In several states, digital tools gap in government schools

Source: The post is based on the article “In several states, digital tools gap in government schools” published in Indian Express on 3rd August 2022.

What is the News?

According to Unified District Information System for Education Plus 2020-21 data, in at least 10 states in India, less than 10% of schools are equipped with Information and Communication Technology(ICT) tools.

What is ICT?

ICT stands for Information and Communications Technology.

These are tools that handle information and produce, store, and disseminate information.

ICT comprises both old and new tools. Old tools include radio, TV, and Telephone. New tools comprise computers, satellites, the Internet, and wireless technology.

What is the digital divide?

The digital divide encompasses the technical and financial ability to utilize available technology, along with access (or a lack of access) to the internet.

Digital divides exist between developed and developing countries, urban and rural populations, young and educated versus older and less educated individuals, and men and women.

What are the various ICT initiatives of the Ministry of Education?

SWAYAM

DIKSHA

National Digital Library (NDL): It is a project to develop a framework for a virtual repository of learning resources with a single-window search facility. 

E-Yantra: e-Yantra is a project for enabling effective education across engineering colleges in India on embedded systems and Robotics. 

Digital learning Initiatives by CBSE: SARANSH is a tool for comprehensive self-review and analysis for CBSE-affiliated schools and parents. It enables them to analyze students’ performance in order to take remedial measures.