THE DU SOL WEBSITE CRASH
The hysteria began three weeks ago when the University of Delhi decided to conduct Open Book exams(OBE) without informing completely. It got a little heat again, due to recent events when the Delhi University SOL website crashed this Thursday.
The students of various courses logged into the site for downloading their admit cards were left stuck and confused. Some of the students also said that they were unable to download their question papers and had to submit them solved over the site.
The students also described their woes by not getting timely and adequately informed about the updating of their admit cards over the site and even when exams were to commence from July 1st. Some of the students tried downloading the site several times during the day but it kept showing error.
A student belonging to the SOL course told ” I wanted to download the admit card and try any mock test and guidelines provided over the website. But the site showed error every time and was unable to download to the content. She also described her worries as no detailed instructions and guidance for the conduction of online exams and their resources is provided till now.”
A student of the BA(Hons) programme, informed that mock exams would take place before the actual online OBE tests. But there had been no action from the DU administration. “ Usually the students were informed via email well before the exams schedule. But this time it’s getting delayed to a long time. We were informed about the admit cards being available for download on June 25th, but the site crashed saw error while downloading it.” This all occurred because the Delhi University SOL website crashed more than once during the day.
THE SOL COMMENTS
The DU SOL officer on special duty said,” there was some technical glitch which is resolved now”. When asked about potential technical issues occurring during the OBE test, he said, “ you cannot generalize these things. The university is equipped with best IT tech and has also conducted 1000’s of online lectures. Even if some technical issues occur the system and administration is well prepared.”
The DU administration looks confident about their decision to conduct online exams for about lakhs of students at the same time. But as always there exists those questions and doubts as to whether the university has adequate amounts of technical resources. And the technical staff to guide both the teachers and students through these testing times ” Online”.
THE DU ADMINISTRATION
After the advice provided by the Hon. Union minister of HRD to the UGC expert council about revisiting the guidelines, regarding the conduction of online OBE exams. It has been reported that the UGC experts committee recommended the cancellation of exams for the terminal semester/year students of Delhi University(DU). It appears as if, the UGC and the HRD minister have appreciated the objections raised about the fair conduction of online exams.
The appealer’s also described the process as “Discriminatory and Unjust”. Because of the lack of technological support and lack of access to online resources. Also, the conduction of online OBE exams by the university(DU) would promote the use of unfair means by some students. And may also end up to penalize honest students.”
Earlier the conduction of the online exams by the Delhi University will begin from July 1st, but the latest notification as uploaded on the Delhi University(DU) portal states that the rescheduled date sheet will be provided by the 3rd of July. Also, the recommencement of exams is rescheduled from 10th of July.
But the students still are searching and surfing over the net to understand the process smoothly. Although the DU administration has stated that all the resources can be found over the portal easily and smoothly. Hope this rescheduling can provide enough time for the students of the university to understand OBE exams in the best manner. Also may this delay of exam schedule provide enough time to provide students with enough mock tests and study material.
The links for the Exam circulars are attached herewith and are also attached within the text.
- http://www.du.ac.in/du/uploads/COVID-19/27062020-Notification%20for%20postponement%20of%20OBE.pdf
- http://www.du.ac.in/du/uploads/COVID-19/23062020_Notification%20for%20VI%20students.pdf
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