Minister releases Telugu literacy CDs

Once learners complete the programme they can join mainstream education

• To be used in 1,800 schools, including 800 under SSA
• Another 9,000 schools to be equipped for programme

HYDERABAD: In a unique initiative that could revolutionise the imparting of basic learning skills to school dropouts and slow and adult learners, School Education Minister N. Rajyalakshmi released multi-media literacy CDs in Telugu here on Tuesday.

Designed and developed by the International Literacy Institute, University of Pennsylvania, in partnership with IIIT and NGOs under the `Bridges to the Future Initiative' (BFI) backed by the State Government, the Telugu literacy instructional programme would be used in 1,800 schools with computers, including 800 schools under Sarva Siksha Abhiyan, the Minister said.

"We plan to equip another 9,000 schools with computers with community and NGOs' participation," she added.

12 schedules

Once learners complete the 12-schedule instruction programmethat takes between two and six months, they can join mainstream education.

The IT sector strengthened by electronic media and satellite technology should be effectively used to mould teaching techniques in tune with the times. Conventional learning by rote and burden of books would soon be on the way out, she said.

Government textbooks were now available on the Internet and lessons were being taken directly to classroom through Mana TV. A proposal to offer on-line help for homework was also under consideration, she said.

Adult education

Education Department Secretary Krishnaiah said the IT tool could also be used in adult education to achieve literacy targets faster.

The above 1,800 schools could be used for adult education in the evening and sought the support of NGOs for the success of 1,000 school programme.

SSA State Project Director Chandramouli said that the self-learning CDs would also be used in residential bridge schools and subsequently in adult literacy centres.

The CDs released first in the State would be taken to other parts of the country.

Director of School Education Balasubramanyam, Director of ILI Dan Wagner, BFI-India Regional Coordinator C.J. Dawani and others spoke.

Courtesy: The Hindu