Learning through multi-media in 10 schools

BHUBANESWAR: Taking a step ahead in the Computer-Aided Learning Programme (CALP) under the Sarva Siksha Abhiyan, the Odisha Computer Application Centre (OCAC) is set to introduce multi-media-based learning in 10 schools of the State starting next month, on an experimental basis.  The proposal for the multi-media-based learning was given by the Odisha Primary Education Programme Authority (OPEPA). The aim was to introduce innovative teaching methods. “While teaching history to the students, instead of reading about the Mughal emperor Akbar from textbooks, the students will be engaged in images, sounds and other multimedia elements involving Akbar. This will make learning a fun,” informed OCAC general manager Manoj Kumar Pattnaik.  This apart, the digitizing the academic content of the primary school textbooks has already started. “Gradually all the content will be digitized for the programme,” said OPEPA assistant director Prabhat Mishra. The project proposal was drafted by OPEPA two years back. They handed over the project execution to OCAC that is developing infrastructure for the project for the last three months. For multi-media learning, a special kind of computer with  built-in projector called K-Yan, will be used by the schools. “We will no more need a separate projector to display the content. K-Yan will be able to stream the content directly without any additional support,” said Pattnaik. They have tied up with a Delhi-based organisation which will provide them with the K-Yan computers. Under this project, each school will be provided with three K-Yan systems. The teachers of the schools will have to be trained to handle the computers and teach, through multi-media. The Odisha e-governance Services Limited (OESL) has been given the responsibility to train the teachers.  CALP was introduced in the State in 2004. “The multi-media learning is a new chapter, introduced to make the learning effective and interesting,” said Pattnaik. The total project cost is Rs 12 crore and OPEPA is the funding agency. Pattnaik is hopeful that the multi-media teaching would start next month itself.