Bhaktapur, July 28

National Centre for Educational Development is all set to run virtual classes in selected schools in 11 earthquake-affected districts from this year.

Last year, the centre had decided to run virtual classes in 100 schools in 11 of the 14 districts worst affected by the earthquakes.

Three districts in the Kathmandu Valley Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur have been excluded this time, while 13 schools in Kavrepalanchowk, 12 in Sindhupalchowk, 11 in Dhading, 10 each in Gorkha, Nuwakot and Sindhuli, nine in Makawanpur, eight each in Ramechhap and Dolakha, seven in Okhaldunga and two in Rasuwa has been selected to run virtual classes.

Currently, the centre is installing LED TV, solar back-up, projector,internet and other necessary equipment to run virtual classes. The government has allocated Rs 500,000 each for the selected schools to install these equipment.

Surya Prasad Gautam, executive director, NCED, today said, “We have already set up a studio at NCED to run virtual classes.”Given the number of students failing in English, mathematics and science, the government had decided to use information and communication technology in education to make teaching-learning activities interactive and interesting.

The virtual classes are also expected to improve the quality of education in schools facing a dearth of competent teachers.

“We will run virtual classes for Grade IX and X in the first phase. English, mathematics and science would be taught in these classes in the beginning,” said Gautam.

He also informed that due to floods and landslides in various parts of country, installation of equipment was being delayed.

“If succeed in installing equipment on time, students will be able to participate in virtual classes in a full-fledged manner from October/November this year,” he said.