COVID-19 Lockdown: Slow internet connectivity hindering online classes delivered by DU professors

Slow internet speed and connectivity, some of the emerging hindrance in front of Delhi University professors to conduct online classes for students amid coronavirus lockdown.

Delhi University professors have said that they are trying their best to teach students through online classes, however, due to lack of internet connectivity and slow speed, they are unable to do so. In the wake of the nationwide COVID-19 lockdown, Delhi University professors had started taking online lessons for students to avoid their academic loss.

From Skype, Whatsapp to Youtube, the Delhi University professors are opting for all types of digital platforms to help students save a college year and continue their studies, amid the lockdown. 

On March 12, the Delhi University had said that it has postponed all undergraduate and postgraduate internal exams until March 31. It had also suspended classes as a precautionary measure to avoid further spread of coronavirus.

Our teachers from all departments, colleges, and centres are uploading study material for all undergraduate and postgraduate course on a weekly basis on the website to continue the teaching-learning process during this period, the university said.

The varsity has more than 2 lakh students and around 9,000 faculty members.

Looking at the current situation in the country, where the number of positive coronavirus cases is increasing, the professors also feel that the semester will likely be extended. 

Many of the teachers are taking classes using Skype and online apps. We have also provided links to both students and teachers to access the Library online. We are trying our best, however, people who have already left for their villages are unable to join in the online classes. There are many students who don't have internet connectivity also. But, there is considerable number of students joining in, said Professor Raj Kumar, Head, DU English Department.

Talking about this, Professor Nandita Narain of St Stephen's College said that our teachers are using Google classrooms and Youtube, to give online tutorials and upload old recorded lectures. We are trying our best to come out with a solution to reach those students too, who do not have internet connectivity.

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