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Information and
Communication Technology
Introduction:
A nation’s development potential depends upon its ability to
continuously educate its population and its ability to create
skilled human resource. Today we live in a world where it's vital to
be a lifelong learner. Within the next several years, nearly all the
jobs will require Information Communication Technology (ICT) related
skills. The need of the hour is that the State must continue to
explore strategies for improving learning. By providing equitable
and meaningful access to technology we can ensure that all children
step into the 21st Century together. In particular, the use of ICT
in acquiring knowledge and skill has become an essential element in
the area of education and training.
Headstart:
As per Information Technology policy of the State, computer enabled
education is a major priority of the State government. The State in
the year 2000 initiated a computer enabled education programme to
school children called "Headstart". The programme uses computer as a
teaching-learning tool at elementary education level. The main
intention is to bridge the digital divide between the urban and
rural student population in terms of access to modern technology
aids in education. The Headstart is a move from computer education
to computer-enabled education. Besides computer based self-learning,
the programme is becoming an exciting example of collaborative
learning and greater socialisation process. Headstart also aims to
develop computer enabled self-learning approach in a peer situation.
Studies conducted on Headstart indicate substantial improvement in
student achievements and also increase in the number of first
division pass outs.
The programme is in operation since November 2000. Initially
operational in 648 JSKs, it was expanded to 2070 more JSKs during
the year 2003. During the year 2005-06 it was again expanded in 494
JSKs of the State. Up to FA 2006-07, 3361 JSKs have been developed as
Headstart centres. Interactive Multi Media Rich Lessons (IMMRLs) and
video films for students and teachers have been developed by Rajya
Shiksha Kendra to support teaching-learning process in classrooms.
The programme has been appreciated by MHRD has received national
acclaim and is perhaps the largest computer enabled education
programme in India. Provision has been made for
equipment (3 Computers, 3 UPS and 1 Printer) furniture,
electrification and renovation of existing room for new Headstart.
For the Headstart already functional, provision has been made for
recurring expenditures like insurance,
annual maintenance contract and contingency. The Headstart JSKs will
be reallocated, so that problems associated with power supplies can
be addressed to.
So far, Headstart has been envisioned as a computer enabled
education program. Looking into the modern trend of introducing
computer literacy from the beginning, an effort is being made to
introduce computer as an additional internal optional subject.
Textbooks on computer literacy will be developed during the FA
2008-09 for class 6th.
The book will be made available to all the Headstart JSKs of the
State.
Headstart training is a regular feature. The training addressed pedagogy, management and
technology areas associated with Headstart. The training is for educational managers, teacher
educators and teachers working in the HS JSKs of the State. Special
hardware training for teachers who have already some professional
qualification in computers is also organised. These teachers will
work as resource persons for these training courses. The provision
for training of Headstart teachers is part of the in-service
training component.
In order to motivate talented teachers and develop creativity among
students and teachers a digital content development contest has been
planned by the Rajya Shiksha Kendra. The annual event will boost up
talented teachers to show their creativity. The contest will be
organised each year.
The IMMRLs developed by RSK are being used by UP, Delhi, Bihar,
Punjab and Rajasthan and some NGOs working in the area of ICT.
CD List
Satellite Communication:
Teleconferencing is a regular feature for direct interaction with
district & sub district functionaries. During the year 2007-08,
four
teleconferencing programs were conducted. The DRS in extended C band are
located in 38 DIETs. For the purpose of teacher’s training, teacher
educators training and monitoring of various activities,
teleconferencing will continue to be used in a regular manner. The
facility is used during large scale induction and
refresher training of teachers. It is also used for the
training of teachers enrolled under the “Operation Quality” programme of the State government.
Edusat :
SIT-Custodians
A teaching end has been eveloped in the RSK, Bhopal.
During 2007-08, 47 BRCs, 1 DIETs and 6 CTEs have been brought under Edusat.
The job has been entrusted to Antarix Corporation, Bangalore. Programs will be developed for the Rajiv
Gandhi Edusat Pilot Project for Sidhi district. On commissioning of
SITs in all blocks, the facility will be used for the training of
teachers in distance mode. The BRC staff has been trained in the use
of SITs for training purpose.
Audio and Radio:
In collaboration with DEP-SSA-IGNOU, 14 poems in Hindi and 14 poems
in Urdu in the text books of elementary schools have been recorded.
These have been made available to schools in the form of CDs and audio
cassettes. The recording of remaining poems and stories will
continue during the year 2008-09.
Web sites
The Rajya Shiksha Kendra has hosted two web sites. These web sites
cater to different needs of education sector.
www.fundaschool.org
The fund-a-school web site is dedicated for attracting contributions
from society towards the school. It provides online donations to any
one interested for promoting school activities. The program is given wider publicity through
electronic and print media, so that contributions for schools can be
attracted.
www.ssa.mp.gov.in
This web site is dedicated to Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan in Madhya
Pradesh. It gives information about various activities of the state
in SSA and is administrative in nature.
As per guidelines
of GOI, a new web portal for all the teacher training institutions of
the State will be developed. The site will give glimpses of all
these institutions together with their programs, activities and
achievements. The site will be controlled by the districts.
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