Press E for Education

During 2006, more than 1,100 schools across the 32 districts in the state were covered under the Computer Aided Learning programme of the REI while more than 3.2 lakh students across the state now learn through computers, be it languages, science or mathematics.

Inspired by the Jordan Education Initiative (JEI), the REI is supported by the World Economic Forum, the Global e-Schools and Communities Initiative (GeSCI) and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). As part of the initiative, the state government is working with some of the biggest names in IT like Microsoft, IBM, Cisco, Wipro and GenPack.

The state has signed 19 MoUs with the companies, of which 15 are already in operation. Microsoft, under the “Partners in Learning” programme has set a state-of-the-art lab to train teachers. Till date, it has trained around 5,000 teachers and ensured that they not only get computer savvy but can also design ‘e-lessons’ for their students.

Intel too is running a similar training programme in rural areas and has trained over 5,000 teachers. Both Microsoft and Intel now plan to extend their work from three to 10 and from five to 22 districts, respectively.

The Azim Premji Foundation has undertaken the “Learning Guarantee Programme” in Sihor and Tonk districts and is now in the process of extending it to other districts. The programme ensures assessment of the current educational level and improving competencies. The Foundation has also provided 30 educative and reference CDs for training at the schools covered under the project.

NIIT has come up with the concept of “Hole in the Wall” wherein a monitor has been installed on the wall of school buildings and students and those living nearby are allowed to attend self-learning sessions.

The other big names that are part of the initiative are CISCO, which is running a hardware programme for Class X and XI students; America India Foundation, which has a programme for slum children; and GenPack, which has provided 17 mobile computer labs for schools.

Initially reluctant, the teachers have now taken to computers with zeal. “It is fun. Not only do kids learn faster but they enjoy it as well,’’ says Indra Savaria, a school teacher in Bassi, about 40 km from Jaipur.

“Initially the teachers hated the idea of a change and often asked us what good would it do. However, their perspective has changed and we now get suggestions on our training programmes. Both teachers and students view a computer as a means of development and hence are eager to be part of the programme,’’ says Utkarsh Seetha of Microsoft.

Surveys conducted by the government and private organisations have shown that apart from better and qualitative learning, the programme has helped increase attendance and admission levels. Students at the Mammadkheda school this year are 316. In 2005 it was only 254 and, according to the authorities, the school average pass result has gone up to 92 per cent as compared to 79 in 2005. In another instance, 11-year-old polio-stricken girl Vimla, who had stopped going to school, started attending classes only because of computers.

Says Shagufta Bajpai, deputy director of REI, “It would be in 2007 when we compare the data with earlier years that we would know how exactly things have changed. However, there are reports from all over the state that there is a decrease in absenteeism and the attendance ratio of girls has gone up.”

All about REI

The REI was launched in November 2005 with the aim of creating and implementing public-private partnerships through projects that focus on improving the delivery of educational services, particularly in the rural areas. The implementation began in 2006 and it aims to access 100 per cent enrolment in primary education by 2010 and in secondary education by 2020. Through the e-lessons modules, it aims to increase the quality of learning and lay special emphasis on girls’ education.