Coronavirus in India: Delhi University teachers' association opposes online exams

The association gave a negative vote to online education explaining that engaging with students online through e-resources cannot be treated as a substitute for face-to-face teaching and learning process/classroom lectures.

In the midst of suspended classes and postponed exams due to the extended lockdown in order to contain the COVID-19 virus, educational bodies and institutions are doing their best to continue the teaching-learning process to prevent loss of studies. Delhi University is also one of those institutions that shifted to online classes and provided study material online to their students. According to the sources, Delhi University Teacher’s Association (DUTA) gave a series of suggestions to the University Grants Commission, before UGC came out with its own guidelines related to the academic schedule.

While suggesting ways to continue the academic activities amid the nationwide lockdown, DUTA stated that varsities can make adjustments to the course and shift to the annual mode this year. The association gave a negative vote to online education explaining that engaging with students online through e-resources cannot be treated as a substitute for face-to-face teaching and learning process/classroom lectures. The online process is only an arrangement made to keep students engaged during the lockdown period. DUTA also added that replacements for practical/field-work through e-resources has not been provided by any educational institution. Assessing students based on online classes must be completely ruled out.

While giving a negative vote to online teaching at the Deans’ meeting on April 13, the association suggested that the examinations including all internal assessments must take place once the lockdown is over and universities are open again. It also suggested that the exams should be conducted after completing the remaining teaching days giving priority to the final year students.

Read More: