Just 2 hrs max! Cap on daily digital sessions for Class 10 & 12

Thiruvananthapuram: Amid concerns over increasing workload on Class 10 and Plus Two students attending the digital classes streamed on the Kite Victers channel, their daily sessions have been limited to two hours maximum on most days. 

Additional classes for Class 10 and Plus Two students set to take the final-year Board examinations had commenced from Monday. 

In the wake of complaints that these home-confined students have to put up with stress, the education authorities in Kerala have now announced a limited schedule. It has been decided that only two hours of classes will be given on most days. In this duration, 4 subjects will be covered. 

However, the classes will be held for two-and-a-half hours (5 subjects) on very few days. 

The progress of the classes will be assessed for a week after which changes if any required, will be made.   

Plus-One improvement exam

The duration of the Plus-Two digital classes has been increased as the Plus-One improvement exam is about to take place. The improvement exam, which was postponed due to the COVID crisis, will be held from December 18 to December 23, for which about 1 lakh students have applied.  

In addition to the daily virtual classes, christened First Bell, the coaching for improvement exam has already started in digital learning groups. The studies are based on classes taken directly at schools. 

Arrangement for weak students

Regional learning centres are being set up for Class 10 and 12 students who are lagging in studies. The centres will help them with their learning away from schools as well. 

A circular issued by Samagra Shiksha Kerala (SSK) states that anganwadis, libraries and community halls near the homes of students can be converted as learning centres. Headmasters have been given instructions on how to go about this. 

A batch should not have more than 10 students. Additional batches should be started if there are more than 10 students. The centres should function for two hours per day. Sanitisers should be provided to students and arrangements should be made for disinfecting seats, etc. 

Rs 4,000 can be used for setting up physical facilities and Rs 1,000 for disinfection services, the circular said.