A professor of economics at Bengaluru's Azim Premji University has shared a note on the challenges of holding classes online and recognising the role of students in making it successful. "I'm writing to note to students who may be reading that we know and recognise your efforts, which are often really heroic," wrote Arjun Jayadev in a Twitter thread, citing the example of one student who braved a thunderstorm to get an Internet signal.
The student's story, Mr Jayadev wrote, came up during "a very interesting discussion with SAS faculty on online teaching."
In a very interesting discussion with SAS faculty on online teaching and how we can do it better this time around. One story stood out. This faculty would call students directly if they were having difficulty connecting online. During one call, the faculty heard thunderous rain.
— Arjun Jayadev (@arjun_jayadev) August 20, 2020
During the discussion, it was revealed that a faculty member, who would call students directly if they were having trouble connecting online, heard thunder and rain in the background while speaking to that student over the phone. It transpired that the student, who lived in rural Karnataka, was sitting outdoors under an umbrella, braving heavy rain to get a signal.
"Turns out the student, who lived in rural Karnataka was outdoors, under an umbrella, in the only location outside that could receive a reasonable signal," wrote Mr Jayadev, adding that it wasn't an isolated incident.
.. Turns out the student, who lived in rural Karnataka was outdoors, under an umbrella, in the only location outside that could receive a reasonable signal. This was not an isolated incident. I'm writing to note to students who may be reading that we know and recognize your..
— Arjun Jayadev (@arjun_jayadev) August 20, 2020
The professor concluded his note by asking students to "keep at it" and saying that the faculty missed them. "We will do all we can to make this online trimester work for us all," he wrote. " We want to know and want to help you learn. We miss you and look forward to see you in person when we can."
efforts, which are often really heroic. We will do all we can to make this online trimester work for us all. Please keep at it and please let us know how its going. We want to know and want to help you learn. We miss you and look forward to see you in person when we can.
— Arjun Jayadev (@arjun_jayadev) August 20, 2020
The Twitter thread has collected several 'likes' and appreciative comments, with many thanking the professor for highlighting an important issues.
This is important. Many students are stretching themselves to make sure things work out. As a recent entrant to the teaching fraternity, I am frequently reminded of how hard students can work to meet expectations. Trainers have to step up to make these efforts successful. https://t.co/tJ2OtHoKVg
— Balasubramanian V (@balahla) August 20, 2020
We want to help you learn. Gratitude! https://t.co/Wq1UMuFYQK
— Kayzad Kasad (@KayzadKasad) August 20, 2020
Educational institutes across the country have resorted to digital learning amid the coronavirus pandemic. Teachers have been holding classes virtually or recording lectures for their students - an exercise that comes with its own set of challenges, given the lack of resources and training in many cases.
Over the past few months, several examples of teachers going the extra mile to help students during online classes have come to light. In June, a chemistry teacher from Pune had earned praise for her 'jugaad' or hack for holding classes online.
Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world
