Kerala Education Minister C Raveendranath has said that all arrangements will be made for students, who do not have facilities such as television and mobile, to attend the virtual classes within two weeks. Till then classes will be repeated.
The minister further explained that the first two weeks of virtual classes are for the government to have a better understanding of the new system and its shortcomings.
Minister Raveendranath gave the assurance during a phone-in programme organised by Malayala Manorama in which he addressed the queries raised by students, teachers and parents.
"No student will miss out on any lesson. Those children without the facilities should inform the schools. Local bodies, social outfits and cooperative societies have offered to make arrangements for the students at libraries, clubs and cultural centres. Even the resident associations can pitch in," the minister said.
Questions raised by readers and the minister’s replies
Are you confident that online classes will be effective? How will the students respond to this?
Just because we are not familiar with this system does not mean that we have to be apprehensive about it. In fact, children are more tech-savvy than adults. They are not as concerned as us. It will be clear in the coming days that this is the best option we have.
Virtual classes are only in Malayalam. What about the students of English medium?
The classes have been kept in Malayalam in the first phase so that everyone can understand. Efforts are on to telecast classes in English.
Several cable networks do not have Victers channel
The Victers channel will be made available in all networks. We have written to get Centre's permission. We expect to get it soon.
For how long will the virtual classes be held?
Virtual classes were started as the current situation prevents students from attending schools. This system will continue till that situation changes.
Can all the portions be completed with the daily one-hour sessions? Will the portions be cut short?
More time can be allotted only if there is one channel for every class. For that the Centre needs to make an intervention. Currently, classes are held on a trial basis. All shortcomings will be addressed. Portions will not be shortened.
How can students follow the class without text books?
Text books will be supplied to the schools soon. Then one of the parents will have to buy the books from schools. Students do not have to tag along. Books will be distributed at home for those people who are not able to go to schools.
The virtual classes do not give students an option to get their doubts cleared?
Students can ask teachers their doubts. We will bring in another online session that will address general queries. Teachers and parents should encourage students to take up extra-reading.
Is it possible to share class videos through pen drive? It was also said that class videos will be shared via WhatsApp?
The suggestion on pen drive will be considered. WhatsApp videos will be used for after-class clarifications. Based on the questions raised by the students after the classes, videos with examples will be made and these will be shared on WhatsApp.
The remaining class X exams of the ICSE and CBSE will be held only in July. Will these students get admission to plus-one in public schools?
No need for any concern. Depending on their marks, they will be given admission to public schools.
Un-aided schools are asking teachers to mandatorily report to work?
The General Education Department has issued a circular that teachers in schools up to class XII do not have to report to work. This is applicable to all.
Un-aided schools have hiked the fees. Admission formalities were completed even before the CM issued instructions.
Action will be taken if the department gets a complaint against any school on hiking fees, even if they have completed the admission procedures.