From today, XI, XII students will have online teachers

“We will start with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, English, Accountancy, Economics and Business Studies, and then include more subjects in the next few days,” said a senior HRD ministry official. The chat timings will be between 5 pm and 11 pm and officials say they are likely to stretch it too. “Many students study late into the night, when there is no help at hand,” the official said.

The ministry, which has been working on this interactive business for the last two months, have got subject experts from the NCERT and CBSE pool of teachers.

“We have got the best of teachers to devote an hour or two from home. They have broadband connectivity, and we are compensating them on an hourly basis,” the official said.

“The site has a chatroom where students and teachers will be logged in. Private chats with a teacher could also be used in case the students fear that the question is too silly,” the official said.

Another feature likely to be introduced shortly is “Learn from Specific Professors” wherein some of the most renowned academics will put in their knowledge modules to guide students.

The Sakshat portal, inaugurated by President APJ Abdul Kalam last October, has been developed under the leadership of joint secretary in the HRD ministry N K Sinha, with the help of IGNOU, DU, IISc, IITs, NIC and other institutions. “We intend to expand this depending on the response. This is also an exercise to reduce examination stress,” the official said.