Professional Documents
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digitalLEARNING
Volume V Issue 1 January 2009 ISSN 0973-4139 Rs 75
INDIA
www.digitalLEARNING.in
Celebrating the
3 Anniversary
rd
Bringing together
Academia, Government and
Technology providers
Striving To Make India a
Contents
Knowledge Society
Smt D Purandeswari
Minister of State for Higher
Volume V Issue I, January 2009
47 ASER Report
25 Interview: Dr Rajendra Prasad Rector & Professor, School of Life Sciences, JNU 96 Innovation: Microsoft
President
M P Narayanan
Editor-in-Chief
Ravi Gupta
Group Directors
Maneesh Prasad, Sanjay Kumar
Programme Co-ordinator
The year that was 2008!
Jayalakshmi Chittoor
As we prepare to usher in a New Year, the year that we bid adieu will go down in history as
Assistant Editor one of the most eventful phases in the past decade or so. Its impact on the coming years
Manjushree Reddy will be significant and defining. The world slipped into the grip of a financial crisis with the
email: manjushree@digitallearning.in world’s top economy, the US taking a severe battering with its credit crisis. The financial
Research Associates markets have nosedived. The market demands and production are running low.
Rachita Jha, Dr Rajeshree Dutta Kumar,
N. Samungou Singh But so much for the bad news; a fresh start also requires revisiting the core strengths and
solid fundamentals. We turn three with the onset of 2009. In this anniversary issue of
Research Assistants Digital Learning we share such moments.
Angela S Nath, Yukti Pahwa
Marketing Some numbers to start with. In 2007 around hundred authors gave content for the magazine;
Siddharth Verma (+91-9811561645) this grew to 130 authors sharing their ideas through our magazine in 2008. We have in the
email: siddharth@digitallearning.in past year carried forward the mission of forging alliances for ICT content showcasing growth
in the education sector.
Sales Executives
Rudra Ghosh, Fahimul Haque We received contributions from India, Malaysia, USA, UK, Philippines, China, Thailand,
Indonesia, South Africa, Bangladesh, Singapore, China, Pakistan, Canada and Turkey. To
Subscription & Circulation
add to the list we received additional contributions in 2008 from Russia, Israel, Kenya,
Lipika Dutta (+91-9871481708)
Ghana, New York and Australia. This showcases Digital Learning expanding global reach.
Manoj Kumar (+91-9971404484)
Sr Graphic Designer Digital Learning delivered total of 778 pages of content in its twelve issues of 2008, out of
Bishwajeet Kumar Singh which 228 were generated in-house articles. In 2008, the themes that featured included
‘a futuristic outlook on ICT, education planning, distance education, Asian scenario on e-
Graphic Designers
Education, and Malaysian scenario.
Om Prakash Thakur,
Chandrakesh Bihari Lal (James)
This anniversary issue brings together a composite outlook, spanning across government
Web and private, schools and universities, from India’s education sector and the role that ICT is
Zia Salahuddin, Amit Pal already playing in making quality education possible for millions.
Editorial & Marketing Correspondence
digitalLearning
We hope you will enjoy reading the new-look Digital Learning.
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Phone: +91 120 2502181-85 Fax: +91 120 2500060 We wish you all a very happy new year!
Email: info@digitalLearning.in
(D Purandeswari)
MOS - HRD (HE)
Positive Stroke | Centre
‘We Have To Be In Sync With
Technology To Bridge Digital Divide’
For a country of our size, it is difficult to implement all the
technology solutions at one go in all the schools. So it has to be
done in a graded manner
Subhash C Khuntia, Joint Secretary, Department of School Education &
Literacy, Ministry of HRD, , Government of India
The 11th Five Year Plan focuses on gap in enrollment and also to reduce the process enjoyable for the children. The
education in a big way. What are the gap in enrollment for weaker sections of old schools would require upgradation
key milestones that the government is society. as far as technology is concerned.
looking at as far as school education is There is a centrally sponsored scheme
concerned in the coming year? Prime Minister Manmohan Singh called ‘ICT at Schools’ through which
Since a large part of India’s population has made an announcement about every secondary or higher secondary
constitutes the youth, education ‘model schools’. Can you elaborate school will be facilitated with ICT
occupies a prime position in the 11th on it? infrastructure and connectivity. The
Five Year Plan. If you see the Plan The ‘model school’ scheme involves idea is to have effective ICT integration
allocation, more than 19% of the total setting up of one model school in every in all secondary schools by the end of
outlay is devoted to education, whereas block in the country. It will comprise the 11th Five Year Plan.
it was 9.5% in the 10th Plan. And again of 3500 government schools and
school education gets high priority 2500 schools through Public Private There is a huge disparity in
here. With Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan Partnership. The model school would quality as well as IT integration in
being a great success, large number of basically serve as a demonstration unit schools maintained by the Central
students will soon be knocking at the and as a focal point to network with government and those of states. How
doors of secondary education and that other schools in the block to build up does the Centre plan to reduce this
is why we are planning to ensure that a synergy to enhance the quality of disparity?
these children get adequate access to education in all secondary schools. The The ‘ICT at Schools’ scheme seeks to
secondary education. Similarly those much needed educational technology remove such disparity. Through the
who complete secondary education and connectivity would be available in scheme we plan to equip each and
should be able to move to higher these model schools so that an every school with the required ICT
education. Right now the enrollment ideal environment is created for teaching infrastructure. This will hopefully start
ratio in higher education is 11%, and the and learning. a kind of chain reaction. The states can
Ministry has plans to increase it to 15% further reinforce this infrastructure as
during the Plan period. This can only In the new scheme where there is a per requirements. Schools maintained by
be achieved if elementary as well as talk of upgradation and maintenance the Central government, like Kendriya
secondary education is given the of old and new schools, how is the role Vidyalayas and Navodaya Vidyalayas,
pre-eminence. of ICT envisaged? have been successful in IT integration as
Of course, for the new schools we well as in provision of other resources.
We have also set some ambitious targets would like to have Information State governments having larger number
like increasing the gross enrollment ratio and Communication Technologies of schools need to emulate them.
in secondary education (9th and 10th) incorporated right into the structure of Needless to say, all schools should
from 53% to 75% in the next five years. schools so that the paradigm of teaching maintain a minimum standard in all
Another target is to reduce the gender and learning can be different, making the aspects including ICT.
What objectives have been laid down ICT can produce optimal results only if technology usage in school education?
in the 11th FiveYear Plan for catering both the receiver and sender are trained I strongly believe that there is great need
to quality education in India? for its proper usage and attuned towards to nurture public private partnerships
The 11th Plan is an investment plan a common goal. for implementing ICT in school
for Education and Health sectors. The education. Majority of schools in our
education sector covering elementary, Among the many limitations and country are not equipped to effectively
secondary, higher and technical bottlenecks which India faces is the integrate ICTs in their activities. Private
education will greatly benefit from attitudinal factor, where there is a built enterprise can do a great deal not only
the thrust given in the current Plan in resistance to use technology. There is by supplying hardware and maintenance,
period. The problems affecting quality also a bias that greater use of technology but also help in developing content for
of education - such as inadequate will increase the existing digital divide. teaching various subjects, especially in
infrastructure, poor quality of faculty, Another danger is of top down approach regional languages. Another area where
outmoded teaching methods, outdated which results in adopting technologies private sector initiatives can contribute
curriculum, lack of linkages between unsuitable for our national or regional is teacher training by developing proper
knowledge and skills - have been taken needs. Appropriateness of technology training modules.
cognizance and appropriate corrective is crucial to the success of ICT
steps have been suggested. The Plan applications. Lastly, what would be your message
includes a coherent ICT based education for stakeholders in the education
both at the secondary and higher In your opinion, how can we create sector regarding an ICT policy on
education. an enabling environment for effective education in India?
and efficient use of technologies in Each one of us directly or indirectly
All these can be achieved only if schools? is a stake holder in the education
the States adopt a pro-active role in There is a general acceptance of the sector. Students, teachers, parents,
facilitating these reforms. States will need to create technology enabled educational administrators, heads of
have to protect the interests of the schooling environment. IT enabled educational institutions, technology
marginalised sections of the society learning would perhaps provide providers, all have a stake in education.
through appropriate strategies as new directions in pedagogy and The greatest stumbling block in the
educational loans, scholarships, hostel affect students achievement level. way of implementing an ICT policy in
facilities and other material assistance. Technology seems to be the answer education is the attitudinal bias which is
to several problems in educational technology resistant. We need to correct
What role do you foresee for ICT in settings, provided basic infrastructure our perspectives and ensure a blended
education? According to you, what such as computers and computer labs, and balanced use of technology along
are the reasons for India still lagging multimedia labs, internet connectivity, with the human capital to extend the
behind in ICT integration? power backup, etc, are ensured. In frontiers of education in a global
The buzzword today is ICT in education. addition, human capital in the form of setting. <<
But we need to assess the needs, trained teachers competent to use ICT is
usage and benefits of ICT in achieving also required. Note: Views expressed by the author
educational objectives in a more realistic in the interview are her own and
manner. Given my experience in What role does public private in no way represent the Planning
Distance Education and Open Learning, partnership play in enhancing Commission’s views.
Dr Jyrki Pulkkinen
CEO, Global eSchools & Communities Initiative (GeSCI)
Please tell us about your journey with How did you get other universities on- How was this model of networking
the development of ICT in education. board, within Finland, for furthering and decentralising of ICT educational
My background is that of an the early ideas on ICT into learning training different from other
educationist, as a researcher, research and practice? contemporary models?
manager and an Assistant Professor Previously, if you had one year We never established a virtual university
of education, with over 20 years of curriculum you had your students at one university in Finland. We came
experience. In the 1990’s, we lived in over there in the classroom, used up with a network of universities, and
pioneering times, when it came to the technologies for teaching them, this finally grew into a national network
use of Information Communication sometimes assessing or video of Finland. There was a Secretariat or
Technology (ICT). When I came conferencing, and you paid all the costs a development unit at the Ministry of
across ICT, I started programming for and developed all the curriculum. We Education.
educational needs. We experienced tried to change that. We decided among
many new technologies and applied three universities – Helsinki University In UK, they established one university
these for training teachers. We of Technology, University of Jyvaskyla and tried to run it as a business, which
facilitated skill development not and University of Oulu - to share ultimately went bankrupt. Many of
only for the primary and secondary all the costs and implementation of the virtual universities met this fate in
school teachers, but also for the adult ideas. We decided to have one study the late 80s and early 90s. The Finnish
educators, university teachers, lecturers group in each of these universities. Virtual university model has survived so
in education. At that time we also The three universities constituted a long and is still functioning because of
wanted to understand what will be the network and contributed money, ideas their network model.
impact of ICT for the school education for developing curriculum through a
system, not only as a tool in your own year long programme. With this network Can you share some of your critical
classroom, but how it will reform the and idea of sharing costs of training introspection about ICT in education,
whole education system. As an Assistant we managed to have large-scale impact particularly in the context of
Professor in the University of Oulu in in terms of the number of students we developing countries?
1996, I established a research unit of covered. We used technology as a tool, In 2000, I went to South Africa as a
educational technology. It was the first but it also provided a platform for us to consultant for the National Department
of its kind in Finland, and was totally train more teachers in more of Education for capacity building
dedicated to educational technology. product areas. model of African teachers. In Finland
traditional classroom of chalk and board. proper plan. This is where a visionary
So in India it is not a technical problem, strategy comes in, and the need for a
but a pedagogical one. This is my sub- country-specific ICT policy.
stantive evaluation at the moment.
India is challenging, because it has a
What kind of model do you suggest third world economy and at the same,
for the Indian environment? a developed country’s problems. So
Research has shown the world over that you have a variety of problems and
people learn the best through a flexible challenges here. Basically, the Indian
and collaborative mode of learning. experience has been a good exercise
Children are learning together, they can for GeSCI and hopefully a useful
communicate together via Internet or one for the Indian government as
face-to-face. They have to collaborate, well. However, in the coming years
not memorise. They have to study, GeSCI would like to contribute to
solve problems, make conclusions, and other countries in South Asia. We are
develop something new. developing regional activities in other
countries in the region also. We are
I was surprised to hear that in state- serving India from a different angle,
owned schools, every child learns the not as a bilateral country programme
same thing, same day, in a same manner. but inviting it to be part of the larger
This is not at all innovative. We have community of ICT in education and
everything was online, but in South other methods too, like the ‘blended GeSCI community in South Asia. We
Africa, I asked for offline content as mode learning’, where various children want India to share their experiences in
it was too expensive to be online. The learn different things at the same time in policy making and ICT in education,
economic environment was absolutely a classroom. with other South Asian nations.
different. Even where technologies were
available, teachers could not be using A school is like a social system, which The Asian scenario is different from,
it constantly as it proved too expensive has to be changed on the whole. We say, Africa. That is why we are not
for the schools. Even the teachers there have to address the school management developing any country programmes
lacked proper training. So we had to and also the educational system at all in Asia but rather going for facilitation
develop a different model. I was in a levels, from the ministers to teachers. If of knowledge sharing activities in the
state of confusion and getting critical. you want to use technology efficiently region. In Africa, we have country
with minimum investment and have the programmes because they don’t have
How do you view the specific case of best results too, you should invest in the the same level of knowledge base or
India? educational management system. That expertise as in India.
