According to some recent news reports in the press, the NCERT has submitted the interim revised National Curriculum Framework (NCF) which includes the implications of the current situation of disruption of institutionalized school education due to COVID-19 pandemic crisis. It also implies that revised National Education Policy is going to be adopted in 2020.
Some of the actions that are likely to take place would be as follows.
August 2020: The availability of e-learning content (eVidya) for grades 1 to 12 for SWAYAM PRABHA channels to facilitate multi-mode digital access
March 2021: Finalization of the NCF
April 2021: Writing of new textbooks with following 3 features
-Lighter textbooks with core content only
-Integration of curriculum with following 4 additional areas
· Creative thinking skills
· Life skills
· Indian ethos
· Art (as learning tool)
-Framework of examination reforms
April 2023: Availability of new textbooks and reformed examination system
Implications for private schools and NGO-led alternative education
Though, the schools in the Government Sector affiliated to the CBSE will go be the NCERT books supplemented by SWAYAM PRABHA channels, but private schools will have their own textbooks and on-line supplementary courses either prepared in-house or bought from the private agencies but within the NCF.
Many NGOs working in the alternative education sector would to reorient and train themselves and their staff to produce e-learning material, readiness material, remedial learning material, culturally linked material, alternative modes of e-learning delivery systems. I feel that NGOs need to set-up pedagogy centres with low-coat recording studios to prepare relevant e-learning material in wake of digital divide between urban and rural schools.
Comments