IIM Calcutta to go digital in a year, create hybrid classrooms

IIM-C is creating hybrid classes in order to follow social distancing norms in classrooms and curb COVID-19 spread. 

Amid the ongoing pandemic situation, the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Calcutta decided to form hybrid classes, allowing some students to attend offline lectures, while the others will take classes via live-streamed sessions. Students will attend these classes alternatively. The move is being taken following COVID-19 norms and maintaining social distancing during offline sessions. While the proposal has been approved by the digital transformation committee of the institute last month. IIM-C will take about a year to install the facilities as the institute does not have the required infrastructure for the same. According to media reports, Manish Thakur, dean (new initiatives and external relations), informed that the institute will now follow the due procedure... It could take us a year or so to operationalise the facilities. Meanwhile, an official of IIMC told the institute would invest a sum of Rs 45 lakh to Rs 50 lakh for setting up the facility.

“Institutes are being forced to recall students encountering resource constraints and connectivity issues to campuses so they can attend online classes using the connectivity facilities available at hostels. In such a situation, hybrid classes are emerging as a viable concept,” he said.

Lectures delivered in classrooms will also be streamed live. Participants attending classes online will be able to view the blackboard and classroom activities on their devices and get a feel of classroom teaching.

While many institutes are recalling students, there is always a threat of COVID-19 spread. Thinking of alternatives for the smooth conduct of classes is a need.

A former IIMC teacher told the Telegraph, “No one knows when Covid will cease to exist. Since we are staring at an uncertain future, it is prudent to adopt the models that can ensure the continuation of studies effectively. But in a country like India, the Union government is required to invest so that elementary schools or upper primary schools can set up the costly facilities.”

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