Three students from a remote part of Sattari taluka who remained disconnected from online SSC classes because their families couldn't afford mobile phones and internet facilities highlights the fact that the government and the education department hasn't learnt its pandemic lessons till now. The students got their gadgets on Friday, but not before the local MLA could get his share of attention.
The distribution of three smartphones, however, doesn't resolve the larger issue that students are grappling with. Six months into the pandemic and the State has no clear roadmap on the way ahead for students, especially for those preparing for board exams. The three students will hopefully get to resume online learning, but what about the thousands of others hailing from the interiors of rural Goa who have neither the gadgets nor the network to carry forward online learning?
The State government has put off the resumption of schools, and given the precarious Covid-19 situation, it is undoubtedly a sensible move. But, the education department hasn't done its homework. By now, it should have had data of students with no access to online learning, with precise numbers on those who don't have mobiles and computers. Everyone knows internet connectivity is low in the State, but why hasn't the government brainstormed on alternatives? What if the situation worsens forcing schools to remain shut beyond December?
We have seen teachers travelling from Canacona to remote Netravali by two-wheelers to impart education to students because there is no internet connectivity there. There have been instances where students covered with raincoats have gone searching for a network in hilly areas of Surla, even braving the intermittent rains. The government boasts of internet connectivity to all panchayats in Goa. Then why has this network not been put to optimum use? Establishing learning modules within panchayat premises, wherever possible, could have helped in such a scenario, especially for students who are trapped in the online-offline maze.
If the government is unable to provide gadgets and support students during this crucial time, at least make the requirement public. There were several well-wishers who volunteered to provide smartphones to the three students from Sattari, and there will be many other good samaritans. For heaven's sake, don't use needy students to raise political pitches and announce how well people of Sattari are being served and how leaders are standing by them in the face of obstacles.
Teachers have been told to report to schools daily and engage students. Chief minister Pramod Sawant has made an extra effort to ensure that teachers are attending school daily. Ironically, what is not addressed is the frequent teacher-student disconnect because of the failing network even at school premises. The Goa Board will go ahead with its exams sooner or later once the situation eases, leaving the students in a quandary. Give serious thought to these students.
