NEW DELHI: About 85 per cent of Delhi University students, who participated in a survey-cum-referendum conducted by the Delhi University Teachers’ Association (DUTA), have voted against the administration’s decision of holding online open-book exams (OBE).
The referendum, released by DUTA on May 3, got more than 51,000 responses within 48 hours, mostly from those enrolled in regular courses, the teachers’ body said. This is, so far, the largest survey on online teaching. The DUTA has been opposing the university’s decision to hold online open-book examinations.
In the survey, 38 per cent of students said they had not been able to access study material even if it has been provided to them. Considering the fact that a majority of the students have only smartphones and basic Internet facility, only a few can opt for it. Nearly 50 per cent of students said they had not received material and also cited an inability to access it. According to the survey, only 28 per cent of students have been able to attend more than 50 per cent of the online classes.
Many students said they left for home for mid-semester break, which included Holi and were caught unaware during the lockdown. The students said they did not have access to books, notes or e-resources.
The DUTA has been arguing that the OBE is faulty and discriminates against those without books, notes and online resources. Further, it does not take care of the special needs of many students, especially the differently-abled ones.The teachers’ association demanded that the university should explore alternatives.