Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal launches virtual schools for students of classes 9 to 12

OVID promoted the rise of online schools in India, following which many students started looking for alternate ways of learning. Some students who were earlier attending physical schools switched to online schooling in India.

Some of the reasons for the sudden increase in the popularity of virtual schools in India 

-It is a more convenient option for students as they can study from the comfort of their homes.

-Online classes are a cost-effective option as compared to traditional schooling.

-Students can get access to a wider range of courses and curricula with online schooling.

-Students who are from small cities and towns can get access to better quality education with online schooling.

-Students from across the country are eligible for admission.

-Parents who are working from home can keep a better eye on their children's studies with online schooling.

With the increase in popularity of online schooling, many schools and universities in India have started offering online courses. Some of the top online schools in India are

There are numerous advantages of online schooling in India. Firstly, it is a very flexible mode of education that can be pursued according to one's convenience and schedule. Secondly, it is relatively cheaper than traditional schooling methods. Thirdly, online schools offer a wide range of courses and subjects which cater to the needs and interests of different students.

Delhi CM Kejriwal launches virtual school in the country for students of classes 9 to 12, Delhi Model Virtual School

According to Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal, The first virtual school in the country will be affiliated with the Delhi Board of School Education Board. Any student aged between 13 and 18 years who have cleared class 8 from any recognized school can apply for admission for classes 9 to 12.

What problem is the CM solving?

In an online media briefing, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said, "There are many children who cannot go to school since there are issues like the school being far away or other obstacles. Many parents do not get their daughters educated since they don't want to send them out"

CM also mentioned that it will help students prepare for major competitive examinations, including NEET, CUET, and JEE where students will receive skill-based instruction and appropriate preparation programs from top experts.

CM says that the school aims to help girl students deprived of education, children who have dropped out, or those who cannot physically attend school.

But is DMVS really India's first virtual school?

No. DMVS is not country's first virtual school, but it is the first state-run model of its kind. There are many private e-learning platforms in India that provide the same or similar services with different sets of features and advantages.

Key features of the DMVS as mentioned on the website:

Free access to Delhi's Education model for students from anywhere- Students have the option to interact with teachers no matter where they are.

Flexible schooling opportunity at student's pace- Students can choose to learn on their own time with recorded lectures while pursuing their interests and hobbies

Personalized mentoring and small cohort tutoring - Students get to discuss their learning in small groups in the presence of the teachers.

Freedom to take assessments anytime-Students have the option of choosing a concept and assessing themselves on it

Socialization and co-curricular Activities -Students will have opportunities to socialize through extra co-curricular activities

Diverse options of subjects and skill-based courses - The program is not limited to the curriculum, it provides wide options of professional courses

Preparation support for JEE/NEET - It will also prepare students for entrance exams like neet

The content will be prepared by experts for entrance exams like JEE etc

Kejriwal said that the platform will also provide students access to a huge digital library, and the content will available 24×7.

Students will also be provided skill-based training for professional courses so they can do part-time jobs and continue their studies,”

When Kejriwal was asked how the virtual school will be different from NIOS and other virtual schools, a Delhi government official said, "DMVS is Delhi government's first virtual carrying hallmarks of any regular government school in the city and providing holistic education to its students."

More about the Delhi Virtual School

-The School will offer classes in regional language also so that the students feel more comfortable.

-The teachers will be trained in online teaching methodologies.

-The school will have a special focus on girls students and children with special needs.

-The online platform is developed by Google and Schoolnet India

Chief Minister Aravind Kejriwal said that "There are many children who cannot go to school since there are issues like the school being far away or other obstacles. we are starting this virtual school to ensure they are ever educated. This school is inspired by virtual classes that had been necessitated due to the Covid-19 pandemic,"

The idea is to provide education to every student in the country he said students from across the country should get this opportunity

The application process for the Delhi model virtual school

Student across the country will be eligible for admission to the schooling platform

To take admission, students must be between 13 to 18 years at the time of enrollment.

The student should have passed Class 8 from any recognised school can apply

They must have the mark sheet and school leaving certificate/transfer certificate for the same at the time of verification.

Will the online program take the learning burden off the student's shoulders?

The students who face difficulties in attending physical school will be the most benefited by this program. The program is designed to take the learning burden off the student's shoulders. The students will have the freedom to choose their pace of learning and also get access to a wide range of courses. This will help them prepare for major competitive examinations without any pressure.

Imagine no more traveling long hours to reach school, no more expensive school fees, and no more hassle of maintaining good attendance.

The students can be liberated from peer pressure and the constant fear of getting scolded by the school authorities.

The student can pursue their dream professions as well as continue their education,

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal in a briefing said that the virtual school will not only provide conventional education in an online format but also provide skill-based learning to students who want to pursue a profession simultaneously. "

Online schooling in India is here to stay. With its many advantages, it has become a popular choice among students and parents alike. With the launch of DMVS, it is clear that the government is also recognizing the potential of online education and is taking steps to promote it. In the coming years, we can expect to see more schools and universities offering online courses and programs.

Manish Sisodia the Deputy CM of Delhi said the Delhi model virtual school is based on the principle of "anywhere living, anytime learning, anytime testing".

Why are people not comfortable with the idea of online schooling launched by Arvind Kejriwal?

"It is a disastrous idea to further marginalize marginalized children. Poor children will go to virtual schools whereas children of the rich will go to regular private schools. Every child must go to full-time regular school. Departing from it means no education at all," said Ashok Agarwal, president, of the All India Parents Association

Some parents also argue that online schooling can never replace the physical presence of a teacher in a classroom

What Problems can I see in this setup?

-Children who have great 8 certificates/ report cards can only join the school, this restricts kids who do not have certificates because they might have discontinued their education.

-What if students want to explore other learning streams than appearing for competitive exams?

-What if students lack the digital infrastructure or access to a reliable internet connection?

-Students who do not live in Delhi need to travel to appear for exams .

What is the future of this idea?

The online schooling program has been welcomed by many and it is hoped that it will help reduce the education gap in the country. The success of the schools can only be determined by the response of the students and parents. However, an experiment of this magnitude will take some time to show results. The long-term success of the program will depend on the government's commitment to providing quality education to all.

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