Guidelines for Faculties

Because of Corona-crisis, we all are in a difficult situation.  We very much appreciate the efforts you have been making to conduct online classes.  Here are some guidelines for you for conducting online classes in a meaningful way:

• The use of Moodle as a Learning Management System is mandatory.
• Conduct the online class only during the assigned class day and time. We can, however, run the class during other days and times also but only if all students agree to participate in other days and times.  Inform the concerned department if any change is made.
• As we now move to online mode, there might be the need to revise the semester plan. Please do so at the earliest and share the revised plan with students and also with the department.
• Plan the whole course into modular forms. Four or five modules are recommended but this depends upon the nature of the course.  Each module should include modular objectives, learning outcomes, key contents, in-semester assessments, and key readings for the module.
• Make the students clear about the in-semester assessments – their modes, number, date, etc. at the very beginning. Please explain these things clearly in the course plan.
• Three credit-course should have a minimum of 48 hours of learning sessions. That is, one learning session should be of three hours.
• Share the lesson plan of a particular class at least a day before the class-day. This way students would have time to prepare themselves for the class.
• Inform the students of the recording facility available in the Google Meet (and in other such programs).  Record the whole class session and upload the record in the Moodle.  It is important that students agree on the recording.  Assure them about the confidentiality of the recording that it will not be made available to others except the class members and the concerned university officials.
• For an effective online session, good internet connectivity and good equipment (computer) is very important. Before starting each session and at times during the session, see whether the students are listening clearly or not.
• Make the class interactive and enjoyable. Provide the opportunity for all students to take part in the discussion.  Motivate them to make questions and give their opinion on the topic being discussed.
• It is very essential to motivate students for being inquisitive, creative, critical, argumentative, and ethical. Likewise, they should also be motivated for being self-learner, supportive to other classmates, and willing to work in a group.
• Divide the class time into short units consisting of different activities like reviewing the previous class, presentation, class-assignment like reading/writing, open discussion, question-answer, group discussion, briefing the next class, etc.
• Consider providing feedback to students a very important activity of course delivery.
• Motivate students for providing their feedback on different aspects of the course and its delivery and ask for their suggestions for improvements.
• Provide additional support to students by arranging occasional individual/group meetings.
• We can run the class in an informal mode. But while communicating with students we need to be aware of our use of words/sentences, what we say and how we say.  No one should feel neglected, embarrassed, discriminated, not supported, abused, etc.  We should be treating our students respectfully.
• At times we could have ‘fun-time’ amidst the class session. We could discuss some other things that would make the class environment light, humorous, and thus refreshing.
• A short break of 10-15 minutes in the middle of the class session is important.
• Wear a normal dress while participating in the online class. Avoid shorts.

Sometimes discuss with students about their problems and wellbeing. They should feel that the University/School is concerned with their own and their family’s wellbeing

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