DD Correspondent
JAMMU: The Directorate of School Education (DSE), Jammu, has directed all government schools to remain prepared for a hybrid teaching model, enabling an immediate shift to online classes whenever schools are temporarily closed due to adverse weather, natural disasters, emergencies or other unforeseen circumstances.
According to a circular issued by the Director School Education, offline classes will continue as the regular mode of instruction. However, if the competent authority orders the temporary closure of schools in any area, the affected institutions must switch to online teaching without delay for the duration of the closure. Schools in unaffected areas, including district headquarters and municipal limits, will continue functioning offline.
The Directorate has instructed schools to maintain constant readiness for online education instead of making arrangements only after closures are announced. Every institution has been asked to prepare and regularly update a School Online Education Readiness Plan, designate teachers for each class, establish communication channels, maintain digital learning resources and appoint a nodal teacher for technical coordination.
Teachers, Masters and Lecturers have been directed to remain equipped to conduct live online classes, share digital study material, assign and evaluate work, record attendance and monitor students’ academic progress through approved digital platforms. Heads of Institutions have also been asked to organise regular training, orientation programmes and trial sessions to ensure a smooth transition to online teaching whenever required.
Schools have further been instructed to keep digital lesson plans, presentations, worksheets and assignments ready in advance and maintain updated communication with students and parents for timely dissemination of schedules and study material.
To ensure inclusive education, Heads of Institutions have been asked to identify students without access to digital devices or internet connectivity and provide alternative learning support through printed study material, telephonic guidance or community-based resources.
The circular also directs schools to follow the regular timetable as far as practicable during online classes, maintain proper records of attendance, teaching and assessments, and activate online instruction immediately whenever schools are closed temporarily.
Chief Education Officers have been tasked with monitoring implementation in their respective districts, while the Joint Director (School Education), Jammu, will oversee the overall execution of the hybrid teaching model.
The initiative aims to ensure uninterrupted learning, minimise academic loss and facilitate a seamless transition between offline and online education during temporary disruptions.
