Online Exam: DU’s education students submit survey report to VC

NEW DELHI: A group of final year students from the department of education have submitted an appeal to the Vice-Chancellor of Delhi University against online book exam or OBE.

In a letter addressed to Yogesh Tyagi, the MEd students have requested for a “positive intervention” from the VC on the basis of a survey report highlighting the shortcomings of OBE. The findings of the survey showed how all students cannot access reading material and devices and have families who are affected.

“At the time of a health crisis, we appeal to you to empathise with us and help us complete our educational programmes with a sense of fairness and inclusivity,” the letter said. The students also wanted to know how DU intends to evaluate the exams.

Considering the “physical and mental wellbeing” of the students, the letter requests for cancellation of the online exam.

The online exam, scheduled to commence from July 1, were announced after the University Grants Commission issued guidelines on holding exams in May. On Wednesday, Union Human Resource minister, Ramesh Pokhriyal directed UGC to “revisit” these guidelines considering the “health and safety students, teachers and staff,” amid the pandemic. UGC is yet to announce its revised guidelines.

Online exams and students

The google survey report, submitted by the students, called the online exam “discriminatory” against visually impaired and physically challenged, students. Depending on the economic situations, several students have uneven access to books and reading material, the report said.

The report further criticized the “assumptions” of the DU administration that no students or their families are likely to be affected by the pandemic.

Due to the lack of equipment like smartphones and laptops with internet access, students currently living in remote areas will not be able to write the exam.

On Monday, students groups from DU staged a protest against the OBE outside the Arts Faculty.

Also read:

• DU cancels first, second-year examinations
• More than 170 DU teachers ask VC to not hold open book exams

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