Visually-impaired college teachers to take online classes from their residence in Odisha

The visually-impaired teachers can take online classes from their residence till resumption of normalcy.

The Odisha government has directed all the colleges under the Higher Education Department to allow visually-impaired teachers to conduct online classes from their homes until the coronavirus situation improves. At present, all teachers go to colleges and conduct live online classes from there. In a letter to the principals of all degree colleges, Higher Education Department Secretary Saswat Mishra said, the visually-impaired teachers can take online classes from their residence till resumption of normalcy.

They are not required to come to college campuses to take online classes, the letter further stated.

Earlier, the state government had directed all the colleges and universities to begin online classes for Undergraduate and Postgraduate students from July 13. However, later it was noticed that the visually challenged teachers are facing difficulties in commuting as COVID-19 related restrictions are in force and availability of public transport is scarce.

Teachers are conducting online classes for college students three days a week through various platforms. On each day, they conduct classes for two to three hours.

However, many teachers, who refused to be named, alleged that colleges do not have the infrastructure to conduct online classes and they have to use their own mobile phones for the purpose.

"If classes are to be conducted using our own phones, there is no point in visiting colleges thrice a week. We can also take classes from our homes," a lady teacher told a media house.

Another teacher said that small smart phones get hot as classes are taken for two hours at a stretch and there are apprehensions that they may explode. "The government must set up facilities in colleges for conducting online classes," the teacher said.

Read More:

• CHSE Odisha +2 Two Results 2020: How to download photocopy of answer sheet?
• Odisha 2020 Plus Two first year admissions applications begin, Apply @samsodisha.gov.in