The Karnataka department of public instruction has issued a circular stating the duration for live sessions of online classes – the timetable is based on the report by an expert committee. The circular also warns of disciplinary action against schools that violate the norms. The primary and secondary education minister, S Suresh Kumar had earlier stated that the government “will soon” implement the expert committee’s report that was submitted in July. He had also directed the commissioner of public instruction to issue a circular in this regard.

The circular, dated October 22, instructed schools to follow a “judicious mix” of live and recorded sessions. Each live online session cannot extend beyond 30 minutes for students till grade 5 and for 30-45 minutes up to grade 10 students.

For pre-primary classes (3 to 6 years) – one session daily thrice a week, for grades 1 and 2 – two sessions per day thrice a week, grades 3 to 5 –  two sessions daily five days a week, grades 6 to 8 – three sessions daily for five days a week and for grades 9 and 10 – four classes daily five days a week.

For pre-primary to grade 2, the content mix has to be play, stories, rhymes and other innovative activities.

In grades 3-5, the content has to be 25 percent curricular and rest co-curricular. 

For grades 6-8, both curricular and extracurricular should have equal weightage.

For grades 9-10, there should be 75 percent curricular and 25 percent co-curricular.

Presence of parents in the online session is mandatory till class 2 and the classes have to be interactive.

The minister said action will be taken against schools violating these norms as per section 124 (5) of the Karnataka Education Act 1983. 

Source: Times of India

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