Learning ICT in Schools — DE Program in Orissa

Computer and information technology arising from it have created a revolution of sorts as far as classroom teaching is concerned. Use of the Internet and multimedia tools have engendered a newfound quest for knowledge both among the students as well as the teachers. Use of information communication technology (ICT) in the classroom teaching has given a cutting edge advantage to teachers who have understood and internalized the benefits of supplementing traditional teaching methods with computers, especially the Internet and curriculum softwares, rich in multimedia content. In some instances it has revolutionalized conceptual understanding, propelling teachers and students to explore new frontiers. Orissa being one of the most backward states of India in terms of resources and availability of basic infrastructure, posed peculiar challenges as far as the implementation of the Digital Equalizer program is concerned, which started in November 2004. From extreme poverty, remote inaccessible areas, damaged school buildings ravaged by the devastating “Super Cyclone†to tackling traditional mindsets, we have faced it all in implementing the Digital Equalizer Program. The article starts with a brief description of the ICT landscape in the state of Orissa with focuses on computer-aided learning before moving into an in depth analysis of the implementation challenges and the learning's gleaned from the pilot phase. Training, Monitoring and Evaluation, Content and Sustainability issues on which the success of a large scale ICT program like the Digital Equalizer (DE) depends, have been subjected to an in depth analysis. The customizations made to the DE Program as necessitated by the geographic factors, historical traditions and the cultural landscape in the state of Orissa will serve as a rich source of learning for policymakers in the government, program managers, management practitioners, academicians, researchers and last but not the least, students of management.