Students’ excitement knew no bounds after the Odisha government, following days of deliberation, finally decided to reopen the educational institutions from the second week of January. While pupils were more than happy to catch up with their mates after a long break, teachers, too, were anxious about going back into the classroom, their second home. Needless to say, this reopening certainly brought cheers for many. However, some are still in constant fear of contracting the deadly coronavirus. Teachers and students from various schools and colleges share their joy and apprehension with Sunday POST and tell how different the post-lockdown scenario is.
Subhashree Das, a post-graduate teacher, English at Buxi Jagabandhu English Medium School, says, “Online class was completely new for the teachers as well as the students. Mode of teaching has gone through a sea change in the last couple of months. Pandemic had put the teachers in a virtual world of teaching. Though it made many tech-savvy, there were drawbacks too. For instance, it was not always possible to clear the doubts of each and every student while delivering lectures in an online class. So, after the reopening of educational institutions, students’ main concern is how to clear the doubts they have in their mind. Besides, they are worried about their practical classes because throughout the lockdown period we had been taking the theory classes only. On the other hand, it is becoming difficult for us to take classes from 7.30 am to 1.00 pm wearing face masks and maintaining social distance.”
On returning to traditional classes, she further says, “Online classes are no substitute to classroom teaching. It is a different experience altogether to interact with the students and address their issues. However, now we are observing that some students, after becoming familiar with online mode of teaching, are reluctant to get into the classrooms. Some others are hesitant to rejoin due to corona scare. It is not just the students, many of us are also in fear.”
“Having said that, I want to tell that Covid-19 guidelines are strictly followed in our school,” assured Subhashree adding “Half of the students were present on the first day of the school but on the second day the attendance increased to 85 per cent. As per the government guidelines we are not able to provide them transport facility which is why a few students from remote areas couldn’t attend their classes.”
Lipsa Mishra, a post graduate teacher at DAV Pokhariput, says “We were not well versed with online classes, so, both teachers and students had some issues. There were some difficulties, like clearing doubts and yelling at inattentive kids, which can’t be resolved virtually. We were eagerly waiting for schools to reopen and I am happy that it finally happened.”
Speaking about the differences between before and after lockdown scenarios, Lipsa adds, “The class ambience will never be the same again anytime soon. Now we can’t have a free discussion with masks on our face. Anyway, I loved to see students returning to school and shouting in unison. The attendance was thin on the first day, at Science classes in particular. I guess it is due to their preparations for various entrance tests. Nevertheless, we enjoyed our return to the classroom. All the norms laid down by the government are being followed religiously to ensure safety of the students. We have a corona committee in place which is monitoring the proper compliance of covid guidelines at every classroom. While one bench has been allotted to one student, teachers have been asked not to get close with the students. Besides, students have been asked to take food inside the classroom and not to remove their masks till they reach home.”
Talking about the fear factor, she says, “I would be lying if I say we feel okay with the reopening. Be it the students or the teachers, all of us are a little scared as the vaccination process is yet to begin. But we are fortunate enough to have such a great principal who has taken all precautionary measures to check the transmission.”
Diptibala Mishra, a Political Science lecturer at Sachidananda Higher Secondary School, Indipur, says, “There is a lot of difference between pre and post-lockdown scenarios in a classroom. As the threat of contracting coronavirus is still there, all of us have to maintain social distance in a classroom which will make it look more like an examination hall. That apart, classroom teaching is not just about the chalks and dusters. It is about the ambience which builds a bond between teachers and students. Online classes are not beneficial from a student’s point of view because it lacks direct interactions and discussion with students. We are happy to be back in the classrooms. But it is difficult on our part to deliver lectures with covers on our face. I often feel suffocated while taking classes. Besides, students also feel uncomfortable having masks on their face all the time. Now, they are not allowed to have their meals outside the classroom and exchange books and copies with their friends which was a common practice in normal condition. Taking class with so many restrictions is really stressful.”
She further adds: “As the government has made it mandatory for educational institutions to remain open on Sundays, it becomes difficult for teachers to teach without a break. It will also be stressful for the students if they are asked to study on Sundays.”
BJB College Principal Niranjan Mohapatra says, “We have left no stone unturned to provide a covid-free campus to our students with the re-opening of the college. As per the government norms, all precautionary measures are being taken at the school following the government norms. The campus and classrooms have been sanitised while the students too are made to maintain the protocols for their safety.”
He continues “Online classes have, no doubt, proved beneficial. We have almost covered 90 per cent of the syllabus. Apart from our own faculties, some guest faculties were hired for revision. Now students can have their doubt-clearing classes which will help them face the examinations confidently.”
What students have to say…
Ananya Subudhi, a Plus II second year student of Jupiter College, says “I was on cloud nine when I came to know about reopening of colleges. Due to network issues at my place, I couldn’t attend my classes regularly. But, now I can clear all my doubts before appearing the examinations. However, I must thank the authorities for taking all safety measures.”
Sanket Pradhan, a Plus II Science student of SCS College, Puri says, “Classroom teaching has a charm of its own and online classes cannot take its place. I was excited to meet teachers and friends after a long gap, not virtually anymore. Face-to-face interaction matters a lot in learning. So, I am happy to be back at my college. Though precautionary measures are in place, fear of getting infected by Covid 19 is there in the back of our mind.”
Suhani Sukanya Rai, a Class XII student of Buxi Jagabandhu English Medium School, says, “Classroom teaching scenario before and after the lockdown is completely different. Earlier, a group of six-seven students used to have discussions about a project with their teachers whenever they wanted. That is not the case now. We have to maintain social distance and put the mask on our face always. Anyway, I am actually happy to return to my classroom.”
Muktikant Mishra, a Class XII student of DPS Dhenkanal, says, “Every student loves to be in a traditional classroom as it includes practical involvement and direct interaction with teachers. Lack of communication in an online class makes it a boring affair. Besides, classroom teaching has quite a few advantages compared to virtual classes. Talking about precautions, I must say each student needs to be careful and follow the norms strictly to reduce the risk of coronavirus infection. The authorities have taken all the measures for the safety of teachers and students.”
Omm Sai Prasad Pani, a Class X student of Govt. Bisweswar Project High School in Athagarh is of the opinion that “I am quite happy because my school has opened after so many months. Besides, the school management is trying its best to provide us a corona free environment. Before entering the premises, we are given hand sanitiser and thermal checking is done. Only two students are allowed to share a desk. Similarly, face mask has been made mandatory for all. Despite these measures, students are a little scared. This is a reason, no student dares to violate the guidelines.”
