The government said that the phase-wise unlocking would involve the partial resumption of activities in schools for students of Classes 9 to 12 on a voluntary basis from September 21.

These measures need to be observed by all (teachers, employees and students) in these places at all times.

These include:

> Physical distancing of at least six feet to be followed as far as feasible
> Use of face covers/masks to be made mandatory
> Frequent hand washing with soap (for at least 40-60 seconds) even when hands are not visibly dirty. Use of alcohol-based hand sanitisers (for at least 20 seconds) can be done wherever feasible
> Respiratory etiquettes to be strictly followed. This involves strict practice of covering one’s mouth and nose while coughing/sneezing with a tissue/handkerchief/flexed elbow and disposing of used tissues properly
> Self-monitoring of health by all and reporting any illness at the earliest
> Spitting shall be strictly prohibited
> Installation & use of Aarogya Setu App may be advised wherever feasible

All schools with Classes 9 to 12 shall specifically ensure that:

Online/distance learning shall continue to be permitted and shall be encouraged.

Students of Classes 9 to 12 shall be permitted to visit their school on a voluntary basis for taking guidance from their teachers. This will be subject to written consent of their parents/guardians. Such visits and teacher-student interaction must be organised in a staggered manner

Reopening of schools is applicable only to schools outside containment zones. Students, teachers and school employees living in containment zones will not be allowed to attend school. Prior to the reopening of the schools, the government has stated, all areas are to be sanitised with 1% sodium hypochlorite solution, with particular attention to frequently touched surfaces. Deep cleaning will take place at schools that were used as quarantine centres. Upto 50% of the non-teaching staff may come to work for online teaching/tele-counselling and related work.

Students from Classes 9 to 12 will have the option of attending the classes remotely/virtually or physically only on a voluntary basis for guidance from their teachers subject to written permission of parent/guardian. Instead of biometric attendance, alternate arrangements for contactless attendance shall be made by the school administration. At all times, the teachers and students shall maintain a physical distancing of 6 feet, wherever feasible. Scheduling of activities and seating plan shall be made accordingly. Schools are to ensure hand washing facilities along with provision of soap.

For ensuring queue management, inside and outside the premises, specific markings on the floor with a gap of six feet may be made. Similarly, physical distancing shall also be maintained in staff rooms, office areas (including reception area), and other places (mess, libraries, cafeterias, etc). Weather permitting, outdoor spaces may be utilised for conducting teacher student interactions, keeping in view the safety and security of students and physical distancing protocols.

Assemblies, sports and events that can lead to overcrowding are strictly prohibited. The school should display state helpline numbers and also numbers of local health authorities etc. to teachers /students / employees to contact in case of any emergency. For air-conditioning/ventilation, the guidelines of the Central Public Works Department shall be followed which emphasises that the temperature setting of all air conditioning devices should be in the range of 24 to 30 degree Celsius, relative humidity should be in the range of 40-70%, intake of fresh air should be as much as possible and cross ventilation should be adequate. Lockers of students will remain in use, as long as physical distancing and regular disinfection is maintained. Gymnasiums shall follow MoHFW guidelines. Swimming pools (wherever applicable) shall remain closed.

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CEO Squad Connect

The world had been evolving very very fast since the invention of the internet. As it’s commercialization developed further, more and more activities started moving to the internet, including education.

Since the past few years, India and the rest of the World have been seeing an increasing number of online courses- short term and long term- being provided to add to the knowledge of students. With students, we here include anyone who’s willing to take education- a school or college student, as well as, an individual who has in past worked or is currently working. The courses are available not just at the university level, but also, at the school level to help students develop more learning skills, or, to revise lessons as tuitions.

Because of huge scope, the World witnessed a lot of providers of online education- Education Institutions, Educational Companies that provide or facilitate learning using technology (commonly referred to as EdTech Companies), and even individual Educators (Academicians, Teachers and Expert Professionals). This started to change the dynamics of the education industry.

Even though the world was changing and education started becoming online, people still associated formal education with attending physical schools and colleges. But due to Covid-19 where most of the delivery of education to students by the physical schools and colleges moved online too, people started seeing it as a possible new alternative for obtaining an education.

Due to ongoing Covid-19 pandemic students and parents identified Online Learning provided by Educational Institutions, EdTech Companies and Individual Educators as the best way to keep themselves and their children educated and continue to learn. The Educational Institutes used either their own systems or video conferencing tools to deliver education.

Further, as the world is on hold, students identified online learning as a tool to add to their skills using online education as a method to learn new skills that can help improve their overall work profile and add to their resume. Some of them also learned new hobbies online.

Online education, therefore, provides an array of opportunities to learn, develop and grow- both professionally and personally.

How does the future look for Online Learning? The world realized the potential of online learning and it is expected to grow further. Already more and more students and parents want to use it to upskill themselves and continue learning or learn more. The future, even after the Covid-19 pandemic is overcome, may see more educational institutions offering courses- both short and long term, to students to learn and develop themselves. This will allow Educational Institutes to cater to students far away through their programs and in-return, help students learn at the comfort of their homes courses and degrees that are in another city or country. Also, this will help students to take multiple courses to add to their knowledge and skill set.

Moreover, EdTech companies and Individual Educators will use the Internet to teach students, either accredited courses or courses to supplement the education or skill, development classes. Therefore, Online Education is an opportunity to learn more and develop further.

Online Education is definitely the way forward and something we must be open to and accept.

But, there are a few parameters that need to be taken care of. A good internet connection is needed, as well as, a basic understanding of technology too. Therefore, students and Educators would need to be skilled to efficiently use them. Also, more methods of teaching must be explored in case technology fails on any day through connection.

We will discuss how to prepare for online education and also how to use it efficiently in our further editorials.

For any Enquiries regarding guidance on Online Education, you can reach out to me on Instagram@squadconnect.

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