I have been attending many global is the best way of introducing ICT in
workshops on ICT and innovations, education. The government and the private
saying that everybody should copy the sector have an engagement in India’s
Indian model. Even Africa wants to copy After management comes the teachers. education sector. How do you view
Indian model! I assumed its because we The teachers should know how to the coming together of different
have a booming outsourcing business implement technology in their pedagogy. stakeholders?
in ICT and high-tech in Chennai and Otherwise the investments made by the Every stakeholder has a point of view
Bangalore. school will go waste. and interest. They have different entry
points to the same issue.
Coming to application of ICT in educa- How do you see the role of GeSCI in
tion, I haven’t seen enough to make any India in the context of current global But the government cannot provide all
evaluation about the situation in India. education? services and infrastructure, they need
During my visits to couple of schools, GeSCI gives strategic advice to private sector for that. The idea is to
I saw children looking at computer Education ministries world over on create a kind of partnership where there
screens and copying everything on to better management of ICT resources is a confluence of two sides to bring in
notebooks and memorising what they in school education. We advocate all round development. But at the same
have seen. Then I felt the problem was the importance of having an ICT time, the private sector should not be
not technology, but the methodology infrastructure in education as it is given a free hand as then it goes on an
adopted by the teachers in the learning needed for development of the social easy profit making mode. This kind of
process. They were repeating the same and economic parameters of a nation. participatory policy making may be new
mode of teaching which they did in the But to accomplish it there has to be a in India, but back home it is a norm. <<
I
’ve come to India because something the communities. Perhaps a woman has more private unrecognised schools than
remarkable is happening in started a nursery, then been persuaded to government schools (28% compared to
education for the poor and I want extend it further when parents report that 27%). In the slums of the Old City of
to be a part of it. There’s a private their children are happy with her. Or a Hyderabad, fully 64% of school children
education revolution taking place – and young man starts an after-school tuition were enrolled in private school, and
it opens up extraordinary opportunities class, then realizes he can do a better there were roughly the same percentage
for those engaged in digital learning. job for his students than their current of children in private unrecognised
schools during the day too. Visit these schools as there were in government
The accepted wisdom says that the schools, and you’ll find the vast majority schools (24% compared to 23%).
poor need governments to provide their of teachers present and teaching, and a
education. But government education vibrant atmosphere of learning taking Moreover, the low cost private
for the poor doesn’t seem to be working place. schools dramatically outperformed
well. Visiting a government school in For the last five years or so, I’ve been the government schools. In Delhi, for
poor parts of urban India, for instance, studying the phenomenon, ever since mathematics, mean scores of children
can be sobering. Where there should I first stumbled across my first budget in government schools were 24.5%,
be ten teachers, there will be only two private school in the slums behind the whereas they were 42.17% in private
or three present. And they won’t all be 16th century Charminar in Hyderabad’s unrecognised schools and 43.9% in
teaching either. Children – bright-eyed, Old City. My research teams have private recognised. In English, the
eager young children – will often be combed the slums of East Delhi and performance difference was much
seating on the floor, doing nothing. I’m of the Old City of Hyderabad, looking greater (children in unrecognised
sure that I’m not the only one to feel that for all schools, public and private – not schools enjoyed a 35 percentage
the poor deserve much more than what depending on official data, as many of point advantage over their public
government education has to offer. the private schools were unrecognised, school counterparts, whereas children
off the official radar. The research in recognised schools scored 41
It would all be deeply depressing if teams found large numbers of schools percentage points more). However,
it wasn’t for the fact that the poor, in in the areas selected – 918 in the slums these differences might be expected,
huge numbers, are already embracing of Hyderabad, for instance. We tested given that government schools are not
an alternative. Private schools are around 10,000 children in India, taken in general English medium. However,
blossoming in the slums and low-income from a stratified random sample of we didn’t find any government
areas of India. These low-cost private schools within these poor communities. school advantage in Hindi – and most
schools are run by entrepreneurs from Children were tested in English, maths government schools were Hindi-
my school’s name
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I
nformation and Communication are now being used increasingly in and better? Is the aim to help teachers
Technologies (ICT) have great developing countries for “e-learning” to improve their practice or to help
potential to develop access, quality applications. At the same time there make work in the school easier and
and equity in education at all levels is some scepticism towards ICTs in more productive? Or perhaps the aim
– early childhood, primary, secondary education because the impact on student is simply to introduce teachers and
and tertiary. For example: achievement and the cost effectiveness students to 21st century technology.
• radio/audio can be used in place of a of what are often expensive applications
teacher to deliver highly structured are unclear. What is certain is that the The second lesson is to know when
lessons with pauses for learners to mere presence of computers and other a technology-based solution to the
respond, or as a supplement with a new technologies in the classroom is not education problem you have identified
teacher present; sufficient; ICT interventions need to be is the right solution. This is not always
• television provides visual effects designed and implemented strategically so. To understand what the right solution
which can illustrate complex in order to be effective and live up to to their education problem is, education
or abstract concepts; it can be their full potential. While the impact managers need firstly to know their
supplemented by workbooks or of ICT on learning outcomes is still needs and the resources available at
other materials; debatable, there seems to be a consensus present or can mobilise in the future. In
• computers/internet can be used as that ICTs in education can be useful for thinking these issues through education
teaching tools (simulations, online increasing access to information managers should ask themselves: how
learning communities, professional as well as motivation in the and to what extent can technology help
development of teachers), content classroom and efficiency throughout me achieve my goals and objectives
delivery tools (online libraries, the education system. given my current state? It is important to
journals, books), and management note that different types of technologies
tools (assessment, record keeping); The following are five “lessons” that offer different advantages – as well as
can also be used to form community have been drawn from international challenges – depending on how these
telecentres and virtual schools. experience with ICTs in education technologies are deployed.
• multi-media integrates radio, over the last decade or so. There are
television and or computers. undoubtedly other lessons that can be The third lesson is to understand that
drawn from the international experience training of teachers is the means,
Already widespread in the schools and but these five strike me as being the not the end. The experience is that
colleges of developed countries, ICTs most important for educators in India. training teachers does not always
students – undergraduate, postgraduate, researchers – then tion system that too in non-competitive
degree courses. The pilot study done by
promote them as researchers our own Association, local professional
university in the management course,
there is not a single student who is the
Management Education, Medical students. What according to you are first generation learner or below poverty
Education, Computer Education and the reasons for this? line. These are our indicators that we
Distance Education. India has expanded its higher education need to upgrade the quality of education
system from 18 universities to 440 both in schools and colleges in rural set
What role do you play in evaluating universities, over the last 60 years; the up and urban poor.
degrees from across the spectrum of student strength has also risen from 2.8
educational institutions? million to 13 million. We are the third What is the role of ICT, vis-a-vis
The Evaluation Division deals with the largest higher education system in the higher education? How has ICT
work of evaluation and equivalence world. In India, 80% higher education enhanced the teaching-learning
of degrees and diplomas awarded by institutions are managed by the public experience?
the accredited universities in India and funds and the most reputed institutions ICT definitely has a role to play in
abroad for admission to higher courses are still in the public domain, where the higher education but it is not substitute
at Indian Universities. The Division entry for foreign students is limited. We for good quality teachers. ICT can
provides expert assistance on the status attract around 18,000 to 20,000 students give maximum information but does
of foreign qualifications to the students, per year towards higher education. not cultivate the mind of the students
universities, central and state agencies These are mainly from the Asian and and to use ICT you need good quality
including ministries of the Government African countries. infrastructure, constant upgradation
of India. and available teachers who can utilize
Government has got over 1800 scholar- these modes for teaching purpose. ICT
The Division also provides assistance ships for students from the developing as a independent mode of learning has
to evaluation agencies of the foreign countries. The demand today is largely definite limitations.
countries. The Division examines the for the professional courses and that
proposals received from the Institutions too in government institutions, as there Tell us about AIU initiative for
outside the purview of the Indian are very limited opening for overseas aspiring researchers – Anveshan. Any
universities, for granting academic students for professional admissions. other initiatives in the offing?
equivalence to Postgraduate Diploma These are mostly taken care by the pri- AIU has initiated a very ambitious
courses in the area of Management. vate institutions where the fee is higher programme, the Students Research
and restricted to 15% of the total seats. conventions – Anveshan. By this we
Does AIU also has any foreign Probably these restrictive policies do have created a platform for the young
institutions as members. What criteria not attract more foreign students. By researchers. The purpose of this is to
does AIU follow while evaluating installation of some scholarships, we identify the best talent in research at all
degrees given by foreign institutions? will be able to attract international talent levels of the students – undergraduate,
We have three Associate Members in professional courses. postgraduate, researchers – then promote
– Kathmandu University, Kathmandu, them as researchers. In the first phase,
Nepal; University of Mauritius, Please comment on the education we recognize their merit by awarding
Mauritius; Royal University of Bhutan, scenario in the new economic order, certificates and cash prize. Then we are
Thimpu, Bhutan. Evaluation mechanism particularly higher education. How exploring the possibility of giving them
takes into consideration the following successful has it been in giving a exposure in the best research centres in
points: Educational framework of thrust to socio-economic development the country and around world. We are
the country; eligibility criteria for in the country in process of negotiating with national
admission for a particular degree course; With the new economic order, the and international agencies. We are quite
course content; duration of the course; disparity between rich and poor will confident, we will make breakthrough
evaluation modalities and accreditation widen, particularly in the area of higher for this requirement. There is
in the home country. education. The quality of education overwhelming response by different
in the rural areas is far below than that international agencies, but it will
In the era of globalisation of being offered in urban India. Govern- take sometime to settle the mechanism
education,India is yet to evolve as ment of India is taking efforts but still of absorbing these students for
favourite destination of foreign the school education in rural set up research careers. <<
A
ll this while being a student and in the traditional learning space of
a teacher of Natural Resource Though, the maximum success stories higher education existing by then for
Management what appeared have been guided by the institutional around 50 years. This happened for
an apt management strategy for an support including infrastructure and innumerable reasons albeit effectively
optimal resource use, development and support mechanisms (CRE report 2000, experimenting with it academically for
sustenance was the grass-root approach Liber 1998). However, there have been four years as pilot.
or a micro level approach. But in the pitfalls too in last few years and many
Digital learning environment (DLE) reports and articles have highlighted this Now with the University of Delhi
somewhere it doesn’t appear to work while embedding learning technologies introducing ICT through Institute of Life
more than a pilot. What strikes to be the across an institution. Long Learning (ILLL) at the Centralised
best approach in vast institutes of higher Level along with the existing conviction
learning is the top down approach with Background has ignited the hope of furthering the
continuous institutional steering - well The article is based on the experience use of digital learning environment
blended with the existing -traditional of the author with digital learning tools in a big way. At present ILLL has a
teaching set-up. This paper traverses in the portals of higher education since major responsibility in teacher training,
through the necessary challenges 2002, with a first exposure towards developing e-Learning materials and
that any traditional institute of well- it at department of Geo –Information delivery system, developing courses,
established repute still faces, if use of Processing, ITC, The Netherlands as a curricula and content. Presently ILLL
ICT in Higher Education is its genuine Post-Doc Fellow. With a background is developing courseware and building
agenda. Maintaining academics, the of a traditional teacher since 1987 in a question bank for varied courses. All
pedagogy per se and the transformation Higher Education , establishing digital along what is important is to remember
of the correct knowledge whereby learning environment in the portals is that the University of Delhi is the
shifting emphasis, sharing successful of Kirori Mal College, University largest and one of the best central
practices along with student, teacher of Delhi along with a portal team universities in India with more than
and the institutional interactions are came naturally. Five enthusiastic team 3, 00,000 students and around 8,000
discussed. members - Dr O P Gupta (Physics), faculty members with more than 60
Dr J L Sharma (Chemistry), Dr M colleges and some colleges established
Global Experience C Nahar (Commerce), Dr Ranjana even before 1922.
