“Coronavirus outbreak has affected several countries and has brought immense changes in the lifestyle of individuals especially students and educators. Education institutions were forced to shift to online classes. In India, education institutions have taken up online classes on a regular basis for the first time in its history. It was a challenge but we are adapting it as there are is other alternative now. Though these challenging times look difficult, we need to remember that there are well-wishers, good samaritans and student volunteers from different socio-economic strata who are selflessly extending their helping hands for a fight against coronavirus.” – Dr A Ponnusamy, principal, Hindusthan College of Arts and Science, Coimbatore
The outbreak of coronavirus has posed a severe challenge of crippling the education system. It has forced shut all education institutions across the country. Even though online classes are not a part of routine for many colleges in India, Hindusthan College of Arts and Science successfully made a smooth transition to online teaching-learning process. Not only did students and teachers adapted to the new way of learning, but they are also participating in various volunteering services to support the frontline workers and others in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic. They are creating awareness among public through autorickshaw campaigns, dance performance, videos, posters and working in food and relief distribution and other activities.
Here’s an overview of the measures taken by the management to ensure continuity in the learning process:
Faculty training: Faculty members were given training on online teaching and learning methodology, hands-on training on new technology via national and international webinars and faculty development programmes.
Online learning: Apart from regular online classes, students are also being trained on soft skills and career development. Quizzes on various streams are conducted regularly with the help of Google forms and the college has been issuing e-certificates to the active participants.
Online examinations: Model exams for final year students, viva-voce and projects were conducted via online mode.
Counselling: The students who were psychologically disturbed and those who are under medications are provided counselling with regular follow-ups over the phone to motivate them to stay positive. A home for psychiatrically ill individuals has been identified to take care of students with symptoms of psychiatric illness. Students who are staying alone or with their local guardians are being provided mental health support by experts. Some are also being provided with financial help.
“Online classes have been effective as nearly 99 percent students are actively participating in the classes. Students also participated in the online quizzes and received certificates for the same. Parents too have conveyed their gratitude to the institution for its prompt response to the Covid-19 challenge and ensuring social and emotional development of students even during these difficult times. They have also given suggestions and feedback on the online classes and we are considering them,” says Dr Ponnusamy.