HRD Ministry working on SOPs for online classes; to address issues of increased screen time, digital divide

The HRD Ministry is working on Standard Operating Procedures for online classes which will ensure that students don’t have to spend hours before computers or on phones to attend virtual classes and can learn at their own pace, according to officials. The guidelines are being developed in view of complaints from parents about schools conducting online classes like regular school, which has increased children’s screen time. “There were several complaints about the sudden increase in screen time for students due to the online classes. “The online platform used for imparting classes will allow students to learn at their own pace rather than making it a strict classroom-bound approach,” the official added. “Prioritising mental health of students, addressing cybersecurity concerns and ensuring a safe and accessible learning environment for students will be among the focus areas of the guidelines,” the official said.