In recent years, the use of ICT in higher Gupta (Mathematics) and Dr Seema M
education has increased enormously but Parihar (Geography) - coordinated the Sustainability demands Shift in
with varied levels of scaling from the experimentation from the Netherlands Emphasis
state of art wireless to the limited use of successfully. The team moved ahead The KMC model had technological
ICT tools only in creating or developing by designing and developing teaching- prerequisites in place but what appeared
study without being holistically learning infrastructure almost at par missing was the top-down shift in
embedded in the system. What struck is with the Black Board Environment emphasis, community acceptance and
the anomaly even in otherwise state of with the support of a private service certain additional form of credits. What
the art universities, with modern vision provider led by Ajay and Sandeep. becomes imminent is the reallocations
albeit maintaining traditional wisdom But they just simply could not sustain required in traditional classroom
teaching methods all in terms of will, encompassing templates with in every attached college and
resources and interactions in order to simplified guidelines and directions department should subsequently aim
secure the sustainability of innovations. on funding, rewards and leadership towards creating blended learning
The experience guided that any ICT environment:
driven course necessarily needs to shift Access Auditing • enhancing student- centred learning;
the emphasis : Hence before the implementation of • making faculty more accessible to
• From idiosyncratic approaches and any ICT driven teaching –learning students
solutions to institutional as well technology in any college or the • increasing the potential for
as inter-institutional technological department, what is primarily required innovative forms and apt
standards, norms and forms of is just on the pattern of the access visualization
cooperation. reports for enhancing the infrastructure • providing flexibility of study mode
• Uniform standardisation of for the Physically challenged students is • providing thematic question banks.
platforms, software and tools prepared by the University of Delhi an • remaining competitive
• Linking technological innovations ICT access auditing be undertaken for • providing timely credits
to overall institutional strategy different colleges and departments. With • Sustaining cost effectiveness at all
• Collectively overcoming the ICT faculty, students and administration levels.
related issues and problems being differently abled in different
• From a bottom up orientation
of course designing and
development, driven by individual
research interest to a process
of organisational reform and
institutional planning initiated and
supported top-down.
• From project based research
oriented forms of “establishing
new courseware” to find ways of
evolving course ware of existing
well established courseware with
support from faculty and staff
in a broader infrastructural and
institutional context
• From technology-driven initiatives
to the use of technology based
on comprehensive pedagogical
concepts
• Introduction of certain incentives
or credits for the anchors – faculty,
student and administration colleges and departments, the access Convincing Faculty
reports would direct on the capacity While evolving on-line learning
Institutional Approach - A requirements in each college or the mechanisms teachers role have to be
driving mechanism department. well understood.Certain bottlenecks
Institutional approaches are needed have to be overcome even after the
with a clear focus on the strategic Top-down Accepted Policy availability of the required technology
issues involved following three phase directions and in traditional academic set-up like
technology –adoption model : Certainly, ready availability of the University of Delhi they include
• Hardware and system support technology in institute of higher (Parihar,2004):
including common driven digital education may not necessarily propel • teachers have to make a move to
learning platform ICT integration in traditional academic new education, but they lack time;
• Motivating the culture of e- set-up. KMC model substantiates this. • teachers fear that ICT will dislocate
learning through staff development Despite ready availability of fitness for them;
workshops, seminars and purpose technological availability, the • teachers are unsure of the security
documentation and enhancing the real success could not be achieved if it provisions for their study material
capacity of faculty coupled with does not provide any clear direction for • perceived unreliability of networked
incentives using ICT. The policy after services and local computing
• Production support and assistance ready availability of hardware services.
with a well defined policy all and networking with good bandwidth
Digital Learning | Vol 5 Issue 1 January 2009 33
This is despite the fact that in most almost becomes as essential as creating issues. Security solutions definitely
cases the faculty in higher education digital courseware. Mapping the need to protect students, faculty and
are hardworking people with consistent students with high learning goals and administration from viruses, guard
good academic records and are the high self worth along with the needs information assets and strengthen
ones who enjoy reading and studying. of the students who are simply guided data security to meet compliance
The learning strategies need to include by structured performance driven requirements of university systems and
`just in time support’, flexible learning expectations and even at times low retain and secure the appropriate data
modules, some shared material and self worth becomes essential in the while submitting any reports.
links,certain incentives and flexible context. Assessing students in terms
support (Parihar 2004) of their nature while participating Tension Between Local and
in an online learning experience - Central Initiatives and Support
Sharing and dissemination of exploratory or controlling; collaborative In a vast set- up like the University
good Practice or competitive; motivated either of Delhi an academic discourse on
Sharing and dissemination of good by curiosity or anxiety; creative or the relevance of centralized or the
Practice is a very popular term with mechanical or may be able to embrace decentralised model of operation
the staff developers. But what is failure or defends against failure too definitely is required if sustenance
important is to remember that what a becomes critical (Parihar,2002). is the aim. Saunders (2002) finds
good practice in one situation is not in a decentralize model of operation
necessarily true for another. As for Till now two ways- interaction with the -a major potential disadvantage being
instance there are more than 60 colleges students in the virtual space is almost that local disparate local groups will
and more than 100 post graduate non-existent in the University of Delhi separate develop systems and tools that
departments in the University of , though lot of useful information will overlap and lead to a cost-time
Delhi and with many streams in offing (admission lists, results, syllabus, misuse. In a model like DU where the
ranging from literature, social sciences, facilities, etc) other than content course curriculum is centrally driven
mathematical sciences, commerce and learning is placed at www.du.ac.in. Even with centrally held examination system
economics to subjects with physical during admission process when this and the degree allotment schema, the
and life sciences , comprehending the site gets maximum hits should facilitate Centralized system promises more
contextual understanding and variations online admissions. In 2008-2009 for acceptance and uniformity. Even KMC
is actually mandatory. Moreover, Under Graduation alone 93,300 X 642 experience suggests this. Sharing of
exclusive computer science is too a X 63 choices were opted by 93,300 the Black board Environment through
subject along with applied science students for 642 courses in 63 colleges . a centralized system too has shown
courses. So generalisation has to steer Scope for expanding the use of digital/ positive driven results in few European
away from pedagogic principles in real audio medium for Visually Challenge experiences. Even online supporting
time operational on-line tasks. As a students too is immense. Another way system becomes easier. Above all the
consequence it can be hypothesised that could be by making newly constituted credits given to the students and teachers
in staff training courses the emphasis Centralised Placement Cell (CPC) of will have more value and acceptance.
should be on the technology and not on the University of Delhi with both its
pedagogy. offshoots: the Core Competency Unit Conclusion
(CCU) and the Corporate Interaction Digital Learning environments even
Motivating Students towards Unit (CIU) web-enabled in a blended in traditional educational set-up of
Online Learning way. At present there are around 4000 higher education are here to stay. But
Institutional strategies have to aptly students registered with it from 50 implementations of DLE depends
find ways and means of integrating colleges. DU- CPC Information System entirely on your execution strategy.
students. However, there is a very little may be developed and maintained Top-down directions in initial years in
evidence that institutions at present making students dynamically active and traditional set-up will automatically
are giving enough consideration to the getting all placement related information pave way in grassroots performance
student perspective. In the University through it. Further, the soft skill courses with long-term sustenance. Blended
of Delhi with around 3 lac students, too can be posted there and students teaching-learning environment have to
this dimension too needs apt attention. can get flavour of it in their required be embedded in the traditional system
Crucial is to overcome the hyped format in a flexible way. All these may along with academic independence.
assumption that present generation is be directly posted at http://placement. A large institute of Higher Education
digital savvy and will automatically be du.ac.in. The two way interaction with of repute like the University of Delhi
motivated or alternatively the coercion the students has already started (plate 1) would certainly have to find ways of
would be enough in structured portals of and is showing positive results. overcoming this challenge.For dynamic
higher learning. Observing and talking steering -teachers will always be needed
to students, adhering to their differently Security Concerns and the centralized driven institutional
abled nature , evolving Colleges and Universities cannot afford system will hold the key towards
new theoretical and practical tools today not to be concerned about security success. <<
Developing Leaders
Driving the future of business Integrating expertise into the classroom also uses Adobe Acrobat Connect
Three main programmes comprise the In Darden’s Executive Education Professional for a variety of marketing
Darden School of Business – Executive Programme, the faculty rely on Adobe and administrative projects. Darden
Education which offers open- tools in their work with corporate offers targeted recruiting and marketing
enrollment and custom programmes; clients. In addition to this, Adobe presentations so that potential students
the MBA program is built around the Acrobat Connect Professional is used can learn more about its programmes.
Case Method of instruction and involves for faculty office hour sessions. Early Since candidates are often working
discussion-based learning; the MBA for on in the implementation, the ability full-time, last year the Darden School
Executives programme combines offers to record sessions within Acrobat offered live in-person sessions in various
a schedule suited for working executives Connect Professional became a critical cities, as well as virtual sessions.
to fast-track an MBA degree. component for students unable to attend
office hours. It was utilised in the MBA Quick response time increases brand
The Darden School of Business was management communications class to awareness
an early adopter of Adobe Acrobat help critique student presentations. As The school’s admissions office utilises
Connect Professional technology in the course focuses on communication Adobe Acrobat Connect Professional for
enterprise education and relies on the skills, participants’ presentations are last-minute sessions with potential stu-
same to deliver educational content, often videotaped for peer-review. dents who might have questions about
increase business-process efficiencies, Darden and its programmes. Everyone
and enhance communication via web High-quality, collaborative programmes from the admissions director to the
conferencing and collaboration. ‘We Darden recognised that to be successful, financial director can address questions
were immediately attracted to the ease the school needed a strong distance and posed by interested students before they
of Adobe Acrobat Connect Professional collaborative learning tool in its MBA decide to enroll. Lehmbeck also reports
and its manageability. Both faculty for Executives programme. In addition using Adobe Acrobat Connect Profes-
and students became comfortable to presentations, the synchronised audio sional to conduct interviews with those
with the solution very quickly,’ says narration feature of Adobe Acrobat who aren’t able to visit the university.
Christan Lehmbeck, Director, Connect Professional is widely used ‘Using Adobe tools during the hiring
Darden Media. in tutorials. The Darden enterprise process, for example, we can complete
Digital Learning | Vol 5 Issue 1 January 2009 35
Organization
University of Virginia
We were immediately attracted to the ease of use of Adobe Darden School of Business
Charlottesville, VA
Acrobat Connect Professional and its manageability. Both faculty www.darden.edu/html/default.aspx
and students became comfortable with the solution very quickly Challenge
• Facilitate communication between students,
Christian Lehmbeck, Director, Darden Media, University of Virginia faculty, staff, and corporate clients
Darden School of Business • Maximize the effectiveness of classroom learning
• Deliver educational content anywhere, anytime
• Conduct initial interviews more efficiently and cost
effectively
the first round of interviews, get a feel Adobe Creative Suite 3 Design Premium • Minimise time spent on technical support
for the personalities involved, and even is also a mainstay at Darden. Adobe
see examples of a recruit’s work,’ says Photoshop CS3 is used to help create Solution
Use Adobe Acrobat Connect Professional to create and
Lehmbeck. interfaces and perfect photos for use
deliver dynamic meeting and course content, reach
in the classroom, in publications, for long-distance job and school applicants, review vendor
Expanding the educational horizon instructional development, and on the presentations, and facilitate technical support
Darden uses a variety of Adobe products web. The Darden development team
to improve student achievement and uses Adobe Dreamweaver CS3 as Benefits
streamline the school’s business their web-authoring tool and Adobe • Engaged students in intuitive, collaborative
processes. For example, finance faculty Flash CS3 Professional for interactive learning solutions
• Archived key sessions for immediate retrieval
members use Adobe Captivate software design on interfaces for educational
• Provided student prospects with prompt
to demonstrate how to review an Excel simulations, as well as for interactive communications from faculty and staff
spreadsheet. ‘The functionality of Adobe timelines. • Enabled real-time interactive experiences,
tools is remarkable,’ says Lehmbeck. fostering a collaborative environment for students
‘Adobe Captivate is also used for ‘The total integration among Adobe and faculty to more easily critique presentations,
tutorials on how to use online resources tools makes communicating and homework, and other projects
in the university library, and for collaborating at Darden that much • Minimised technical support with interactive Help
system
screen captures.’ more seamless,’ Lehmbeck adds.
‘We look forward to growing our Toolkit
Lehmbeck reports that Darden on- and off-campus programmes • Adobe Acrobat Connect Professional
launched a series of career services using Adobe Acrobat Connect • Adobe Captivate
tutorials created using Acrobat Connect Professional technology to further our • Adobe Creative Suite 3 Design Premium.
