COVID-19: Delhi University asks details of online classes; teachers' association refuses to reply

The Delhi University (DU) sent a letter to its colleges seeking details of the online classes being conducted by teachers during the lockdown period due to the outbreak of coronavirus.

The Delhi University (DU) sent a letter to its colleges seeking details of the online classes being conducted by teachers during the lockdown period due to the outbreak of coronavirus. Assuming that the feedback form will be used to draw a conclusion in favor of online exams, the Delhi University Teachers’ Association (DUTA) refused to fill the form or provide any detail.

DU sent the letter to the colleges after HRD Ministry asked for the details of the online classes being conducted in order to prevent academic loss of the student during the nationwide lockdown imposed until May 3 to control the spread of the contagious virus COVID-19. In the letter, DU asked about the number of online classes the college conducted amid this period.

To this, the teachers’ association, DUTA refused to oblige and wrote a letter to the vice-chancellor urging him to withdraw the letter. In the letter, the association wrote, “We express our utter dismay at the approach taken by the university in the face of the pandemic with respect to conduct of online classes and the forthcoming semester examinations."

The association also mentioned that the letter does not clearly mention the purpose for which this information is being sought. The Assistant Registrar of the colleges asked teachers to provide a list of courses that they covered online while conducting classes on Google Classroom, Google Hangouts, Google Meet or Zoom.

Complaining that the information is being sought in a very short period, the association further added, "We wish to point out that the format sent out to the colleges reveals extreme shortsightedness as there is no attempt whatsoever 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."

The university had asked teachers to stay connected with the students through e-resources, e-learning platforms and the teachers did the same by making study material available for the students through e-mail and WhatsApp.

Stating that "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," DUTA refused to reply to the asked questions.

DUTA earlier wrote a letter to the VC opposing online exam. 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.

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