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Networking learning, courtesy Schoolnet

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CIOL Bureau
New Update

Nanda Kasabe

PUNE: Traditional teaching methods, outdated and rigid curricula and lack of basic infrastructure characterize the over 930,000 Indian schools. Inadequate resources and an alarmingly high dropout rate only compound the problems.



The Internet, multimedia and digital networks are emerging as valued tools to enhance the learning experience. Schoolnet India Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Infrastructure Leasing and Financial Services Limited (IL&FS), has decided to use these technologies to address the requirements of social infrastructure and change the way children are taught presently.



Schoolnet has developed a framework for technology enabled learning, called networked learning. Networked learning is an optimized integration of technology, content and training. Under this framework, Schoolnet is formulating a number of learning programs to expand the reach of education, enhance the learning process and catalyze continuing education through non-formal and vocational process.



To address these issues, Schoolnet has come out with a K-10 Program (Kindergarten — Std 10) that is based on the framework of networked learning. It caters to the pre-primary, primary and secondary school segments.



Col. (Retd.) Ravi Rajan, Chief Coordinator, Maharashtra, K-10 Program, made it very clear that the program was a supplement to the current educational system and was primarily an aid to teachers in their pedagogic delivery. "The K-10 Program is a process rather than a packaged product," he explained. The program offers schools a complete package of technology, content and training and is implemented in a two pronged approach — providing the teacher with a powerful teaching resource and the student with an interesting and motivating learning medium.



Here, technology is clearly positioned as a tool in the hands of teachers, supplementing their own skills and creativity. Schools that require equipment support are provided with a complete technology solution including computers, printers, networking basic software, dial up internet connection and support equipment like the UPS. To facilitate Networked Learning, the company has set up a central facility that will act as a repository of content. The Schoolnet hub will facilitate a seamless movement towards delivery of content via the Web and will create a platform for collaborative learning, he said.



The Schoolnet portal, www.schoolnetindia,com, will provide access to educational information including references to other educational sites, access to a bank of lesson plans, faculty hubs and expert resources.



Giving an example of how the K-10 Program works, Col. Rajan explained that the curriculum could be mapped and broken down into modules in the area of content development. These are further divided into lesson units, each with their own learning outcome, assessment strategy, resources and activities. Teachers then receive customized inputs based on both the subject and their particular teaching style to help them best create and deliver the lesson to their students.



Schoolnet’s teacher training is, in fact, benchmarked to international standards, one of these being the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE). The program involves a six-year plan of integration into the school system, and provides benchmarks for ongoing evaluations of the process. For the learners, the content is provided through print, video and CD ROM, Internet access and Web based learning and other surround media.



Part of the K-10 program is a comprehensive training curriculum for teachers spread over two years. Initially teachers will undergo a Foundation course that introduces them to technology in a relevant, simple and easy to understand manner. At the next stage, teachers undergo an intermediate course whereby they are exposed to the use of advanced technology and applications specific to their subjects. In the final phase, teachers opt for the Advanced Course during which they are required to work on a project.



Over 20 schools in Mumbai have already opted for the K-10 Program. Another six schools in Pune have shown keen interest. Schoolnet.

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