The prerequisites of online exams include a laptop or computer with a functioning webcam and an uninterrupted power supply. Where proctoring is used, students also need to ensure they have an entire room to themselves for the entire duration of the exam.
This has not gone down well with teachers either. The Teachers Association has, in several statements, termed such exams systems a “mockery”, “biased”, and agents of “increasing digital divides”. They have also claimed that these exams, including open-book exams, are not in line with the course structure.
While the students who really want to make a career out of education want offline classes and offline exams, those who want the passing certificate are happy with online exams.
SURAJ NANDREKAR
Editor, Goemkarponn
For almost 18 months now, the schools in the State have been closed, and the pupils have been answering online classes and online exams following the COVID19 pandemic.
In these 18 months, there have already been two board exams of SSC and HSSC, which has given a never-before-seen record percentage of passing.
While in 2020, the exams were held offline following strict norms, in 2021, the exams were cancelled sine die and later called off.
Now the question arises who is benefitting from these online exams or exams being called off.
Seriously, the students are the biggest losers of online exams.
The poor students are the biggest sufferers of this online mode of classes and exams.
The prerequisites of online exams include a laptop or computer with a functioning webcam and an uninterrupted power supply. Where proctoring is used, students also need to ensure they have an entire room to themselves for the entire duration of the exam.
This has not gone down well with teachers either. The Teachers Association has, in several statements, termed such exams systems a “mockery”, “biased”, and agents of “increasing digital divides”. They have also claimed that these exams, including open-book exams, are not in line with the course structure.
While the students who really want to make a career out of education want offline classes and offline exams, those who want the passing certificate are happy with online exams.
Imagine we have engineers, doctors, architects, scientists who haven’t cleared their Board exams?
Since this is election time, many students unions like the National Students Union of India (NSUI) want the students to be promoted without any exams. Does this make sense? The NSUI is an arm of the Congress party. Does the Congress party support such kind of demand just for votes?
We see youth playing in fields, celebrating festivals, joining election rallies and what not, but they are not ready for exams for which they are prepared to support any political party which helps them.
Why are the politicians and the political parties playing with our future?
In May, rather, it was a different situation; the COVID19 was at its peak. But what is wrong today. Today we see everything is open. Tourism has started, festivals are being celebrated, election rallies are in full swing. Then why not schools and exams?
It is high time the parents, too, speak out for starting schools and offline exams. After all, it is the question of their own children.
The COVID19 cases have subsided, and with almost 70 p.c of Goa vaccinated, there isn’t much of a risk if the schools start following all norms.
Yes, those below 18 are yet to be vaccinated, but it is said that the children have better immunity, and if they can play and hang out with their friends without masks and social distancing, they can also go to school.
