Why Delhis hybrid schooling has sparked confusion, spawned struggle
Delhi's severe AQI forced schools into hybrid learning, exposing significant challenges. Teachers and students face a deep digital divide, lacking devices and reliable internet infrastructure. This abrupt shift disrupts effective teaching and learning, with schools struggling to implement dual-mode classes. Parents make tough choices, highlighting systemic issues in online education accessibility despite government assurances.
New Delhi: It was another smoggy morning for Delhi as the city’s average AQI plummeted to 359 on Monday. After government directive, all schools in Delhi-NCR till class 5 have gone on a hybrid mode from November 11 under GRAP-III measures. However, the families of children and teachers are encountering a host of issues, including logistical problems as well as access to digital tools.
Teachers contend that the abrupt shift has brought to the fore once again the deep digital divide they had struggled with during the Covid-19 pandemic. A number of teachers reportedly don't have tablets or laptops to conduct online classes. There are also families who don't have enough mobile phones. This is forcing them to miss classes.
WiFi infrastructure is lacking
In some cases, WiFi connectivity is lacking. Some schools don't have a campus where WiFi is enabled. So, teachers don't have any other option but to use their mobile data. Without a proper WiFi infrastructure, there are disruptions in the conduct of classes and this goes a long way in hindering both teaching and learning. The teachers find it difficult to deliver lessons effectively and ensure engagement of students.
With limited smartphones at home, some families are sending one child to school while keeping the other online. What's worse, some schools are yet to share online class link. And therefore, the families are forced to send their children to school despite the AQI falling in the "very poor" category.
Some school authorities are yet in the dark about how to implement the government directive and circular. Many of the parents have come to know about the circular through media or their neighbours. But some of them say that even if the hybrid option was available, they would prefer sending their children to school as there are not enough devises at home and their WiFi connectivity is also not reliable.
Some schools point to the problem in conducting dual-mode classes. There are students present in the classroom and also those attending them from home. Teachers find it difficult to concentrate on both simultaneously. As they see more attendance in the classroom than those who join from home, their priority is obvious.
What the Delhi govt says
According to Delhi education minister Ashish Sood, the government is adhering to directives to protect the health of students. He said schools have been asked to chalk out proper timetables for online classes and make maximum use of the digital infrastructure available. He said that internet access and essential digital support is being facilitated at the school level.
Under GRAP-III measures, Delhi and NCR districts have been asked to change how primary classes are conducted. The order makes it mandatory for classes up to Class V be carried out in a "hybrid mode” -- which means combining physical and online teaching "wherever online mode is feasible”.