Professional software. The tutorials educational goals.’ << Components used include:
focus on a variety of professional • Adobe Photoshop CS3
• Adobe Flash CS3 Professional
topics, including how to create a great For more information on Adobe Education
• Adobe Fireworks® CS3
resume and ways to network effectively. Solutions visit www.adobe.com/education or • Adobe Dreamweaver CS3
New modules will focus on salary contact Ms. Nidhi at +91 22 28367005 • Platform: Dell and IBM PCs with Microsoft Office
negotiation and alumni online resources. Or send an email to adobe-hed@erfolgcs.com 2007
E
ven as India excels towards the which has now risen to 1,67,000-plus The percentage of government
target of elementary education schools (13.43%) for 2007. The schools with computer has shown
for all, its ICT capabilities, so number of schools having provided improvement over the previous year
far as school education is concerned, computers during the year 2005-06 (6.57% in 2005-06 to 8.57% in 2006-
remains severely challenged by low was 120.6 thousand (10.73%), during 07). Compared to 8.57% government
availability of computers in the schools. 2004-05, 93 thousand (8.99%) and schools having computers, the
in 2003-04, 72 thousand (7.68%). percentage in case of schools under
However, according to a report Currently, more than 160,000 primary private managements is much higher
‘Strengthening Education Management schools in the country had computers at 34.43%.
Information System in India’ , published in place.
by the HRD Ministry and the National This is also true for all other types of
University of Educational Planning and Rural and urban variations schools. About 62% integrated Higher
Administration (NUEPA), the growth The percentage of Primary schools secondary and 59% upper schools
in the number of computers in schools having computers is much lower at under the private managements have
since 2004 is truly remarkable. During 6.51% than that of the other school computers.
the period 2003-04 to 2006-07, the types. It is high at 18.20% in urban
number of schools with computers areas and low at 5.34% in rural areas. Regional disparities
increased substantially, both in As many as 50,747 Primary schools in The report also highlights varying
percentage and absolute terms. 2006-07 are provided with computers regional access to school computers.
Since 2004, when just 72,000-odd of which 75% is in rural areas and only Barring Delhi, Maharashtra, southern
schools (7.68%) had computers, 25% in urban areas. states, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh,
ASER Report
Drop-out Rate Declines, Access To
Schooling Increases
children have dropped in the year 2007,
T
he number of girls and boys increase in the number of children
dropping out of their schools since last year. This decline is visible attending pre-schools (anganwadi or
education has gone down, in all age categories for both boys and balwadi). In 2006, 61.2% of kids three-
while more and more young people girls.For boys and girls in seven to 10 years of age were attending pre-schools
are accessing formal and informal year old age group, the percentage of as compared to 75.3% in 2007. For four
schooling, says the Annual Status of out of school children in 2007 stands at year olds, there is an increase from 71.9
Education Report (ASER) for the year below 3% for rural India. to 81.8%.
2007.
For girls in the age group 11 to 14, the Major increase in the proportion of
The third definitive survey of status percentage of out of school children has children in pre-schools (anganwadi or
of school education across rural India, dropped from above 10 to 7.4 %. For balwadi) has been reported in states
conducted by non-governmental Rajasthan and Bihar, the percentage of like Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar,
organisation Pratham, indicates out of school children in the 6 to 14 age West Bengal, Orissa, Chhattisgarh
major progress over last two years in group was above 10% in 2006. This and Kerala with anganwadi-balwadi
enrollment showing a rise of more than
10 percentage points between 2006 and
2007. Himachal Pradesh shows highest
increase of 30 percentage points.
Earlier ICT products in schools stream after class 10. In the higher
meant computers, computer labs, etc. secondary stage, they concentrate on
Now there is no dearth of products in learning certain skills in addition to
the market like smartboards, digital general education so that after they
projectors, interactive websites, etc. pass out of 12th, they are in a position
How do you see these products being to get employment or go for higher
used in the government education education. At present, only 4-5% of
system? students go to this stream. We hope to
We have to be in sync with the latest increase the enrollment in vocational
in technology. But for a country of our education through revision of the
size, it is difficult to implement all the scheme to make the curriculum more
technology solutions at one go in all the responsive to the market demand, to
schools. So it has to be done in a graded ensure availability of qualified
manner. For example, in the model teachers and infrastructure, and through
schools we are planning to use the best industry linkage.
available technologies. Introduction of
these technologies in other schools will Do these vocational centres
have a lag but hopefully not for long, as come under schools or is it run
our economy is growing at a steady pace independently?
and the prices of technology products Both these options are available.
is falling. So in the coming years it
would be easier for the government to
ICT in education policy Certain service oriented vocational
programmes don’t require much of
introduce technology in all schools and
bridge the digital gap. needs to concentrate on additional infrastructure and can be run
in existing general schools. Wherever
In some states like Uttar Pradesh, effective use of ICT to specialised infrastructure is required,
separate vocational schools may have
Bihar, Jharkhand, the number of to be set up. Private sector and industry
students far exceed the capacity of the further the objectives can be involved in a big way to provide
state schools. As such many students for such skill development. A vocational
are forced to give exams privately. of education and also qualification framework is also being
How does your Ministry plan to considered.
address this issue?
We plan to address this issue through
increase access to it Please tell us about recent
a new scheme called Rashtriya developments regarding the ICT in
Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan under education policy?
which areas would be mapped for the ICT in education policy needs to
availability of schools keeping in mind concentrate on effective use of ICT to
certain norms, for example, there should to be flexible to take care of the needs of further the objectives of education and
be a primary school within one km, individual States. Based on local context also increase access to it. For example,
an upper primary school within 3 km, PPP can be at different levels, eg, (i) in remote locations where there is
and a high school within 5 km of any for provision of building infrastructure, shortage of teachers, ICT can make a
habitation. In those places which don’t (ii) for provision of non-educational difference in the quality of teaching
fulfill this criteria, new schools will be services, and (iii) for provision of through supply of standardised
set up to ensure an even distribution education services. The states can decide e-Learning material. It also has a role
throughout the country. for themselves what level of PPP they in bridging the gap between the haves
want. However, the PPP model is not and haves not, particularly the gap
The governments in Rajasthan and new to this country. The entire system in quality of teaching in rural and
Punjab are looking at the PPP model of government-aided schools is nothing urban areas.
for setting up new schools, especially but Public Private Partnership.
in the unreached or underserved ICT policy has to be developed
areas. Will it be replicated at the Please tell us about the Skill following discussions, deliberations
central level and other states as Development Mission under the and feedbacks from all stakeholders. It
well? What are the learnings from Central government. should help the state governments and
Rajasthan and Punjab? At present, there is a vocational users in harnessing the potential of ICT
We need to learn from the experience of education scheme under which students to the maximum extent in furthering the
these two States. The PPP model needs are allowed to branch off to a vocational objectives of education. <<
Democratising Education
Our vision is to democratise education.
There are huge inequalities in India. On
the one hand you have schools that have
resources and infrastructure; on the other
hands there are many more that do not
have any resources. So, the idea is to share
resources, that can be exchanged digitally
by including as many people as possible
in this process
Dr Urvashi Sahni, Founder & Director,
Digital Study Hall
What is the vision behind the setting identify the target student population Another variation of the theme is ‘peer-
up of the Digital Study Hall? as we run both private schools and mediation’, where the brightest fellow
Our vision is to democratise education. afternoon schools for weaker sections. student is approached to serve as a
There are huge inequalities in India. The second challenge was to get people mediator during periods when the local
On the one hand you have schools that to use technology as in government teacher is absent. The student mediators
have resources and infrastructure; on the schools even getting teachers use appear to display a high degree of
other hands there are many more that do something like abacus is very difficult. responsibility and enthusiasm when they
not have any resources. By resources I Another related challenge is to provide are put in charge.
mean, quality of teachers, infrastructure a lost cost setting to keep the model
and basic amenities. So, the idea is to sustainable. What methodology is followed while
share resources, that can be exchanged creating the content? How is the
digitally with the use of technology by What pedagogical approach is content disseminated?
including as many people as possible followed by the Digital Study Hall? In terms of the methodology, we select
in this process. Fundamentally, the Put simply, we follow a ‘mediation- good teachers wherever we find them,
vision is to improve the quality of based pedagogy’, which refers to specially in vernacular languages
education, to equalise the education placing a teacher (or a ‘mediator’) and teach them to plan their classes
and to include people in the whole in between the students and the TV. according to the state board curriculum.
educational process. The mediator periodically pauses the We map out the curriculum from
video and engages the students in Chapters 1 to 8. All this is done in a
What are the challenges that Digital various activities, like asking systematic manner twice or thrice a
Study Hall encountered in pursuing questions, inviting kids to do week. The teachers then come
these ? board work, and organising role- prepared in the afternoon with a half-an-
The first challenge was to find a place playing activities. The mediator’s job is hour unit and conduct the classes, which
and teachers who are willing to work to make the class as lively are then videographed. Apart from this,
in this project. It was also difficult to and interactive. we also do some post production work
I
t is exciting times for India, with schools (as GeneeWorld or Interactive
the emergence and potential of it Education) in the UK.
becoming a global power. However,
if it is to reach such heights there is no What excites me the most is that I can
doubt that Education will play a huge now see this revolution happening in
role in ensuring that this undoubted India - the place which my family calls
potential is fulfilled. ‘home’. Having developed thousands of
classrooms in the UK and the US, me
As we enter the 21st Century, and my company Genee Solutions India
technology will continue to play a vital feel privileged that we can now make
part in the success of India. India now this happen in India itself!
has one of the highest number of IT
graduates in the world and what is clear What excites me the most is that the
that the Classroom now needs to catch Curriculum Content Development and
up fast with the modern IT environment Research & Development for all out
of the workplace. products is done in India. No longer
will we develop technology and content
As we subject young people to technol- to be then shipped to the UK and US
ogy in the working environment we to benefit students over there, but
must now put some of this technology in our children in India will also be the
to education sector creating classrooms benefactors of this technology.
of the future. The younger the students
are subjected to such an environment the In this way we are very different from
quicker they will adapt to this technol- our competitors. Most of them have
ogy and develop the skills needed for developed their content in the US or
the economy in the future. UK and are now adapting the same
content for Indian market. We develop
This is where Genee Solutions India our hardware and software in India
comes in! We have been developing by listening to the needs of our Indian
‘Classrooms for the Future’ for the last schools and then providing the exact
10 years all around the world! We have solution that they require.
played and are still playing a key role
in developing thousands of classroom Overall, I personally, as well as my
in the UK with this new technology. company, are looking forward to playing
This technology includes Interactive a key role in moving Indian schools
Whiteboards (Genee Power Boards), forward so that our education system
Visualisers (GeneeVision), Voting was a teacher for 10 years in the UK can meet the demands of the 21st
Systems (Classcomm & Census) and with the responsibility of integrating Century and also secure our children’s
Wireless Slates (Genee Slates). Information Communication Technology future. The most important thing to me
(ICT) across the curriculum in a variety is to ensure that we achieve our potential
However, this technology is only of secondary schools. I saw ten years as a future global power in the world
successful if it incorporates Interactive ago what impact such technology by ensuring our children have access
Learning Software and this has always could make to learning and there is to technology tools in their education
been our specialism since 1999. now no doubt that as a company we to achieve their as well as thecountry’s
have made a huge impact in this area. potential. <<
Where does this drive, determination So much so that we are now one of the By Ranjit Singh, Chief Executive
and focus come from. Well, I myself largest providers of ICT equipment to Officer, Genee Solutions India
students. We also have a migration Ministry of Information and How do you see Public-Private
policy for students of class IX, in which Partnership for enhancing proper use
students of JNV Mothuka are sent to a Technolgy, Governement of of technologies in school education?
JNV in Maharashtra. This helps students
in confidence building and cultivates a
India, award for best school Public-Private Partneships are an
effective solution for institutions like
sense of unity and national integrity. for use of e-Learning and JNVs. To deliver quality education
in areas where resources are limited,
What are the initiatives taken by technology public-private partnership is a boon.
your school for integrating ICT in In future, more MoUs need to be
education? carried out between the NVS and
We have a very wide application of ICT technology. Our school has also won private organisations, so that, students
in our school, not only in classroom the Intel Teach to the Future School of from rural areas where state-of-the-art
teaching, but for all kinds of office work the Year Award for implementation of education system is not available, can
and laboratory purposes. Many projects ICT and Technology Aided Learning, maintain their pace with the technology.
are on in our school for equipping our twice. Our school website provides an What are the future initiatives/plans for
staff and students with ICT. Students interactive forum for career counselling integrating ICT in school education?
of Class VII have been provided with and reading materials. Recent school Recently, our school has started working
the Classmate PCs (CMPCs) in a tie- activities are updated continuously, on a project for smart school office
up with Educomp Solutions and Intel including projects made by students and management. This project is completely
Corporation. Now, we are extending teachers. Internet based and will help promote e-
this facility for other classes also. We governance in JNVs. In the near future,
are also equipped with the Wi–Fi, so What are the major challenges as far we are also looking for some more
there is 24-hour connectivity. We have as integration of ICT in education is public– private partnership with NVS
bagged the Ministry of Information and concerned? which will help us maintain the pace of
Technolgy, Governement of India, award In my view, there is no such significant ICT and Technology Aided Learning
for best school for use of e-Learning and hurdle in the implementaion of ICT and in JNVs. <<
Digital Learning | Vol 5 Issue 1 January 2009 57
Power School | Perspective
Lending Collaborative And Analytical
Approach to Learning
How does Tagore International These initiatives are all integrated into
School ensure quality education to its the class timetable, thus ensuring that
students? every student is familiarised with the
We believe in providing a holistic and use of technology in learning. The
progressive education which empowers Language lab has a complete Audio-
every child with the skills required for Video system that facilitates exposure to
the 21st century in a global context. speech, drama and other nuances of
language. Every class also visits one of
Please tell us about the curriculum the two Audio–Visual rooms in
and learning methodology followed in the school on a weekly basis for
the school. different subjects.
