Mumbai University Issues Guidelines For Colleges To Start Virtual Lectures Amid Pandemic

By EB Bureau On Aug 25, 2020

Mumbai: Mumbai University (MU) on Monday released details on how to conduct online classes three weeks after making it necessary for all affiliated colleges to start regular online lectures for the academic year 2020-21.

According to a Hindustan Times report, the university has asked college teachers to divide each subject into four quadrants — video lecture, specially prepared reading material that can be downloaded/printed, self-assessment tests through tests/quizzes and an online discussion forum to clear all doubts of the students.

According to the circular issued by MU, colleges should make the lectures available on YouTube, Facebook, or share notes via email or WhatsApp and personally dial students and provide counselling in case a student struggles to participate in online lectures due to lack of requisite equipment or internet connection,

“Teachers should also form small groups of five to ten students for better communication within the group to discuss regular lessons and get their feedback as well. Counselling sessions should be conducted and teachers should be in regular touch with parents as well,” states the circular.

While several teachers have found students adapting to online classes well, the Bombay University and College Teachers’ Union (BUCTU) has called this move “far from reality”, especially in the case of students in rural Maharashtra.

“MU is assuming all students are sitting in their homes in Mumbai and other big cities but what about students stuck in their hometowns in rural Maharashtra with no electricity at present to even charge their phones, mostly due to the incessant rains?” questioned a member of BUCTU.

Earlier, on August 2, MU released a circular addressed to all affiliated colleges. It required colleges to start virtual classes for the new academic session from August 7.

Several teachers’ organisations from across the state had also raised objection to this sudden decision by the university, due to lack of clarity by the varsity about how these classes would be conducted for students stuck in their hometowns in rural Maharashtra in the prevailing COVID conditions.