Union Government launches ‘Virtual School’

Vinod Kakumanu
Aug. 31, 2021, 11:43 a.m.

One of the key initiatives of NEP, the ‘virtual school’ concept was launched by the Union government in August 2021. Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said that the implementation of this concept will be through NIOS (National Institute of Open Schooling) and by nature will be completely digital.

This will enable all the students who are out of the existing school system to complete their education through advanced digital learning platforms which provide virtual live classrooms and labs. “This school is a new model of learning and is an example how leveraging technology and innovation can facilitate greater inclusion in education," Pradhan said.

As per NIOS, the mission of a virtual school is to enable access to an affordable, world-class education in order to enhance learning outcomes. It consists of live interactive classes along with recorded sessions. The students will need to submit tutor marked assignments (TMAs), and undertake assessments and exams. These examinations and assessments will be conducted through remote proctoring, and the results will be digitally declared. Besides this, certifications will be offered to students to augment their chances of employability.

Anita Karwal, the School Education Secretary, clarified that the option of virtual school will be available for students from grades 9 to 12. Besides being text-book based, these virtual classes will be also be activity-based and experiential in nature.