On July 8, 2024, after conducting a teaching session at PM Shree School GGIC Rajpur Road in Dehradun, Fulbright Teachers Danielle Brown and Corinna Christman had the opportunity to delve into the educational landscape of Uttarakhand by visiting the Vidya Samiksha Kendra (VSK), a state-of-the-art data center. The center is pivotal in collecting and analyzing real-time data to enhance the education system of the state.
Visit to Vidya Samiksha Kendra
At the VSK, Danielle and Corinna met with Director of Academic Research and Training, Bandana Garbyal, and Dr. Mukul Sati. Dr. Sati provided an in-depth presentation on the Uttarakhand education system, detailing both existing frameworks and upcoming technological advancements. The VSK plays a crucial role in the continuous improvement of education by gathering data from remote areas, conducting online and offline tests, and maintaining real-time attendance records of teachers, students, and officials in elementary and secondary education.
Madan Mohan Joshi, Project Officer of Samagra Shiksha, also interacted with the Fulbright scholars. He provided an overview of VSK’s operations, the technology employed, and the people managing the system. The visit included a detailed explanation from the VSK manager and team lead, highlighting how real-time data collection impacts education and teacher evaluation.
Following their visit to VSK, Danielle and Corinna proceeded to the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) in Uttarakhand. Here, they engaged with faculty officials, including Kamakhya Misra, who presented an overview of SCERT’s functions and the state’s curriculum and teacher policies. The Fulbright teachers shared insights about the US education system, innovative classroom technologies, and various types of schools in the United States.
A lively question-and-answer session allowed faculty and scholars to exchange ideas and discuss best practices. Joint Directors Kanchan Devradi and Asha Rani Painuilly highlighted several state initiatives such as Anandam, Pratibha Divas, Pravesh Mahotsav, Kaushalam, and technological events like Technomela and the Inspire Award Exhibition. These initiatives aim to integrate innovation and technology into teaching plans and inquiry projects.
The Fulbright teachers then visited Rajiv Gandhi Navodaya Vidyalaya, a residential school, where they interacted with Vice Principal Girish Thapliyal and the science and mathematics faculties. They also engaged with senior students, discussing their daily routines and study management. A friendly game of volleyball with the students allowed for a deeper connection and understanding of the physical and social environment of the school.
Visit to the State Virtual Studio
Danielle and Corinna's next stop was the state virtual studio, which conducts live lessons and interacts with over 500 schools in real-time. They met resource persons, technicians, and faculty coordinators Pushpa Aswal and Sudhir Nautiyal, who oversee content development and video recordings for the PM eVidya channels. These channels broadcast class-appropriate and subject-specific lessons across the state, making education accessible to students in remote areas.
The scholars appreciated the innovative approaches used to provide educational content and platforms to students lacking resources and teachers. This initiative ensures continuity in learning despite geographical challenges.
Evening Activities and Cultural Exchange
In the evening, Danielle and Corinna visited a tribal Eklavya residential school, where they conducted energizer activities and games with the students. These activities aimed to develop leadership skills, teamwork, and engagement. The session was attended by Director Bandana Garbyal and Dr. Mohan Bisht from SIEMAT Uttarakhand, who praised the interactive and innovative methods used by the scholars.
The day concluded with a visit to Ramesh Badoni’s house for a traditional dinner. This provided an opportunity to experience local Garhwali food, culture, and community living. The Fulbright scholars and their hosts exchanged souvenirs and shared their experiences, marking the end of a day filled with learning, interaction, and cultural exchange.
This visit by the Fulbright teachers not only showcased the educational advancements in Uttarakhand but also fostered a deeper understanding and collaboration between educators from India and the United States.