DUTA Letter to VC reg. measures related to teaching-learning and examinations in the face of the pandemic

Professor Yogesh Tyagi

Vice Chancellor
University of Delhi
Delhi 110007

14.4.2020

Subject: Regarding measures related to teaching-learning and examinations in the face of the pandemic

Dear Professor Tyagi,

In the face of the abrupt and sudden disruption to normal academic schedules owing to the pandemic, we believe that the University must find appropriate and adequate solutions that will not saddle students with more hardship and uncertainties. 

It is imperative to make a correct assessment of the issues faced by teachers and students during these unforeseen times. Hence, decisions on crucial matters like teaching-learning, evaluation – internal assessment and examinations, and admissions are arrived at by involving stakeholders through statutory bodies including Faculty and Departments. This would also ensure smooth implementation of any measures taken by the University in the days to come.

We have learnt that the University is discussing the possibility of conducting online examinations. Our recent experiences with teaching through e-resources (undertaken by teachers as per the MHRD/DU circulars) show that this form of engagement is far from being adequate due to the lack of preparedness and institutional help provided to students and teachers. Students have reported facing issues of connectivity and/ or access to sufficient bandwidth to be able to attend the online sessions. Given our student demography, it is important to recognize that a large section of students come from outside Delhi and that an equally significant number comes from underprivileged backgrounds, and the environment at their homes is unlikely to be conducive for learning

In this context, engagement with students through e-resources cannot be treated as a substitute for face-to-face teaching-learning. It is only a stopgap arrangement to keep some students engaged. Since the closure was announced during the mid-semester break, students had left for their home town without carrying their books and material. We have also not been able to provide replacement for practical/field-work through e-resources and at this juncture, testing students on these must be completely ruled out.

For a large University like DU with its diverse student population, an online examination system is not viable and must not be even considered.  The University neither has the infrastructure nor the capability of providing/ensuring level playing field in terms of accessibility and ease to the diverse student population it caters to.

Please find enclosed a detailed note submitted by the DUTA to the UGC in this regard. We hope that the University will take our feedback into consideration while communicating with the UGC and MHRD about possible measures / solutions to appropriately complete the academic session.

Thanking you

Yours sincerely,

Rajib Ray President, DUTA Rajinder Singh Secretary, DUTA Copy to:  The Pro Vice Chancellor The Dean, Examinations