Delhi University seeks details of Online classes from colleges, DUTA refuses to abide

Delhi University has sent out letters to colleges affiliated to the university asking for details of the online classes conducted by the teachers. The Delhi University Teachers Association has said that the teachers will not fill the form as it feels that the feedback could be used to draw a conclusion in favour of the online examinations for the students. 

The Ministry of Human Resource Development has asked for the details of the online classes conducted by the teachers in the central universities after which the Delhi University sent the letter to its respective colleges asking for the details of the online classes which was opposed by the teachers. 

The DUTA has written to the Vice-chancellor of Delhi University urging him to withdraw the letter. In the letter, the association has clarified their dismay at the approach taken by the university during the pandemic with respect to conducting the online classes and the upcoming semester examinations. 

The list of courses for which the online classes are being conducted with the help of Google Classroom, Google Hangouts, Google Meet or Zoom was sought by the Assistant Registrar, Colleges 

The DUTA  also pointed out that the letter sent out by the university d\oes not mention the purpose for which the information has been asked. The DUTA has also pointed out that the format sent out to the colleges reveals extreme shortsightedness as there is no attempt made to find out how the students and teachers are coping with the closure of university due to the pandemic. 

Delhi University had earlier urged its teachers to remain in touch with their students via e-resources and the teachers did so by providing study materials to the students via WhatsApp and e-mail. The DUTA also pointed out that the format in the letter sent by the university expects teachers to answer questions in such a manner that reveals very little about the preparedness of the students for the exams or the issues which the teachers and students are facing at the moment.  

The DUT had also written to the VC opposing the concept of online examinations. The association has added that it appears as if the administration is not able to appreciate the fact that most of the students face issues in accessing online classes due to the lack of proper internet services, smartphones, and laptops. The association has also highlighted that a number of students are unable to attend the online classes due to poor connectivity issues which is why asking colleges to submit the details of the online classes in the format mentioned is not only misplaced but also indicates the lack of concern on the part of the university towards the well-being of the students and the teachers. 

The DUTA has also added that the teachers will not be filling the information which they believe could be manipulated to draw a conclusion in favour of conducting online examinations for the students. 

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