Coimbatore: With the government arts college faculties commencing online classes for second and third year students on Monday, the faculties urged to higher education department for more funds. They asked the department to pump in more fund to grade-II colleges like the grade-I for proper execution of online classes.
Sources said that grade II colleges of Palladam, Kangeyam, Mettupalayam, Avinashi etc are yet to start any arrangements for online classes despite the order from Directorate of Collegiate Education (DCE).
“Higher education department did not give any formal instructions. However in an order, it said that only online classes should start from Monday and inform to the students and classes should be five hours daily. Though, we welcome it, no computer and internet facilities are not in grade – II colleges,” A professor in Mettupalayam arts college was quoted as saying by The New Indian Express.
“For instance, computers, internet, software for online classes are available in Coimbatore government arts college. Professors shoot videos for portions using camera. Because, grade I colleges are getting more fund compare to grade II. Due to this, those facilities are not in grade II colleges. Professors forced to take online classes from common platforms (google meet, zoom) to students and some times there may be connection failure. So it will affect the classes,” the professor added.
Another professor highlighted many of colleagues’ inability to adapt to online culture. “Most of professors do not know about handling internet, android mobile, etc. Hence, department should give training about handling online classes and it should give latest computers, cameras and hi-speed internet facility to colleges and to take class by professors from college. So it should give fund especially for online classes.”