First day: Classes on Zoom, videos, WhatsApp groups in Mumbai

In absence of state government guidelines on virtual reopening of schools until Monday afternoon, several schools began the first day in different ways. Even as most schools began online classes on Zoom, it wasn’t a viable option for schools catering to underprivileged students.

At Mulund Vidyamandir, class-wise WhatsApp groups were created, where teachers welcomed students by uploading recorded videos. Even so, only about 400 students out of nearly 800 could be connected, said teacher Sangita Patil. The Marathi-medium aided school, which has maximum students from nearby slums, has planned to teach through the WhatsApp groups until schools reopen physically. “In our school, it is not possible to have online classes. Fifty per cent of students do not have android mobiles. Every day, one subject will be taught in the group by one teacher. In case students have queries, they can directly call us,” said Patil.