A letter on Monday has been sent by the Delhi University to DU colleges, letter collects information regarding online examination taken by the teachers due to coronavirus outbreak. The HRD had investigated the details of the online classes being conducted in the central universities.
DUTA (The Delhi University Teachers Union) refuses to fill the feedback form. DUTA feels that the feedback could be used to draw a conclusion in favor of online examinations. The DUTA opposes this move and they have written to the Vice-Chancellor(VC) of DU, urging him to withdraw the letter.
DUTA has written that they are not glad to hear the approach that was taken by the university to have an online examination on the bases of online classes.
The list of courses for which online classes are being held with the help of Google Classroom, Google Hangouts, Google Meet, or Zoo has been asked by the colleges to submit to the Assistant Registrar. Teachers are confused as the letter does not indicate as to the purpose for which this information is being sought, that too at such short notice.
DUTA explained further that they see no point in that format sent out to the colleges. They didn’t understand why they want to find out how students and teachers are coping with the abrupt closure of the university due to the pandemic and subsequent lockdown announced by the government.
In this pandemic, as the universities are closed due to lockdown teachers are urged to remain in touch with the students through resources. They did so by sending notes through WhatsApp and e-mails. But the format expects teachers to answer questions in a manner that would reveal very little about the preparedness for exams or issues which they are facing.
The DUTA had already written a letter to the Vice-Chancellor, expressing their views about the online examinations. The association mentioned the fact earlier how students are facing problem to attend online classes due to poor internet access and many other problems.
The DUTA is rising a question on the authorities after this letter because to ask colleges to submit details of online classes on the format circulated is not only grossly misplaced but also indicates the complete lack of concern on the part of the authorities towards the well-being of students and teachers.
Teachers are not ready to fill this information regarding online classes. DUTA request to reject the letter and urged the University to withdraw the format as soon as possible.
~ Neha Dhingra
