departure to our approach to life and to establishing a social framework in which we care for each other and go back to the basics of “Vasudha ev Kutumbakam” as the Vedas ordain, says Prof PB Sharma Vice Chancellor, Amity University Gurugram who is also the Founder Vice Chancellor DTU and RGTU.

Also read: Digital transformation in Higher Education

Vasu, Dev, Aadeesh and Sanskrit true to their names and Vedic Sanskaras applied their critical thinking and effective communication algorithms and came out with redefining A-Z in which A stands for Affinity, Aatmiyata, B for Belongingness, Blissful Behavior and Brotherhood and C for Character, Capability, Caring Concern, Commitment and Compassion and D for Duty, Dedication, Devotion, and Divinity and E for Ethics, Enthusiasm, Enlightenment and Excellence, F for Father, Forgiveness, Faith and Family, G for Goodness, Godliness and Giving, H for Harmony, Hope, Happiness and Health, I for Innovation, Intution, Imagination and Intellect, J for Joy and Judgement , K for Keenness, Kindness and Knowledge and L for Life, Love and Living in Harmony , M for Money, Market and Management , N for Nation, Nature and Nobility, O for Optimism, Openness and Oneness , P for People, Performance and Prayer, Q for Qualify , Quick and Question, R for Recycle, Reuse, Resilience and Responsible, S for Society, Science, Spirituality, Simplicity and Sustainability, T for Technology, Transparency and Trust , U for Unity, Understanding and Universe, V for Values, Vision and Victory, W for Wealth, Work and Wisdom, X for X Ray and Xerox , Y for Youth and Yourself and Z for Zen (Gyana).

In fact we need three levels of A -Z . One for children below 5 years of Age where A for Apple, B for Bat and C for Cat will do. But as they grow 5 plus, for 6-15 years old we need to redefine A to Z so as to align them to our age old ethos of Aatmiyata, Compassion, Integrity and Humanism. By doing so, we shall nurture human values in our youth and lay a rock solid foundation for a caring humanity negating terror and inhuman behavior and create a society that shall foster harmony and happiness in abundance meeting the SDGs for creating a world of bliss and happiness all around.

Then only we shall live up to the promise of “Sarve Bhavantu Sukhina Sarve Santu Niramaya, Sarve Bhadrani Pashyanti, ma Kaschid Dukh bha Bhavet” made long ago by our Vedic Seers and Sages right at the beginning of the human civilization, says Prof PB Sharma who is the past President of Association of Indian Universities, AIU.

Paradigm shift witnessed in education sector

Editorial

By

digitalLEARNING Network

-

June 23, 2020

The effect of COVID-19 pandemic has cast its shadows on the academic year of schools and educational institutions of the country. There is a possibility that the current academic year may start later than usual.

School leaders look for ways to minimize the disruption to children’s learning and teachers at thousands of schools all across the country are scrambling for ways to teach children who are holed up at home.

Many teachers and their students are likely to learn new things as teachers find creative and effective ways to teach and learn remotely. Due to the disruption, a paradigm shift can be wit- nessed in the education sector. Online education is now the new normal for schools across the country. However, robust connectivity is undoubtedly critical for the success of e-Learning.

Also read: Sparkling revolution in Higher Education

It seems Ed-tech platforms have come forward to save the day at a time when schools and col- leges have had to close, forcing over 300 million Indian students to stay behind their syllabus.

In this month’s issue on NextGen Education Leaders, we have tried to highlight how school leaders have tackled the ongoing Corona pandemic through various innovative ways. Educational Institutions are badly affected and uncertain about their future perspectives.

digitalLEARNING Magazine in its latest issue has tried to showcase the success story of schools in this pandemic. Our cover story “Usage of E-learning in the times of Corona” touches upon one of the most talked topics discussed across the globe in this crisis. With many educators calling for Hybrid or Blending learning, technology will play an important role in school education.

Along with this, we have a Special Feature on “Covid Challenge to India Education System”, which underlines the challenges for a complex Indian education system in this crisis. Our latest issue also carries many success stories of schools, the way they handled the Corona crisis effectively.

With a host of interviews, articles by school industry leaders, and special features, we hope our latest endeavor would evoke an invaluable feedback of our esteemed readers.

Success story of Clay Preschools during Lockdown

Article

By

digitalLEARNING Network

-

June 23, 2020

Our strong commitment for our students and the Parents of CLAY Preschools all over the country made this possible says Shobhan Soi, Ceo, Clay Preschools, Ludhiana in a conversation with Elets News Network (ENN).

The year 2020 has begun with lots of hopes and aspirations for all of us. It’s the time for the completion of an ongoing Academic session and to start planning a new one. Every school was in the same scenario when one sudden announcement by the revered Prime minister of India has put the whole nation in lockdown.

Being a safe school, we at CLAY Preschools have already started taking the precautionary measures for our little students. No group gatherings, No Picnics or Outdoor Activities etc. measures have been taken by the School, timely ensuring the safety of the littlest citizens of our country.

