The Odisha government’s Department of School and Mass Education has decided to telecast recorded sessions of the EDUSAT programme for delivering tenth-standard lectures through Doordarshan, beginning April 20th. Additionally, under ‘Siksha Sanjog’, students from the second grade and upwards shall also be engaged in a teaching-learning process with WhatsApp being used as the medium for communication.
This facility has for now been extended to the Khurda district on a trial basis. If the response is positive, the government will consider extending the programme to other districts too. EDUSAT, short for Educational Satellite, is a satellite launched and maintained by the ISRO to aid in educational processes that involve direct two-way communication and streaming over satellite networks.
“Teachers will upload three videos each day for students of classes up to VIII. Classes IX and X will have four classes each day. Students can watch the videos at their convenience. They will also be provided with worksheets. We have formed 16 groups, mentored by nine headmasters and nine BEOs. Students can clear their doubts on any subject on this group as well,” said Bandana Mohapatra, district education officer, Khurda.
While students have appreciated the move to continue with the classes; they have expressed concerns that their doubts, if any, may not be resolved.