Technology and the internet have changed life in many ways. Among others, the way students learn also changed because of technology.
Technology has made it possible for schools and students to learn in an effective way and the biggest tool is the internet, on which one can find about literally anything.
According to centre government an advisory has been issued by the Department of School Education and Literacy, Government of India to all the States and UTs to enter into an MoU or Agreement with BSNL and provide FTTH Internet connection to all the Government Schools which have computing devices.
States and UTs have been also advised that the Internet Charges can be met from through various means.
For ICT Labs and Smart Class rooms sanctioned under Samagra Shiksha, internet charges can be met from the recurring charges being released under Samagra Shiksha.
For Schools in which ICT and Smart Class room are not sanctioned under Samagra Shiksha and which have computing devices, internet Charges can be met from the Management monitoring Evaluation and Research (MMER) funds being released under Samagra Shiksha or can be met from any other State and UT Government funds.
It also informed that ICT and Digital Initiatives component of centrally sponsored scheme of Samagra Shiksha covers Government and Aided Schools having classes VI to XII. Under this component financial assistance is provided for establishing ICT Lab and Smart Classrooms in schools. Under Samagra Shiksha for ICT Labs, a non-recurring grant of up to Rs. 6.40 lakh per school and recurring grant of upto Rs. 2.40 lakh per school per annum for a period of 5 years is provided.
From 2023-24, the scheme also offers step-wise funding based on school enrolment. (Strength < 100 Rs. 2.5 Lakhs, Strength between 100 – 250 Rs. 4.5 Lakhs, Strength between 250 – 700 Rs. 6.4 Lakhs), it says.
For Smart Classrooms, non-recurring grant for Smart Class rooms (2 smart classrooms per school) is of Rs. 2.40 lakh and the recurring grant is Rs. 0.38 lakh (including E Content and Digital Resources, Charges for Electricity).
If the students have internet and WiFi available at schools then it becomes much easier for them to collaborate. With the help of the internet, students can quickly and easily share different assignments, projects, documents, and presentations with each other and learn the invaluable skill of teamwork. It is important that the government should work on ensuring internet services in schools and ensure allied structure like electricity etc.
