More than 20,000 students take first online test

MHRD expected to decide on re-opening of educational institutions in July

Our Correspondent
Kohima, June 3 (EMN): The department of School Education on Wednesday conducted its first online evaluation of students for high school and higher secondary sections, with more than 20,000 students participating in the test.

Speaking to journalists, Principal Director of School Education Shanavas C informed that the ‘selected trial test went well despite some technical glitches,’ which was informed to have been fixed.

He informed that the duration for the test was 45 minutes with 20 questions. He stated that 3,329 students had appeared for class 8; 6,975 for class 9; 5,174 for class 10; and 4,648 for class 12.

He said the evaluation test was not a compulsory exercise, as those in remote areas of the state cannot access the online evaluation portal. Stating that the department had realised internet connectivity problem, he said the exercise was voluntary ‘self assessment’ based on digital lessons that was conducted in the month of May.

No marks will be added, he said, adding that people should not to be misled by rumours. He urged the people to rely on only official notifications and updates from the social media handle of the department.

Considering the unprecedented situation created by the Covid-19 pandemic, the principal director said that despite encouraging the schools and teachers, it (online teaching) would also not be practical and maintained that the department is experimenting and engaging the students to ‘keep the learning as crucial academic time of the students are going wasted due to the situation.’

Meanwhile, the official said that the decision for re-opening of educational institutions will be based on the concurrent decision taken by the Ministry of Human Resource Development that is expected in the month of July.

Shanavas also said that School Education department is overseeing the situation that would be best suitable for the students, considering the ‘remoteness and physical demographic of the students’ interest at-large.’

Speaking on the ‘nil’ result of some government schools in the recently declared by Nagaland Board of School Education, he said that it is ‘impossible to do magic in one year.’

Pitching for a strong foundation in elementary education, he said the government is working on addressing and focusing on elementary education that would ultimately produce good results henceforth.