Our curriculum and learning methodol-
ogy are based on a collaborative and In what ways do you enhance teacher
analytical approach which fosters the capacity in rendering technology
creative thinking process in a child. For mediated education?
this activity based lessons and educa- Ms Madhulika Sen The TIS staff is 100% computer
tional outings based on syllabus are Principal, Tagore International literate. The teachers have undergone
planned. Our children use powerpoint School, Vasant Vihar, Delhi training in ICT in education from Intel,
presentations to reinforce their assign- Schoolnet and EZ Vidya. In-service
ments, while teachers use audio visual refresher courses for the teachers are
aids such as OHP, TV, video, charts, Our curriculum and conducted every year. The teachers use
models and slides to make teaching
more effective. To sum it up, we have
learning methodology are based the K-12 labs for preparation of lesson
material, exploring and updating subject
facilitated the shifting of the methodol- on a collaborative, experimental knowledge, and preparation of question
ogy from ‘teaching’ to ‘learning’.
and analytical approach which papers, worksheets, assignment sheets
and results.
We are also part of the UK India fosters the creative thinking
Education and Research Initiative What is the role of Public Private
(UKIERI) programme that facilitates process in a child Partnership in boosting technology
strategic partnerships and design and integration in school education?
development of joint curriculum projects A Public Private Partnership is essential
between schools in India and the UK. our parents to provide a computer and/or as there are limitations that the school
As part of the DUKE University Talent Internet facility to their child at home. faces as far as preparation of material is
Identification Program (Duke TIP) under concerned. Apart from in-house material
UKIERI, two students from our school What are the initiatives taken up by prepared by our own teachers, we also
were selected to attend a three week your school for integrating ICT in use material prepared by subject experts
summer training programme this year school education? from various e-Learning companies like
at IIM Ahemdabad. Apart from this, We have three computer labs with Bhartiya Vidya (JIL Technologies), EZ
online exchange programmes are also 20 computers each exclusively for Vidya and Educosoft.
conducted with schools in Bulgaria, the students. There are two K-12
Romania, Japan regarding curriculum, labs exclusively for the teachers. Our Any future intitiative you would like
culture studies, etc. Social Science, EVS and Math labs to mention for integrating ICT in your
are equipped with interactive boards. school in the coming year?
What is the major challenge in Classes 6-8 also use an online Math We are aiming at making technology
integrating ICT in education? programme from Educosoft, which is available to our students in their
Most of the schools are engaging in a integrated with their curriculum. Classes classrooms by providing interactive
big way to provide technology enabled 1-8 use the EZ Vidya Programme which boards in every classroom. There is also
teaching and learning in their facility. amalgamates learning of soft skills with a plan to provide every teacher with
But a major challenge is the inability of the curriculum. a laptop. <<
C
limate is the average pattern of the Government should bring the cropped area is still dependent on
weather for a particular region out some legislation to curb the rainfall; climatic changes could have a
over a long period of time. excessive use of natural resources. profound impact on agriculture.
Climate Change refers to a significant It should institute awards for people
variation in either the mean state of the and organisations working towards The local as well as global community
climate or in its variability, persisting protecting environment. can be engaged on the climate change in
for an extended period. Burning of • 62% population believes that the following manner:
coal, oil, and natural gas, deforestation, industries, SEZ, malls, housing • Sustained media campaign on
various agricultural and industrial societies etc. are disturbing the issue, including in regional
practices are altering the composition of natural habitat and eco-system. languages
the atmosphere. These human activities • 71% population believes that • High focus and long term vision of
have led to increased atmospheric government and NGOs should take government agencies in promoting
concentration of greenhouse gases, initiatives to protect the climate of green technologies
including carbon dioxide, methane, the region • Strong political will to support
nitrousoxide, chlorofluorocarbons, and • 71% of population follows a life clean environment issues
tropospheric ozone in the lower part of style pattern of consuming more • Highlighting good practices, glori-
the atmos-zphere. and more natural resources. fying achievements of people/
institutions in preserving climate on
In developing countries like India, Climate change studies undertaken so earth.
climate change could spell an additional far have revealed the need for com-
stress on ecological and socio- munity campaigns and long-term action In order to sustain a fast pace of socio-
economic systems which are already to protect India’s water cycle. This is economic development, immediate
facing tremendous pressures due to essential since the livelihood of a vast action is required on the part of
rapid urbanisation, industrialisation population in India depends on agri- government, experts, media and the
and economic development. India is culture, forestry, wetlands and fisheries public at large to slow down climate
highly vulnerable to climate change and land use in these areas is strongly change. We need to ensure that the
as its economy depends mainly on the influenced by water-based ecosystems same natural resources that we have at
climate-sensitive sectors like agriculture that depend on monsoon. Changes in the our disposal are also available to the
and forestry. A recent study done by water cycle may also cause an increase coming generations. Developmentof
our group from Einstein Club, Rewari, in water borne diseases. bio-fuels need to be accelerated, aided
Haryana on various climate change and by favourable policies. The good news is
bio-diversity issues have brought out the Agriculture and allied activities that, combined action on the part of each
following observations: constitute the single largest component and every individual to stop climate
• 82% of population thinks that of India’s economy, contributing nearly change can reduce its impact on our
climate change is a big threat and 27% of the GDP. Given that 62% of planet earth. <<
Project Prakash
Please tell us about Adobe’s strategy Adobe e-Learning Solutions, reflects real-world experiences and 21st-century
for building India’s talent pool. its ongoing commitment to helping tools to communicate their ideas, exhibit
Adobe revolutionises how the world faculty, students, and administrators at their potential, and take
engages with ideas and information. higher education institutions. The key action in their communities. Launched
This mission is our driving force. In components of e-Learning solutions are: in June 2006, Adobe Youth Voices is
India we have tied up with the largest Adobe Acrobat Connect Pro 7, Adobe The Adobe Foundation’s global
university in Tamil Nadu, which is now Presenter 7, Adobe Captivate 3, Adobe signature philanthropy programme.
using our software for their multi-media Acrobat Connect Pro Training, and In India, currently ten non profit
labs. Talks are also on with various other Adobe Acrobat Professional. organisations and educational
universities for partnership. Our aim is institutions from Noida/Delhi and
to develop a talent base, which can be What has been the response of the 14 from Bangalore are participating in
employed in animation, web designing, domestic educational institutions to the programme.
media & publishing, e-Learning, your products?
software application development and The response is astonishing. Many What, according to you, are the main
advertising. Adobe India also plans to tie domestic educational institutions are challenges of the educational system
up with educational boards like CBSE changing the way they teach; they in India?
and ICSE at the school level for building have more Interactive Classrooms The quality and relevancy of higher
an employable talent pool. We believe and the emphasis is on computers/ education in India and its ability to
that India needs to make digital skills multimedia. Many Engineering colleges, produce informed and skilled citizens
compulsory at school level to create a polytechnics and colleges offering IT able to compete in the 21st Century
national talent pool for the future. related courses across India are teaching global market place is in question.
Adobe Creative Suite tools. Even Employers assert that the college
What are the various offerings from schools have started including Adobe graduates they hire are not prepared for
Adobe’s stable for the education products in their curriculum to inspire the workplace, lacking the new set of
sector in India? creativity and digital media excellence skills. Higher education needs to address
Our key offerings from Adobe’s stable in schools. the fundamental issues of how academic
for education sector in India are: programmes and institutions must be
Adobe Creative Suite Design Premium Please tell us about the initiative transformed to serve the changing needs
and Web Premium which empowers Youth Voices. of a knowledge economy. New curricula
students to master design challenges and Adobe Youth Voices (AYV) aims and technologies need to be developed,
also equips them with the tools used by to empower youth in underserved particularly in the area of science and
professionals for web applications. communities around the globe with mathematical literacy. <<
Digital Learning | Vol 5 Issue 1 January 2009 67
Corporate diary | Leader’s Speak
From Empowerment To Engagement
use in some select schools in National
Our mission is to Capital Region. In the last eight months,
we have organised 34 seminars attended
‘empower the teacher by 1357 teachers from 456 schools.
After each seminar, we conducted
Dr Manmohan Sharma
deliver content.
What makes India’s education sector and hence technology can provide a is for professionals, we have included
a deserving case for implementation platform here to support. graduate students also as professionals.
of ICT? There is a segment called ‘create’
Over 26 million children join India’s The moment you keep the student, where you can draw up your own
primary education system each year teacher, parent communities in isolation, content and publish it as a learning
which is even greater than the it would limit their role in the education resource. The section ‘Learn’ has
population of many countries. The system. Every individual is a learner. all the ratified content from various
challenge is to get adequate number of Learning is a lifelong process and recognised content providers across the
professionals to mentor these millions of each individual can be a teacher and world. The ‘connect’ segment provides
new students. facilitator. the convergence model to connect to
community of mentors, project advisors,
If education remains people-centric, Please tell us more about iken and how peer groups, study groups, etc.
then we will have to find an army of it fosters a collaborative approach?
professionals with skills for delivering We have built a complete collaborative What is your vision for the website
this. Taking the sheer number into platform portal, www.iken.in. ‘I’ means five years from now?
account, we need to ask, is this my and ‘ken’ stands for knowledge Five years from now, www.iken.in
physically possible? And how long can horizon. So, ‘I can’ do, this is what we is going to be the preferred mode of
we keep pace with this? This is where wanted to imbibe. We have launched the education delivery across all levels.
technology comes in as an enabler, in beta version where users can share the Education will be more customised,
the form of components like computer, experiences and publish their content which is the need of the hour, and more
printer, projector, etc. online. Axiom’s own content is also individualist catering to their talents and
available and we are open to collaborate learning curves. People will identify
Please tell us about the idea of a with everyone, so that it becomes the and work upon their strengths and
collaborative platform like iken.in? biggest knowledge resource. weaknesses.
Today, we say technology has made the
world a smaller place, that’s the real Collaborative learning through web What are challenges that were seen
power of IT. It dissolves all boundaries seminars - students in India sit with in bringing this mode of education
because of Internet, telecom and other students from other countries and solve delivery in formal education system?
forms. Our intent was to create this academic problems - is a possibility at Benchmarking ourselves has been
platform within education to provide www.iken.in. You also have the difficult as ours is a unique solution.
infrastructure to support people coming best teacher training programmes So we found it difficult to improve
together and sharing their thoughts. A available online. and upgrade as we had nothing on
school with 1,000 students has a base of the same lines to benchmark against.
2,000 parents, who may not physically There are two sections on the website. A major bottleneck is going to be the
be present in the school to contribute One is for the students and the other infrastructure. <<
Please tell with us about your com- classroom management systems using oriented as we work in the area of PPP.
pany’s engagement with educational technology platforms. Our programmes are usually long term,
infrastructure. What are the goals and from three to five years. Here I woould
objectives? What are the challenges and issues like to mention two critical programmes
IL&FS is one of India’s leading in- that confront India’s education system -- one is the Delhi schools programme
frastructure development and finance right now? dealing with infrastructural changes. We
companies. Our engagement in the field There are many issues related to equity, are impacting 300 schools located in
of education is through its subsidiary in terms of social and gender dynamics, 202 buildings through this programme.
