Maharashtra government favours policy on etiquette for online class

Cyber awareness and education discussion by experts

A report in this newspaper on the need for cyber etiquette for online courses, particularly graduation, PG and professional, has spurred the government to work in that direction. It will form a policy at the state level with the help of all stakeholders.

Its report ‘Make rule mandating virtual classes on video mode', mid-day highlighted the concerns of academicians, cyber experts and education officials over online conduct of students and faculty.

Amol Deshmukh, nodal officer, higher and technical education, said, "The government is closely monitoring online higher education systems, and taking reviews from university heads, the department gives directions to assure secure cyberspace to students. Minister Uday Samant has taken a review to plan a cyber education policy to harness the potential of information and digital technology in higher education." Deshmukh said about 2.1 billion students are currently online.

"Online learning does have its unique advantages, the biggest being the flexibility that it offers anyone from anywhere can take education, as education system moved completely to online mode has created many challenges and issues from the learner's end and cases of cyber nuisance are on the rise, and even we have received complaints too, which is also being looked into by cyber experts and the cyber police, which include instances like fake login, disturbing online class, sharing unsolicited and objectionable content, taking unauthorised access, unauthorised data transfer, cyberbullying, cyberstalking, cyber activities agents faculty and female students," said Deshmukh

While students must keep video on, each such session needs recorded for any reference in future, he said. Deshmukh said cyber etiquette should be followed even during online examinations and students must maintain a proper class decorum at all times.

Asked about working students and if any notification or circular on the same is issued, Deshmukh replied in negative.

However, he stressed that there is no scope for any misuse or violation of cyber norms by students as college principal and deans and course coordinators have been given the authority to come up with their own internal cyber safety mechanism.

"Colleges should take appropriate action against students who do not stick to dress codes or create disturbance in the class. They should carry out activities like cyber awareness and cyber discipline. The government has taken cyber issues seriously during online exams and class and conducted joint training programmes with VC and cyber police. Recently Nagpur University conducted an extensive event on cyber awareness and cyber discipline for its students and faculty," said Deshmukh.

Higher and Technical Education Minister Samant was not available for comments. Sources said he was travelling in Nanded and Hingoli.

‘Beware of personal data, cyberstalking and hacking'

Solicitor Stuti Galiya said virtual classrooms have brought with them new forms of risks and vulnerabilities. "With online classes, student details, such as phone numbers, email IDs and a host of other personal data are readily available. There is an increased risk of sensitive personal data being mishandled as well as other cyber safety concerns including those emanating from hacking and cyberstalking. There is a need for both students and teachers to be careful at all times and follow certain basic etiquette."

To make the process more secure, she said, "The link given for classes should be sent in a way that it cannot be forwarded, to ensure that links are not sent to an external person. Screen sharing option should be permitted only for hosts and such sharing option should be disabled for non-hosts. This will ensure that no sensitive or vulnerable content is shared by anyone. Videos for all participants must be mandatorily kept on, to ensure the authenticity of participants attending the class."

She added, "It may be noted that the handbook on the implementation of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO), 2012, for school management and staff developed by the National Institute of Public Cooperation and Child Development (NIPCCD) has clearly stated guidelines with regard to cyber safety and internet safety protocols which must be established in schools for prevention of child abuse. In light of this, it is a must for schools, colleges and other professional institutions to familiarise themselves with POCSO as well as cyber safety rules. Ensuring these basic steps can help make online classes far more secure from potential attacks by hackers and any misuse."