To help slow learners catch up with their peers in the classroom, the School Education Department has launched Vidya Shakti, a new initiative that aims to create inclusive learning outcomes with a focus on foundational content in subjects like mathematics, science and English.
In collaboration with IIT Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation, the department has launched Vidya Shakti as a pilot project in 78 institutions, including 15 Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBVs), 15 Andhra Pradesh Model School, 15 institutions run by A.P. Open Schools Society and four schools run by A.P. Residential Educational Institutions Society, besides 29 junior colleges across the State. The second phase of the pilot project, scheduled from January 2, 2025, will include 10 more educational institutions.
“We are trying to build safe and supportive environment in schools with a student-centric approach that prioritises the well-being of students, both academically and otherwise,” said Director, School Education, V. Vijay Rama Raju.
Stating that Vidya Shakti was a transformative programme with far-reaching goals, he informed that classes were being delivered via zoom meetings, conducted from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. by select teachers trained by resource persons from IIT-Madras Pravartak in bilingual mode. “It is simulation-based learning that allows students to visualise concepts and perform virtual experiments, fostering deeper comprehension,” Mr. Rama Raju told The Hindu.
Teachers have been trained to use simulation tools and open-source software to teach concepts in an interactive mode and deliver the online sessions effectively using digital platforms. They are also expected to upload assignments and track student progress.
A baseline test was conducted at the beginning of the programme to assess the initial learning levels of the students, while weekly micro assignments like peer-evaluated tasks are taken up to allow continuous evaluation of student progress. “This approach enables us to identify gaps and implement targeted interventions to address the learning challenges,” said Mr. Rama Raju.
The authorities ensure that recorded content is kept available on a dedicated YouTube channel for students who miss sessions due to power failures and other reasons.
Digital ‘Akkas’
Educated but unemployed women with basic technical skills have been trained to act as coordinators (Digital Akkas) to assist in connecting schools to the Zoom sessions. They upload the student assignments and mark them into the ‘Vidya Shakti’ app for monitoring of their performance. All schools enrolled under this programme will start using the ‘Vidya Shakti’ app from December 23.
The role of a ‘Digital Akka’ is to act as a bridge between teachers, students and technical teams to ensure smooth operation of the classes. Creation of the role of ‘Digital Akka’ serves dual purpose. It contributes towards the cause of women empowerment in the rural pockets by providing them employment opportunities and also helps the department strengthen the delivery system of the new mode of education.
Published – December 22, 2024 07:01 pm IST