IL&FS Education and Technology within the large education programmes. So, we are doing this entire physical
Services Limited (IETS). We offer We in our interventions are covering infrastructure upgradation for quality
learning content and training modules girls, scheduled castes and scheduled improvement. The other is that we pro-
for schools, colleges, vocational training tribes. We are working with the vide complete holistic solution.
institutes, governments, and the corpo- government of Delhi on 300 schools for
rate sector. enhancing the school infrastructure. Talking about skill development, do
you have any programmes for young-
How does IETS approach Public Talking about curriculum, can you er generation and college students, for
Private Partnership as an important give specific examples of how you enhancing employability of youth?
aspect of expansion of education? go about it in schools that you are There is a very interesting programme
We are increasingly moving towards associated with? which I would like to mention, i.e.,
Public Private Partnership (PPP) to Under PPP the schools are handed over Developing Life Skills package. We did
impact the larger sectoral education to us in various states of dis-repair. And this project with ILO. This Life Skills
initiative in the country. We work to we are asked to give them a quality stan- package was developed for child labour-
supplement and enhance the quality of dard and a uniform and signature look. A ers and the unemployed youth to make
large educational programmes such as protractor is actually drawn on the floor them functional in a work situation. The
Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA). at the door, so when it opens it makes an package comprised 13 skills which were
angle. You can thus measure the angles identified by us at the national level.
How do you support government efforts that you are covering as you open the
for universalisation of education? door. Thus each corner of the building We are now planning to take this
We have been engaged in teacher becomes a learning corner. project to SSA schools for upscaling.
training for a while, but we are now The project is important as it has a
up-scaling. As part of the SSA, we have What are the various other offerings strong component of entrepreneurship,
trained one lakh teachers in Jharkhand of IETS? negotiation skills, financial planning
in two months. We also help the schools Unlike most of the companies which and budgeting involved, which is highly
and classrooms in doing their MIAS and are product oriented, we are process relevant in the current context. <<
How did Hayagriva come up with the YoQuestions Pro, an authoring tool, and are available on our website. A study
idea of having a dedicated product for YoQuestions Lite. It is a desktop based done in the US found that repeated
assessment as YoKnowledge.com? product and hence does not require assessment gives better results than
Although I don’t come from an IT Internet except when you want to repeated studying.
background, I am good at writing download questions.
software applications. I had done few How do you keep up with
applications for our family textile In what ways does YoKnowledge competition?
company which were very successful. empower the teacher with new Currently we are not active in
So I thought of diversifying. It has been age tools and technology use in the mainstream competition. Our
a long journey since I started out in classrooms? philosophy is unique and the simplicity
2001. We launched our first product in Every teacher loves collaborative of our product is its USP. The advatage
2008 and have four to five new products learning but they don’t have the tools derived throgh its offline/online mode
line up in the next six months. to do it. The authoring tool gave them gives our products an edge over others
the power to go beyond textbooks. in the market.
The idea for YoKnowledge came to me India is yet to integrate the system of
from my wife, who is an avid quizzer collaborative learning in its education Which markets are you looking forward
and a consultant with schools. As she system in a big way. to for launching your products?
had difficulty in frequentlyupdating We have started out in India and are in
the question bank for quizes, I made YoKnowledge goes beyond regular close contact with several companies in
a software for her where she could testing for students; it has in-built the Middle East, the UK, US and many
keep a bank of questions in different tools for teachers responsible for African countries as well. Although the
folders as per age of contestants or bringing collaborative learning into the market is huge in India and there are
the difficulty level. She could also put classrooms with printable worksheets, many companies doing testing, ours is
images, video or audio files in them. flash cards, snap cards etc. The teacher the only company which gives more
Those days in 1994-95 many quiz-based is an intuitive author and the tool than one source of content and helps
shows such as Kaun Banega Crorepati liberates her from the book publisher build a community. We aim to cater
had already come in market. So then and empowers her to ask her own to every examination system in India,
I decided to make this application question. The software also empowers including all professional examinations
commercial. YoKnowledge is based her to create worksheets, chose topics such as banking, etc, in the next three
on the philosophy that every student within a chapter, and format it as MCQs. years. We also want to expand to
has her/his own question bank, which You can also add a video clip along with become a 15-million-dollar company
may be packed in the lessons of our the question, which can then be stored in the coming three to four years. As
textbooks or written in notebooks or and shared later with other teachers English is the most preferred language
queried by teachers and parents. The and students. The package has 6,000 across the globe, we also plan to launch
product personalises learning as YO questions for offline study and for our language improvement solutions as
means ‘Your Own’. Now we also have online mode, practice and test sessions the next product line. <<
Linking Technology
With Training
We are offering schools a complete package
of management support, ranging from curriculum
and teaching methodology, teacher training and
Meena Ganesh
management, and day to day school operations CEO & MD, Edurite Technologies
Having taken over as the MD of education that gets delivered across Edurite Tutorial model is actually a
Edurite Technologies, what plans do these schools. Availability of qualified great way of combining technology and
you have for Edurite in this segment? and good quality teachers is an ongoing instructor led training, along with 24/7
The K 12 space in education is an area challenge. Technology can help to online support using the TutorVista.com
of significant opportunities. We continue level the playing field to some extent. model. TutorVista.com has also found
to focus on providing IT based content The content that companies like ours the content that Edurite has created over
to schools to supplement the teaching provide, are linked to the various central the last many years a great tool for their
process in the classrooms. Additionally, and state syllabus and act as a very teachers to use as part of the Online
we are offering student led e-learning strong tool to the teachers in ensuring tutoring services.
content through the retail market place. that the students’ are able to understand
Through the Edurite Tutorials brick concepts more effectively. What sets Edurite Tutorials apart
and mortar centers, we are providing from other players in the field?
supplemental training to students to help In places where access to teachers is Edurite Tutorials brings together the
them with their exams as well as prepar- difficult, these tools can help ensure a work that we have done over the last 8
ing them for Engineering and Medical consistent level of inputs to the students. years in the area of academic content for
entrance exams. We have worked extensively in the K-12 space. The tutorials offer the
Government schools in upcountry students the best in content in a struc-
We have recently launched the end-to Karnataka and have seen that our tured environment, meant to improve
end school management which we are solutions have helped improve the their performance in the key exams.
offering schools a complete package scores for the students in their SSLC
of management support, ranging from exams from 50% to 63% over a two- How successful has Edurite’s entry
curriculum and teaching methodology, year time frame. into retail business been? What
teacher training and management, and brought about this shift?
day to day school operations. How has partnership with TutorVista. India has 7 million Home PC’s today.
com helped leverage educational Edurite has a suite of more than 200
What, according to you, ails the K-12 content and technology? Please tell us products for children of different syllabi
education in India? In what ways can about any new inititatives following and grades. They are available at more
technology engender a change in this the acquisition. than 400 retail outlets across India
system? TutorVista.com is in the business of like Crossword, LandMark, Reliance,
There are about 220 million students providing one-on-one supplemental Sapna etc. Edurite’s entry into the retail
who are part of the K-12 education education to children in the Global business has been very successful. We
in India. About a 90 million of these marketplace, with Indian teachers. reach around 200,000 customers through
study in 75,000 private schools, while TutorVista.com acquired Edurite this vertical every year. Edurite is
the balance go to about a million Technologies last November with a the largest player in the organised
Government schools. There is a great view of using the Edurite model in retail educational CDROM vertical
deal of inconsistency in the quality of the entire domestic market place. The in India. <<
Digital Learning | Vol 5 Issue 1 January 2009 75
Corporate diary | Leader’s Speak
Integrating Technology Solutions
With Training
Innovation is an organisational culture. One has to
have the right manpower with the right attitude and
measure impact on key assessment parameters
Please share with our readers how towards key corporate, organisational
Tata Interactive System started out initiatives.
Sanjaya Sharma
and the journey so far.
In 1990, when I set up Tata Interactive, Who are your major clients in the
India did not have a significant market field of education? Founder and CEO, Tata
for Internet, so we had to look towards Our clients in education sector include
the international markets. Today, large big publishers, Universities and
Interactive Systems
organisations almost spontaneously government, including various US and parameters we measure, so innovation
think of e-Learning and technology- federal governments and departments. comes through product forms and
based learning solutions, whereas 10 One of our biggest clients has been the process improvements. Operations,
years ago, these concepts had just University of Phoenix. In India, we financial client satisfaction, efficiency
arrived in the country. Though the have been working with all the major are some of the parameters on which
sector has matured overtime, it’s still companies and each year we see a we measure success. We have won
a very small industry as compared to greater interest in e-Learning solutions. more than 40 awards in the last 10
its potential. I got interested in training years which validates our success in the
technologies and so I proposed if we can What is innovation in e-Learning? international sphere.
successfully merge technology solutions Innovation in e-Learning operates at
for training needs to cater to the national two levels – Product and Process levels. In what ways has the global slowdown
and international markets. Today we We have a trademark approach called affected the e-Learning industry?
churn out more than 300 products StoBle - Story-based learning objects, How prepared is TIS to weather the
annually. and another called SyMob - Stimula- storm?
tion-based learning objects. So, product The current economic slowdown will
How has the year 2008 been for TIS? innovation happens in the e-Learning impact everyone and training is one
What has been the focal change in the market and then there is process innova- of the first expenditure that gets cut
approach this year? tion. So, both are important. Other forms in this situation. So, we are predicting
We have had a very good year. Our of innovation include business value a slowdown in the market in 2009,
clients are pretty happy with our work, changes and enabling corporate as well but in this scenario, people begin to
so that has been a major prerogative. We as organisational initiatives. appreciate technology-based solutions
have been successful in enhancing our as a cost-effective way to spend their
value in key corporate. TIS is known for its innovation training budget. So, initially there will
aptitude, can you tell us how do build be an impact on small suppliers but
We aim to strengthen energies the innovation culture within the then the e-Learning market will grow
towards catering to corporate needs company? more rapidly. TIS is a global player
and are in the process of shifting our Innovation is an organisational culture. in multiple markets and operates on a
business mix towards solutions for One has to have the right manpower bigger scale. Our global presence in
corporate initiatives. So, when we with the right attitude and measure different geographies and segments
meet our clients, we try to find out impact on key assessment parameters. have empowered us with knowledge
their key initiatives and offer solutions It’s a process that you have to keep applications to scale quality processes.
accordingly. We have been successful working on. An investment in R&D TIS has good cash reserves and is well
in enhancing our value proposition comes through aggressive targets on key positioned to weather the storm. <<
Encouraging Innovation
Through Technology
Intel’s Education programmes provide localised
content and services, online tools and resources to connect
technologies to villages, suburbs, and cities around the
Anshul Sonak world to deliver access to community
Manager, K-12 Education
Intel India
information, education, and healthcare
fundamental back up
million homes today and is also the main
source of information dissemination
and entertainment. 24x7guru.com is the
Muralidhar K S, CEO, 24x7 Guru content partner for Tata Sky’s Active
Learning platform, where we extend
a sample of our content. Viewers get
Please tell us about the vision behind quality of students that we have been 50 new questions & answers each
setting up of 24x7guru. producing and the progress these day from Science, Math, General
24x7guru.com is an outcome of a dream, students were making in academics. We Knowledge. This way, 24x7guru
a dream of experienced professionals then decided to reward these students reaches out to millions of households
who were stirred by the stress levels, with the platform, Destination NASA to and introduce them to new ways of
low self esteem arising due to low provide them with the global exposure interactive and fun learning that appeals
scores in exams, and increasing level in the field of Science and Technology. not only to the students but also the
of suicides by students today. The team Two meritorious students per grade from family at large.
then committed themselves to the cause class 6 to 10 were therefore rewarded
of spreading quality education beyond based on their conceptual clarity in What are your views about the
examination to cater to knowledge academics. examination pattern in current system
that increases the child’s self esteem, of education in India.
acts as a platform to enhance learning, Destination NASA was a platform The current definition as prevailing in
facilitates in identifying their strengths provided to 24x7guru.com subscribers schools revolves around examinations
and develops on potential. with the objective to reward 10 meritori- where a child’s intelligence is judged
ous students with an all paid trip to the from the marks they score during a three
24x7guru concentrates on Math and Kennedy Space Centre, Florida, USA hour examination.
