MDU Haryana Commences Online Classes, Rural students from Rohtak face challenges

Maharshi Dayanand University (MDU), Rohtak has begun online classes, given the lockdown situation due to COVID-19 pandemic. However, poor internet connectivity and lack of assistive devices made rural students from Rotak face the biggest hurdles to attend lectures.

A large section of students of MDU who belong to the rural areas of Rohtak is facing serious issues in attending classes. As per a law student of MDU, with low internet speed available in the area, often the lecturer’s voice breaks.

According to her, “To memorise everything, taught online is difficult, so preparation of notes is a must. But the rhythm breaks whenever there is a disruption on the internet.”

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Another student, Samiksha, a political science student in MDU, who comes from Sampla village in the district, believes physical classes are a lot more convenient than online classes.

She adds, “My brother and I have one phone and if he is out of the house for some work during the class hours, then there is no other way to attend classes.”

Again when at home, family seeks help in domestic chores which she cannot refuse and ends up reducing time on studies.

“They don’t take the online classes seriously. There should be some offline content for students like me who do not have a good studying atmosphere at home.”

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Students even complain of climbing rooftops to study online due to poor network connection. If universities provide an offline option for such students having internet access issues, then it would be suitable.

A senior faculty member of MDU also confessed that besides students, even teachers lack the proper knowledge to conduct online classes the best way.

He added, “Even the web camera installed on computers were not made available to faculty members. Some of us are conducting online classes in whatever way possible.”

On this occasion, a University spokesperson said, “Certainly, there are issues, but students would be supplied online resources on their WhatsApp groups by the faculty members so that their problem can be addressed to some extents.”