Computer Assisted Learning
This program, supported by Alcatel-Lucent Foundation in partnership with Azim Premji Foundation and Pratham, implemented Computer-Assisted Instruction program to improve the quality of elementary education for underprivileged Government school children, aged 6-14 years in Mumbai and Bangalore.
In the past decade, India has made impressive gains in increasing access to primary schooling. Under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA-Education for All), enrollment rates have increased by 50% in some states. Despite significant improvements in the enrollment rates, the drop-out rate remains high, and substantial numbers of children do not remain in school even during the first five years of schooling: 39% of children drop out before completing five years of education and the drop-out rate for grades I–VIII is nearly 55%. However, the drive to universalize primary education has also come at great cost to the educational system and adversely affecting learning quality. In this context, several computer-related interventions are being tried out throughout the country.
QUEST Alliance in partnership with Azim Premji Foundation and Pratham implemented a Computer-Assisted Instruction program for underprivileged children in schools. This program supported by Alcatel- Lucent Foundation aims to improve the quality of elementary education for Government school children aged 6-14 years. APF and Pratham engaged themselves by the innovative uses of technologies such as computers and interactive multimedia content to attract children to school and to enhance student learning.
A new technology using n-computing model was designed and piloted in few schools of Bangalore to reduce cost and power consumption. This multi-user computing model provides each end-user with their own monitor, keyboard, mouse and speakers that connect to small access terminals. These access terminals in turn are connected to the host computer.
In order to assess the implications of the program and ascertain the perception of stakeholders about the effectiveness of program, a detailed evaluation study was commissioned by QUEST Alliance. This summative evaluation captures various issues and challenges to be considered for enhancing effectiveness of the program.
Facts on the programme
Gains for students
• Basic computer skills and more exposure to the English language
• Greater interest in school
• Greater levels of confidence and greater ability to comprehend instructions
• Ability to work and interact in a group
Gains for teachers
• Improved knowledge in Mathematics and Science
• Improved fluency in English
• Use of PC for routine activities- creating timetables, entering marksheets etc.
Beneficiaries
• This activity benefited more than 14,000 children aged 6-14 years using computer assisted learning in schools (Male = 8028 / Female= 6443)
• 439 teachers were trained to impart computer assisted learning in 23 schools
Locations
• Bangalore (Karnataka) and Mumbai (Maharasthara)
Partners involved
• Implementing partners: Azim Premji Foundation, Pratham
• Funding Partners: IYF and Alcatel Lucent Foundation
QUEST's Technical Contribution
QUEST Alliance conducted a comprehensive independent evaluation exercise to capture various issues and challenges to be considered for enhancing effectiveness of the CAL programme in schools.
Current Status
The unique community engagement process of this programme helped in sustaining its activities beyond the grant period.