Science subjects. Any plans to widen where each student was accompanied by
the scope to other subjects and also a parent and a teacher. The Knowledge The industry demands for individuals
include classes 11 and 12? Challenge concentrated on fundamental who are beyond books and hires
24x7guru.com caters to the universally and conceptual clarity amongst students personnel based on their conceptual
accepted concepts streams of academics, at their respective grades. clarity and strong fundamental back
Math and Science. Currently, we are up. The percentage of marks obtained
catering to students from class 3 to 10 Are there any educational outreach by one on his report card is of least
and we would shortly be extending our programmes to extend this online influence to his employability. The only
services to the students of +12 for the learning system to the underserved in thing that matters is his fundamental
next academic year. the country? foundation in concepts learnt during
Yes, we do. For example, 24x7guru had his course of academics, which has
How was Destination NASA volunteered to extend the application to given into today’s education system as a
Knowledge Challenge conceptualised? a school run by Kasturba Gandhi Trust memorising tool for examination for the
We wanted to test ourselves with the in Sevagram consisting of 600 students. purpose of scores alone. <<
Stephen Dukker
ing. He brings more than 30 years of computing technology, recently has been
experience in computer manufacturing chosen to supply a massive computer
Chairman & CEO, NComputing and retailing to NComputing. Prior to education programme in the Indian state,
NComputing, he was the founder and Andhra Pradesh. The programme is
CEO of eMachines, a company dedi- slated to provide computing access for
cated to making computers affordable. the first time to 18 lakh school children
throughout the state. Each of the 5, 000
I
magine the schools that do not NComputing’s shared computing secondary schools will have a 10-seat
have adequate budget for buying solution taps the unused capacity of computing lab with 2 desktop PCs and 8
Computers. Imagine the schools that a PC so that it can be simultaneously NComputing systems.
have computers in their lab, but keep shared by many users. NComputing uses
investing to upgrade their computers only 1 watt of electricity and is rugged, ‘The decision to deploy NComputing’s
in few months or years. Imagine the durable and easy to maintain. low-cost and eco-friendly solution
running cost they bear on electricity will establish the Andhra Pradesh
bills. ‘NComputing is a great complement government as an innovator in
to the desktop computer business as educational computing and as a model
There is no second say to the fact that it enables budget-strapped schools for other governments considering
users tap only 4-5% of a computer’s and business to maximise their PC similar projects’, Dukker hopes.
processing power for their requirements infrastructure,’ Dukker explains. In
which are limited to office applications, addition to lower up-front purchase ‘NComputing is proud to have been
browsing, entertainment,...etc. Whereas costs, the NComputing solution also chosen by Andhra Pradesh to fulfill its
Digital Learning | Vol 5 Issue 1 January 2009 83
‘Desktop virtualisation is the solution
that spins the old technology for a new
revolution. It takes those 95% otherwise
wasted cycles and shares them among
multiple users at a fraction of the cost
of buying more PCs. It’s like the old
dumped terminals and mainframes,
except today’s PCs are the mainframes,’
Dukker discusses on some more
technicalities.
HCL
digischool empowering learning
HCL, India’s leading IT solutions, System Integration and by providing end to end single window solution for different
Services Company, is at the forefront of revolutionising the requirements like, Multimedia content creation, ICT, CAL,
education process in India. In this effort, it now offers HCL Teachers Training, Facilitation for leading certification,
Digischool a smart class solution from HCL. School Role out, Campus Network, ADMS, University
Management solutions, E-learning, distance learning solution,
HCL digischool offers multimedia class rooms equipped with library management, campus management, Interactive
hardware like interactive white board, multimedia projectors, language Lab of teaching different languages ,etc.
servers and customized digital multimedia content that suits
school’s specific teaching needs. In Digischool offering, HCL offers following solutions:
1. Computer Aided Learning
HCL digischool is an instructor led learning which will 2. ICT Learning
supplement the teachers for an active learning environment 3. School Management software
and creating a ambience for the student for active learning. 4. Automatic Vehicle tracking systems for school buses and
HCL Infosystems has forayed into the educational segment Vans. <<
Gibson’s philosophy is not Indian arm of the UK-based online College, this is all supported by the use of
about IT per se, but to create education services company TutorVista, to advanced technologies, such as PowerTerm
rounded citizens introduce audio-video education in 18,000 WebConnect RemoteView, that enable
Under the brand Merseygrid (MGL), the schools across India. Macmillan has a reach learning and teaching to take place within
Liverpool-based firm, provides specialist ICT of 15,000 schools across India and Edurite the broadest range of opportunities
services to more than 550 schools across has a reach of 3,000. available to students, staff and the
the North West. Over the last three years, community.
MGL has installed 10,000 PCs and 200
local area networks in schools, including Intel honors outstanding
wireless networking. communities of learning
The 3rd Intel Teach Awards for 21st
At just 31, MGL director Carl Gilbertson Century Educators was held at the EDSA
heads a business which has an annual Shangri-La Hotel. The awardees were the
turnover of £5m-plus and has offices in Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute
Ellesmere Port and Manchester, employing of Technology/Iligan City Division, which
67 full-time staff. Last week, a major new received a P120,000 fund grant while
report was published by Sir Jim Rose, the Surigao City and the province of Laguna
Government’s chief adviser on primary took home P100,000 each.
schools, calling for the most radical reforms Through this tie-up, we are trying to
to primary education in 20 years. Gilbertson popularise audio-video education in The event was organised by Intel Philippines
said, “This is not just about teaching IT skills these schools using a software - DigitAlly, in partnership with the Department of
per se, but about creating rounded citizens. Macmillan senior vice-president (sales Education (DepEd), the Foundation for
We need to do a lot more than just produce and marketing) Alok Lahoti told. The Information Technology Education and
millions of touch typists”. combination of Edurite’s ‘technology-driven Development (FIT-ED) and the University
learning methods’ and Macmillan’s ‘proven of the Philippines’ National Institute
Microsoft hosts ‘School of the strengths in providing quality content’ and of Science and Mathematics Education
Future Summit’ its ‘vast presence’ will ‘do the trick’ for Development (UP-NISMED). Intel Teach is
Microsoft Partners Indian classrooms. The contents offered Intel’s professional development programme
in Learning will be by DigitAlly, developed by Edurite, are designed to help teachers effectively
hosting the fourth based on a range of syllabi of various state integrate technology with learning. In the
annual School of boards (of Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Philippines, Intel Teach has trained 91,616
the Future World Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal) teachers since the programme was launched
Summit at Seattle, US. The event will see as well as Central Board of Secondary in 2001.
participation from school administrators and Examination (CBSE) and Indian Certificate
policymakers from more than 30 countries of Secondary Examination (ICSE). First ever ‘Smart Science
around the theme, ‘What’s Possible’. Station’ launched by NIIT
Ericom Software Helps UK- Chennai
More than 250 participants will attend the Based College Feel More Secure NIIT, in partnership
Summit to facilitate a global discussion Ericom Software today announced that with Fourier
on what schools in the future can look Northampton College has selected its Systems, a
like by examining the areas of instruction, PowerTerm WebConnect RemoteView to worldwide
organisation design, technology, challenges provide its staff and students with secure leader in Science
of implementing new policy and emerging remote application access capabilities. education,
trends everyone faces as students prepare Based in the United Kingdom, Northampton launched NIIT eGuru Smart Science Station-
for the 21st century global workforce. College offers a wide range of courses and an innovative learning solution which
Through the event, Microsoft aims to push currently serves over 13,000 students. integrates Science Lab with classrooms.
people to collaboratively address new ways NIIT eGuru Smart Science Station enables
of thinking and provide specific strategies The college has become one of the a range of technology-aided Science
to implement within their local context, largest Further Education Colleges in the experiments covering topics on heat,
allowing them to turn possibilities into region and is currently going through a electricity, sound, measurement of air and
reality. major transformation taking over 3 years water pollution etc.
to complete. Expected to cost over 70
Audio-video education to be million pounds, this upgrade will provide As part of the alliance, NIIT will make
popularised by Macmillan the Northampton community with an available technology-enabled learning
Macmillan Publishers India Ltd. announced updated, innovative, fit-for-purpose learning solution to explore science through
a tie-up with Edurite Technologies, the environment. According to Northampton computer-aided experimentation, while
‘Technology Integration
at Its Best’
W
hen did a teacher know that topics. It also acts as a motivational in the remotest parts of the country.
information would be just force, guiding the students to go after Each year, several teams of students
one click away? Thanks their goals. These contests serve compete and awards and certifications
to technology, the teachers of today an important purpose of spreading are presented to winners at both district
are not restricted to the age old chalk knowledge and determining the progress and final competitions.
and blackboard methods of teaching. and ICT strength of the schools.
Information and Communication Recently, a state-level competition on
Technology has come of age and has As part of these contests, a number ‘Best Use of Technology in Education’
permeated in all areas of our lives and of interactive sessions are conducted was held in Tamil Nadu on November
is a significant factor in increasing which boost the confidence level of the 10, 2008. The purpose was to motivate
productivity in different fields. students and improve their 21st century teachers on effective implementation of
Project Based Learning and showcase
the projects done by teachers and
students.
ICT is now being used in Science silks like communication, technology On December 3, 2008, Intel with
and Technology education and literacy, collaboration, critical thinking support from Department of State
in other areas of the curriculum. etc. Education Research and Training
Intel’s foray in the field of education (DSERT) Karnataka, organised a contest
through various initiatives like contests Such contests are jointly organised in Bangalore and felicitated students,
in best technology practices, has by Intel Teach Program and Navodya teachers and principals who have done
effectively integrated technology into Vidyalaya Samiti every year to exemplary work in innovative use
classrooms. identify ‘Best Practices of Technology of technology. The contest has been
Integration in Education’. Held in organised since 2004, and the
The main objective behind these collaboration with NVS schools across response was overwhelming this year,
contests is to inspire teachers to try out the country, these contests are a platform with more than 300 entries received
‘new tools’ and assist the students in for rewarding the outstanding and from government schools across
increasing their understanding of various innovative practices adopted by schools the state. <<
Digital Learning | Vol 5 Issue 1 January 2009 89
Corporate diary | Case Study
ICT In Learning: The New Wave
I
nformation Communication of education. For instance, text alone traditional modes of instruction. It has
Technology (ICT) has become, simply does not allow students to also been noted that the level of student
within a very short time, one of the get a feel of any of the concepts in engagement was significantly higher
basic building blocks of modern society. Mathematics. In teaching biology, an amongst students with both high and
Organisations, experts and practitioners instructor cannot make a killer whale low abilities.
in the education sector are increasingly come alive in a classroom. Multimedia
recognising the importance of ICT in enables learners to experience their With multimedia, not only does the
supporting educational improvement subject in a vibrant manner. The key to learning process become fun, it also
and reform. ICTs are transformational providing this, is having a simultaneous becomes
tools which, when used appropriately, graphic, video and audio experience. • Goal oriented,
can promote a shift from traditional to a • It provides students with • Participatory,
learner-centred environment. opportunities to represent and • Flexible in time and space
express their prior knowledge • Tailored to individual learning
In this post-modern world of • Multimedia applications engage styles
technological advancement, rapidly students and provide valuable
changing markets and increasing learning opportunities ICT also helps to enhance the quality of
competition, teachers are faced with new • Students learn more and retain their education in ways explained below:
S
udiksha Learning Dimensions was On the other
founded in 2002 with the mission hand, if a child
of offering innovative learning had difficulty in
solutions using ICT and other tools. It visualising skip
offers end-to-end e-Learning services counting in the
for enterprises, NGOs and educational first place, then
institutes. learning tables
by rote or trying
As an ecosystem alliance partner with to learn by heart
Intel for its Classmate PC solution, what the various
Sudiksha is now announcing a path positions of
breaking new offering, the the hands of
e-SchoolNetwork Program (eSN). a clock mean
can become a
The eSN idea emerged when Sudiksha’s nightmare.
academic and pedagogy team observed 3. Concept clarity
children learn in different schools. They in the early
also interviewed many adults years ensures
who were able to solve advanced long-term
problems in school curriculum retention and
even decades after completing their accelerated learning. design approach. This approach
schooling. When probed, these adults involves a team of diverse stakeholders
could visually recall the exact learning For example, when asked, ‘What is including, Education Psychologists,
interaction when a particular concept respiration?’ The most common answer Special Educators, Teachers, Theatre
was thought in great detail. (In one across age groups is, ‘Breathing in and Professionals, New Media Experts
case, this included a memory that the Breathing out.’ It takes a lot of sweat and most importantly Children. The
teacher had dyed her hair on that and toil for high school Biology teachers design process is aimed at creating
day!) All this validated what they had to correct this view of respiration! academically sound products, which
learnt about pedagogy and effective elicit voluntary and happy learner
teaching. Some of the key factors These points may sound very familiar engagement.
noted were: but unfortunately, many children,
1. The clarity of concept is a parents and teachers are grappling with The eSN will constantly evolve under
function of the level of engagement school level education. Not even a rank the vigil of its stakeholders. Users
of the student at the time of holder would claim that getting through can access paid and free services on
learning the concept. For example, a school exams is child’s play! this portal. The Intel powered CMPC
child who acted in a play is a great way for children to use
about Emperor Ashoka Coming to our education system, it is eSN features. In collaboration with
demonstrated great confidence in indeed very difficult for a single human Intel, Sudiksha plans to facilitate
dates, acts and events related to the to address the learning needs of different implementation of CMPC based
same topic. children in the same class. With student- Differentiated Classroom and hand hold
2. A strong foundation in the primary teacher ratio ranging from 20 to 60, in teachers.
or middle school level facilitates any modern day school, millions of little
the ability of a child to build upon knowledge gaps slip through the chinks ICT has unquestionably improved the
the concept in the later years. For in the system. Models like Differentiated quality of our lives in many ways. We
example, if a child had internalised Classrooms and 1-on-1 learning have connect, communicate and collaborate
the process of skip counting well, evolved to fill these gaps in traditional in our personal and professional lives.
then in the 2nd grade, concepts like education. Education cannot be far behind! <<
multiplication tables and reading
time on a clock become relatively The eSchool Network Program is For more information contact info@
simple. designed using a unique collaborative sudikshaindia.com
Digital Learning | Vol 5 Issue 1 January 2009 91
Corporate diary | Case Study
Connecting Knowledge Agents Worldwide
N
ever had the world looked
smaller before the advent of the
World Wide Web. The Internet
has brought about a revolution in the
way information is construed, passed
and perceived. With its proven benefits
in the field of corporate and governance
across the world, it is time for us to
witness an Internet revolution in the
field of education as well.
