Kerala Tips

As part of the IT@School project, Kerala government in association with BSNL started giving broadband connections to 1200+ schools. Broadband connectivity will be rolled out to all high schools by next year. BSNL is charging a reduced tariff of Rs.5000/- per connection (remember, this is unlimited access).

IT@School project aims to equip computers as a learning tool. For this, a large number of teachers are being trained (for many of them, it is torture since they have no idea about computers!). It is estimated that over 1.5 million students will benefit from IT@School.

IT@School project started in 2003. To see the achievements so far check out this link (malayalam pdf). It is interesting that linux software is being used for this project.

This is a good initiative, especially since the only industry that seems to survive in Kerala is the IT industry. But highspeed connectivity will come with its own problems. Without adequate filtering and firewalls, soon high schools will turn into “porn heaven”. What is needed is a solid vision as to what is the real purpose of broadband connectivity at schools. In many of the schools, computers are dusting since teachers are afraid that if they give it to students they will break it!

For more details on IT@School project check out this link.

The IT @ School Project, launched four years ago, has remodeled convectional teaching methodologies in classrooms through use of Information Technology. The project, in its first stage, is being implemented in 2,738 High Schools in the State, Mahe in Pondicherry, Lakshwadeep and the Gulf. Over 40,000 teachers were given 90 hours of training on IT skills. Computer labs with 10 to 60 computers are available in all High Schools. DLP projection-enabled classrooms are present in nearly 400 High Schools, thanks to the support of Local Self-Governments and Parent Teacher Associations, the major partners in the project. IT @ School Project is unique in that it is the schoolteacher than the techie who delivers theory classes in classrooms and handles practicals in labs.

Click here to receive latest site updates in your email!

Related Entries

• Sabari rail project to be scrapped - environmentalists strike again!
• Computers in Kannur
• Higher secondary (plus one) single window nightmare in Kerala
• Getting Kerala examination results online
• Schools in Kerala now teaching begging!