It’s said that Learning is an ongoing process and it can never stop. On March 25th, CLAY was ready with its Home-based Learning Curriculum. We have reached our students through technology i.e. Online Learning within few days after the declaration of the Lockdown. Our strong commitment for our students and the Parents of CLAY Preschools all over the country made this possible.

Also read: ASPAM Scottish School’s success story during lockdown

CLAY has its franchised Preschools in various parts of the country. So, we were already working in a structure of providing all kinds of support whether its curriculum, technology or trainings etc. to our franchise partners in a well-knit system. So, our experienced Curriculum and Technical Teams have come together in support of each other to face this new challenge i.e. how to reach our students during lockdown. They have designed a beautiful Home – based Learning structure for the Parents to follow within days.

CLAY works on the vision of providing quality education to the little ones in the early years. So, it was very significant for us to design a Curriculum i.e. easy for Parents to follow at home with the use of limited resources during the lockdown. Preschool activities require lots of teaching and colorful aids and tools for making Learning playful for the preschoolers. Parents are not experienced in conducting this level of stimulating activities with children at home. We have taken into consideration all these aspects while designing the activities for them.

These Home-based Learning Activities are engaging, age appropriate and development-oriented for the little ones. Parents were given in detail how, why and when of everything they are been told to do with the child at home.

We feel proud to say that within 5 days, we have trained our Staff, Teachers and Franchisees as well on how to stand tall and face the new normal together without compromising on our quality and services. We believe that our employees are our asset and we must invest in their trainings and upliftment programs.

We are on goingly receiving the testimonials from our Parents. It gives us pure relief to see our students happily engaged Indoors and also to see the Parents being able to play their part with ease in their Child’s Learning programs through our Home -based Online Learning platform.

Every situation in our life come with its own share of ups and downs, pros and cons. No doubt, this Lockdown time is challenging for School owners and people, in general, all over the globe in terms of bearing the expenses and making both ends meet. But during this time of crisis, we have also witnessed the power of technology, the power of education and the power of Teacher community. Parents all over the globe are recognizing the hard work, dedication and efforts of Schools. We have never seen before the partnership i.e. happening between School, Teacher and Parents – the trio most productive in the nurturing of the little minds. This we feel is the biggest success story that has been conceived, written, presented and received beautifully during the Lockdown.

Zaitoon Group: Education is not about marks rather it’s about acquisition of moral values

Interviews

By

digitalLEARNING Network

-

June 23, 2020

Zaitoon aims to bring forth a generation of professionals deep rooted in moral values who can cater to the needs of self, society and national integrity says Dr. Mohammed Muhinudheen K, Principal & Founding Director, Zaitoon International Girls Campus in a conversation with Elets News Network (ENN).

How’s Zaitoon different from other schools in the country?

What makes Zaitoon International School different from other institutions is the philosophy it upholds. Zaitoon aims to bring forth a generation of professionals deep rooted in moral values who can cater to the needs of self, society and national integrity. Founded three years back, ZIGS has received widespread acclaim and acceptance in and out of Kerala. As a residential international school, Zaitoon houses students from all districts of Kerala, from Andaman, Tamil Nadu and UK. Within two years at ZIGS, each student goes through a formidable change in her character, dreams and aspirations. What makes Zaitoon more distinct is the satisfaction of students and parents while leaving the school and an everlasting impression of gratitude engraved in the heart of each and every student for what they had imbibed to their life ahead during their stay at this home away from their home. This year, God willing, Zaitoon is launching its boys’ version too and hopefully, it will set a new model in the education history of Kerala.

How does Zaitoon provide different platforms for girls to develop their talents?

Zaitoon believes in the idea that education is not only about marks and grades, rather it’s about the acquisition of moral values, development of soft skills and reinventing the hidden talents inherent in each individual to tap the opportunities outside and face the challenges ahead in the twenty-first century. So, at Zaitoon, students are motivated to do everything on their own. Zaitoon provides them monetary support and all other ideation process is done by them ranging from arts, sports, clubs to welcoming prominent personalities and even running Olea business club (an attempt to give them firsthand experience of entrepreneurship and managing accounts). So, here, our daughters, contrary to mixed schools, get more space and room to express themselves and excel in their own respective spheres.

Also read: Technology to play important role in COVID-19 crisis

With closure of schools due to COVID-19, how is the teaching-learning process going on?

As its higher secondary exam time in Kerala, students are hell-bent on revising their portion for the postponed exams due to COVID-19.

We do have our own school App to evaluate their progress and all teachers are constantly in touch with them to clarify their doubts and help them fetch good marks.

What are school plans for post-COVID crisis?

Zaitoon is all set to start its online classes from 1st June onwards. With the help of Zaitoon App, our YouTube channel and ZOOM App we will strive our level best to create an alternative through online education till the pandemic vanishes for good.

With cases rising in Kerala, how has the school tackled the issue?

This had been the case earlier. Now, Kerala has embellished an enviable model for other states in tackling this pandemic successfully. We hope that if the present scenario continues, in Kerala, school education will be as normal as it used to be a few months back. Let’s hope for the best as Andy Dufrene says in Shawshank Redemption, “hope is a good thing, may be the best thing and no good thing ever dies”

LATEST NEWS

Top Trending News

Top Trending Categories