I
t is a rare occurrence in K-12
education when a technology moves Market Development at SMART SMART Board interactive whiteboard
from being a useful classroom tool Technologies, is the company’s ability has brought a whole new level of
and becomes an education platform to design and develop products that interactivity to the classroom. However,
upon which an entire teaching enable teachers to successfully complete Lapides is quick to point out that the
philosophy is built. But that is precisely the same educational task in multiple SMART solution is much more than
what has happened over the course ways. ‘Today,’ says Lapides, ‘SMART interactive whiteboards. At the heart
of the last two decades, as interactive offers a robust set of resources and a of the SMART solution is SMART
whiteboards from SMART Technologies full ecosystem of support—bringing a Notebook, which according to Lapides,
(Calgary, Alberta, Canada) have become new level of interactivity to everyday is the most advanced collaborative
the focal point of the technology-driven, lessons—that enables teachers to reach software platform available for
21st- century classroom. Technology every student in the classroom.’ classrooms.
companies like SMART that have
created a fundamental shift in education The foundation upon which the SMART SMART Notebook collaborative
all have one thing in common: they solution is built is the company’s learning software enriches classroom
provide an overall solution that is fully-featured interactive whiteboards. learning with more than 30 tools and
greater than the sum of their product’s According to Lapides, SMART Board educational resources. The SMART
component parts. interactive whiteboards are the most solution also includes an interactive
assessment tool, called the Senteo
interactive response system, which is
designed to enhance learning. Further,
the company’s comprehensive suite of
software enables various models for
technological options. For instance,
SynchronEyes classroom management
software, provides teachers with a means
to support one-to-many down to one-to-
one environments. Another important
tool in the product suite is Bridgit
conferencing software, SMART’s
remote conferencing application that
provides a quick, easy, and effective
way to share voice, video, and data over
the Internet.
W
hen dealing with education, of pedagogy. Use of TV can be an expenditure on schools,
across all ages, the basic intelligent interim measure. content not being used; Malaysia has
necessity is to accept that the spent RM600mn [value of one Ringit
child is ahead of us in this digital age. No two scenarios can be the same. The Malay is approx Rs 12] in developing
We need to make an effort to catch up variables that exist are: courseware from Form 1 to Form 5,
with youth, periodically, and give them teachers and students do not use it.
what they need. Parenting and education Infrastructure – The infrastructure
are both very traditional; they both and equipment available are of Educational content needs to be treated
resist change. There is a common pitfall extremes varying on a scale of 0 to like any other content, from the quality
for both: you and I know ‘everything’; 10. This includes the ‘one to many’ perspective. We must take the best
we feel that we know exactly what our approach where the nearest interactive content to our rural children. We all talk
child needs and set about providing for methodology usable is ‘polling’ devices, of bridging the digital divide, hardware
that need, as we perceive it. We take and a one machine for minimum two is not going to bridge it – only content
that perceived need for granted, while hours per child per day scenario. can. Give to the poor the very best.
dealing with children and rural society.
Human Resource – The quality of the Thus when we talk of ICT intervention
In any ICT intervention, the start is teachers and their ability to use an ICT in eLearning we have to synthesis - 1.
by using the intervention to perform intervention, both vary on a scale of Infrastructure; 2. Equipment; 3, 4, 5
an existing function better. But to 0 to 10. Within this single factor is a Teacher related; 6. Students; 7, 8, 9 and
really utilise the full potential of ICT, third variable – evolving pedagogical 10. Content need, quality, purpose and
after a certain stage there is a need practices, which as said are evolving and level; i.e. 10 variables, most of them on
to bring down the existing edifice will remain a flux. a scale of 1 to 10. The person needs to
and restructure. But dismantling and have the flexibility of mind to be capable
restructuring are easier said than done. Target – The students; a factor which of ‘lateral’ and ‘spatial’ thought.
We need to be clear as to the path we affects the teaching methods to be ado-
want to follow, and avoid redesigning pted, also varies on a scale of 0 to 10. There is no one stop solution. We are
the wheel, before we start gradual and dealing with a very complex subject.
incremental implementation; we Content - The requirement and quality In our region we need to devise our
need to be mentally prepared for of content that we need differs from own solutions. We need to transcend
constant midcourse corrections junior school – middle school – high technologies, varying human attitudes,
necessitated by changing paradigms; and school – college – university – post both teacher and child; transcend
not get frustrated by these graduation – adult education – self evolving pedagogical practices; there
constant changes. learning. While knowledge is doubling are over a hundred thousand single room
every three years, necessitating single teacher schools in India, besides
Whatever practices we bring in, must evolution of teaching content; this is not some 1 million teachers are absent on
be the best. Avoid hand me downs. That so till school level where the knowledge any teaching day. These villages get
is the only way to bridge the digital that a child acquires is ‘static’; but there only two hours of electricity every
divide. Hand me downs include second is a need for the child to derive lessons alternate day, and that may not be during
rate practices. The use of a projector to and interpretations from the same. This school hours. The practices need to
teach kids is a classic ‘hand me down’ is one variable that is not so easily transcend the complete spectrum.
example. To take ICT to the child we ‘gradable’.
convert existing classrooms in to dark The model that we introduce should
rooms, and use a home application But the content for school children be dynamic, should be able to evolve
projector which casts a weak image should be suitable for repeated viewing. with pedagogy, the infrastructure
and want to teach with it. Britain has Unless content engages the child to will improve as also the ability of the
done away with projectors! Each further explore or experience, child teachers. Do not cater for only 3 to 4%
child has a machine. It will be a while will not waste time to view again. We of the population. It is a tall order. <<
before we reach that stage, we need to also need to learn from the mistakes of - K J Singh, Director,
think laterally, not violate the basics others – UK 20 billion Sterling total Designmate [I] Pvt Ltd
Digital Learning | Vol 5 Issue 1 January 2009 93
Corporate diary | Innovation
Harnessing The Magic of Software
D
reamSpark is a software Microsoft platform resources institutions, government bodies and
giveaway for students – a suite • SQL Server 2008 Developer student organisations across the
that provides access to the • SQL Server 2008 Express country to ensure that all students get
latest Microsoft developer and designer • Windows Server 2008 Standard a chance to benefit from DreamSpark.
tools at no charge. Aligned to Microsoft Edition The DreamSpark initiative in India
Unlimited Potential, the company’s • Virtual PC 2007 is designed to join the dots between
global effort to creating sustained
social and economic opportunity for
everyone, the programme aims to equip
a new generation of technology leaders
with the knowledge and tools they
need to harness the magic of software
to improve lives, solve problems and
catalyze economic growth.
T
o enable students to be more is digitally recorded
interactive and engaged, - in colour and real time
Plus Business Machines Ltd - in a highly portable
introduces a portable attachment and versatile digital data
for any ordinary white board which format. You can print
converts it into Interactive white board. board notes - in colour
It comes with various options such as with perfect resolution,
Capture kit and Wireless kit to enhance email recorded Ink files,
effectiveness of teaching. Mimio post the board notes as
Interactive + Capture combine the HTML files on websites,
features of Mimio Interactive and the copy or drop any mimio
Mimio Capture kit to provide a complete whiteboard notes into other applications, Plus also offers you one of the essential
Interactive Whiteboard and note capture link directly to NetMeeting or 3rd products Multimedia Projector from
system. party conferencing solutions to share TAXAN to complete the Digital
your whiteboard with remote locations. learning experience. TAXAN offers
When used with a multimedia projector, Now your audience can concentrate DLP Projectors which are light weight
you can use the Mimio Mouse stylus on the information presented knowing and ultra-bright with brightness range
like a cordless mouse to control any that your whiteboard notes are being from 2500 Ansi to 3500 Ansi. Its high
document from computer directly from electronically captured. contrast images make it possible to
the whiteboard. It makes teaching more view the pictures in well-lit rooms.
convenient & interesting as teacher With Mimio Wireless upgrade kit you no TAXAN has also introduced lightest
can control Power Point slides, Word longer need to worry about tripping over LED Projector which offers very high
documents, Excel spreadsheets, browse cables or whether the USB cable is long lamp life of 20000 Hrs. It also runs Divx
educational websites on the Internet, enough to reach your computer. Mimio files directly from pen drive making
navigate interactive instructional Wireless works with your existing it possible to use it for high quality
CDs, annotate, mark-up, and edit Mimio Xi capture device and works movie viewing. You can also display
slides or screens directly at the board. on both Windows and Macintosh. The photographic images through the pen
Perfect for presentations, training or wireless module slides into the bottom drive making it a perfect personal
instructional sessions and front-of-class of your existing Mimio Xi capture projector. <<
teaching. device (replacing the linkUSB module)
and provides a wireless connection from For details, visit www.plus-india.com or
With Expo dry-erase markers inserted the whiteboard to your computer. It has contact: Vinay Khetawat -
into the mimio stylus pens, everything a range of up to 30ft with no line-of- (022) 4007 4000/2686 3151,
that you write or draw on the whiteboard sight requirement. vkhetawat@plus-india.com
yoknowledge.Com
YOKNOWLEDGE.COM, a company
based in Mumbai, has just launched
software solutions for teachers to
introduce collaborative learning in
the classroom using teaching tools
like Worksheets, Snap cards (question
loops), and Flash cards. The company
has also introduced a superb solution
for students to self-test using a robust
desktop software which students can use
for a lifetime for exam-prep and testing.
The products offer features that will
bring a new way of learning both in the
classroom and at home.
Problem teachers face
1. Teachers do not have the means
to create their own teaching tools
which can bring collaborative
learning to the classroom – most
teachers have to depend on book
publishers for teaching tools. This
means that a teacher would not be 5. Share their Q&A Banks with other
able to question her class using teachers and students as well YO QUESTIONS LITE comes
questions that may be more relevant pre-loaded with 3000 great General
to what she teaches. Price Knowledge Q&A in multiple choice,
2. Most ICT solutions are rather YO QUESTIONS PRO comes to a on a variety of subjects, covering
inflexible, complex, and expensive. school at a price of just INR 3,500/- per various age groups, and three difficulty
license. A minimum of just 10 licenses levels. Then, students can keep on
Solution need to be ordered. updating themselves with fresh
Try YO QUESTIONS PRO, a unique content from YOKNOWLEDGE as well
must-have software that helps teachers What does the Student solution as from their teachers. This software,
introduce a fun element, while reducing do? which does not need an Internet
teacher burden. Besides allowing YO QUESTIONS LITE is a student’s connection (except to download fresh
teachers to create and share their own personal ‘electronic Q&A book’. where content) effortlessly creates study-aids
question banks, this robust software will thousands of Q&A can be ‘collected’ like Worksheets, Snap Cards, and
allow teachers to: on a variety of subjects (so with the Flash Cards, thereby making learning
1. Create Worksheets (Multiple Choice same software, students can continue exciting and fun.
or Q&A format) to aggregate Q&A irrespective of the
2. Create Snap Cards (Question Loops grade, board, or career), and be used Price
– a fun way to learn) for practice and self-testing. Research YO QUESTIONS LITE comes to a
3. Create Flash Cards shows that self-testing helps retain school at a price of just INR 300/- per
4. Take interactive Practice and Test information better. Consequently, this license. A minimum of just 500 licenses
sessions would lead to better scores. need to be ordered. <<
O
ur education system continues
to be enmeshed in a paradigm
where notes accumulation and
reproduction of information is equated
with learning and mere memorisation.
The system today equips students
with factory like efficiency where in
doing well in the school exam drives
everything. The output, the system
thrives on churning out standardised
children like graded products in a
factory, weak in reasoning and thinking.
But then where is the disconnect in the
system?
1 12 100 900
2 24 150 1500
3 36 250 2000
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