Yogi govt sets off to promote digital learning in Uttar Pradesh

Lucknow, September 6: In line with his objective to promote digital learning in the state of Uttar Pradesh, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated smart classes in selected 18,381 council upper primary schools and Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas on the occasion of Teacher’s Day on Tuesday. Additionally, he started the process for establishment of ICT labs in 880 development blocks. Through these initiatives, students will gain awareness and proficiency in computers and digital education.

Notably, the Uttar Pradesh government aims to make both teachers and students smarter with the establishment of smart classes.

Smart classes are being established in schools to provide classroom education to children through digital systems. These smart classes feature modern 75-inch modern touch screen panels, high-definition web cameras, digital course content, learning management systems, internet connectivity, and power backup. In addition, on-site operation and maintenance support will be provided by service providers to ensure uninterrupted and smooth operation of smart classes in classrooms.

Smart classes will benefit both teachers and students in several ways

Smart classes generate interest and enthusiasm for learning among students which will likely increase their comprehension and learning levels. Digital content based on the curriculum prepared by NCERT and SCERT can also be used effectively through smart classes. Smart classes further provide teachers and students with a modern and globally recognized educational system.

Furthermore, availability of internet connectivity in schools with smart classes facilitates use of various multimedia educational materials. It will help teachers to monitor students’ progress easily while online examinations can also be conducted effectively. Furthermore, internet connectivity enables activities like monitoring of online teacher training, data collection, and assessment of children.

Features of the ICT Lab

The ICT lab includes 7 computer desktops, 1 interactive flat panel (IFP) with an operating system, 1 inverter with a battery, 1 HD webcam with an inbuilt microphone, 1 PA system (handled mic with receiver and speaker), along with other networking and hardware equipment.

Notably, with the availability of digital resources, children can engage in digital learning whereas the teachers can enhance their skills. Additionally, teachers can conduct online classes based on the curriculum. In development blocks, the availability of digital resources enables the collection and monitoring of information through various portals such as Mid-Day Meal, Prerna Portal, Manav Sampada Portal, and more.

Furthermore, teachers can access attractive and interactive online content in addition to textbooks through the ICT lab, which will enhance the education system.

Primary school teachers will receive tablets from government

With the aim of providing quick access to information, educational materials, and establishing an effective monitoring system, the Chief Minister inaugurated the distribution of tablets to 209,863 primary school teachers (2 for each primary school).

It is worth mentioning that the use of tablets will make teaching more convenient for students. Teachers can access training materials, textbooks, and over 6,500 educational contents available on Diksha portal as well as contents of various higher-level institutions.

Through the use of tablets, the basic language and math skills of children can be assessed using other apps (Nipun Lakshya App and Saral App). Additionally, registers used in schools will be available in digital form via tablets. Tablets will also enable the easy operation of the Prerna App, device management, the Manav Sampada Portal, and monitoring of the Mid-Day Meal scheme and the PFMS portal.

Furthermore, tablets will help prevent double enrollment of students, ensuring transparency and streamlined payments through DBT. Learning-by-doing can also be conducted using tablets, and students can practice on computers available in the classroom.