Intel and SSA announces E-Learning Pilot Programme

Intel India and the Government of Karnataka's Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) have announced the launch of Computers On Wheels, an e-learning pilot programme, in five districts across Karnataka. The pilot will include digital instruction materials from Educomp. A total of five Government Higher Primary Schools in Karwar, Mysore, Davanagere, Yadgir and Bangalore Rural districts will be covered by this pilot. The programme enables teachers to utilize a variety of learning strategies and tools to cater to the diverse learning styles and abilities of students. 

The initiative is based on the Intel Learning Series, an education solution, including infrastructure, hardware, software, content, training and support, designed to deliver one-on-one e-learning in classrooms that is matched to local needs. The curriculum provided for this project will cover key concepts in mathematics, science and English. One-on-one teaching and learning tools will be provided in the Kannada language.   

Under the Computers On Wheels approach, netbooks can be moved between classrooms, as needed. The cart is used to both store and charge the netbooks, and provides a wireless access point. Computers On Wheels brings technology into classrooms where it can be utilized to teach students core subjects and provide teachers with access to laptops to develop and deliver lesson plans. The programme utilizes technology as a tool to transform teaching and learning through teacher professional development and creating a localized digital curriculum.

"Advances in technology continue to transform how we live, work, play, and learn. Intel is committed to making education accessible and engaging for all students. Computers on Wheels offers a highly effective one-to-one e-learning environment, enabling teachers to impart twenty-first century skills, such as critical thinking, analytical skills, problem solving and communication and collaboration skills, in an engaging manner, motivating students to attend classes and thus improve student retention," said R. Ravichandran, Director -Sales, Intel South Asia. 

"This is a very useful mechanism to enhance student learning by integrating innovative teaching methods in the schools of Karnataka. The Government of Karnataka along with Intel is enabling a learning system that provides a more engaging, interesting and experiential form of teaching and learning through smart use of technology," said Visvesvara Hegde Kageri, Minister for Primary and Secondary Education, Government of Karnataka.

"We are pleased to collaborate with Intel on the Computers On Wheels pilot programme. Educomp's high-quality curriculum and digital content in local Kannada language will help create an engaging, multimedia environment in the classrooms in the government schools. Along with our resource management and effective monitoring, this will allow teachers and students access to cutting-edge technology resources to assist core teaching as well as help develop much-needed 21st century skills in students like collaborative learning and problem solving," said Soumya Kanti, President, ICT Division, Edureach Educomp.