Journalism of Courage
Std VI students of Kasturba Gandhi School learn their syllabus through animations and audio-visuals on the new tablet PCs donated to them by the Payal Tiwari Foundation
Students of Std VI,Kasturba Gandhi School,can’t wait to get to class. The reason: their new e-class tablet PC on which they can learn their entire syllabus which is in a video format with animations. The Payal Tiwari foundation recently distributed 10 Sundaram e-class tablet PCs on an experimental basis to motivate students of this Marathi medium school to pursue their education and gain knowledge in a unique way. This was also done to curb issues like deprivation and reduce the number of school drop-outs.
The e-class tablets are given to students during school hours. “Since students come from a background where availing such products is a rarity,there is every possibility that the tablets can be misplaced. It is for this reason that we decided to let them use them only while in school. Moreover,we need to preserve these for the next class. The maintenance is our responsibility,”says Shinde.
This act of generosity has drawn a great response from the students. “The syllabus is difficult and coping with it is tedious and taxing. Moreover,the students studying here are expected to deal with a lot more than other children of their age. It so happens that owing to these reasons,students choose to discontinue their education mid-way. Thus,if a product encourages and motivates students to pursue their education,it is a welcome move,” says Swati Chowre,class teacher of Std VI at the school. The parents believe that this experience will transform the lives of their children. “Parents are very receptive to this method of learning. The very fact that their children are being exposed to a progressive atmosphere is fulfilling for them,” adds she.
The students are happy to be rid of heavy school bags! “All these years,our school bags have weighed more than we could manage to carry. However,now that we can refer to e-class tablets when we are at school,we are relieved of this burden,” says Pranit Kamble,a student of Std VI.
Animations and audio-visuals make it an interesting experience of learning for the children. “The pictures displayed on the tablets give a very realistic effect; most of the times I don’t feel like putting the tablet down! It has made learning fun. We are enjoying studying like never before,” says Rajesh Salve,another Std VI student.
