About to:
The Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in schools have been subsumed in the Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA). Now ICT in Schools is a component of the RMSA. The Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in Schools was launched in December, 2004 and revised in 2010 to provide opportunities to secondary stage students to mainly build their capacity on ICT skills and make them learn through computer aided learning process. The Scheme is a major catalyst to bridge the digital divide amongst students of various socio economic and other geographical barriers. The Scheme provides support to States/UTs to establish computer labs on sustainable basis.
Implementation mechanism of the scheme:
The Information and Communication Technology (ICT) at schools scheme was launched in December 2004, to build capacity of secondary students on ICT skills make them learn through computer aided learning processes. This scheme is a major catalyst to bridge the digital divide amongst students of various socio-economic and other geographical barriers. The scheme provides support to States/UTs to establish computer labs on sustainable basis. It also aims to set up smart schools in Kendriya Vidyalayas and Navodaya Vidyalayas which are pace setting institutions of the Government of India to act as “Technology Demonstrators” and lead in propagating ICT skills among students of neighbourhood schools.
Based on the experience gained so far, the scheme was revised in July 2010.
Components of the scheme
Partnership with state governments and UT Administrations for providing computer aided education to secondary and higher secondary government and government aided schools.
Establishment of smart schools, which shall be technology demonstrators.
Teacher related interventions, such as provision for engagement of an exclusive teacher, capacity enhancement of all teachers in ICT and a scheme for national ICT award as means of motivation.
Development of e-content, mainly through Central Institute of Education Technology (CIET), six State Institutes of Education Technologies (SIETs) and 5 Regional Institutes of Education (RIEs), as also through outsourcing.
Coverage:
The scheme currently covers both government and government aided secondary and higher secondary schools. Financial assistance is provided for procurement of computers and peripherals, educational software, training of teachers, development of e-contents, Internet connectivity and setting up of smart schools.
ICT Policy:
A committee has been constituted to draft a policy on the usage of ICT in schools education. A draft policy has been prepared which is in the final stage. The draft policy aims at using ICT for preparing youth to compete globally and participate creatively in the establishment, sustenance and growth of a knowledge society.