SCERT Faculty Visit - Exploring Digital Technology Applications in Education: Day 4

 Thursday, 16th January 2025 

Day 4 of the SCERT Uttarakhand faculty visit at PPCCLT CLRL was an enriching journey into the realm of digital technology applications in education. The day's sessions provided invaluable insights, hands-on experiences, and thought-provoking discussions aimed at enhancing the integration of technology into the teaching and learning processes.

Interactive Session on Collaborative Learning Platforms

The day began with an engaging session led by Prof. Ramkumar, who delved into the concept of collaborative learning platforms and their transformative potential. Prof. Kumar emphasized how such platforms foster inclusivity by enabling every learner to participate and contribute to a common learning space.

He showcased real-world examples of projects that thrived on collaborative platforms, highlighting their impact on knowledge sharing and innovation. Participants from SCERT Uttarakhand were encouraged to explore these platforms for designing state-level initiatives that ensure active participation from all stakeholders.

Prof. Sahana Murthy and Ms. Priti Ingle then took over, leading an interactive segment on designing and leveraging these platforms. They emphasized the role of collaboration in enhancing problem-solving skills and nurturing creativity among learners.

Session on EdTech Tulna: Setting Standards for Quality Education

Post the tea break, the focus shifted to EdTech Tulna, a software framework designed to evaluate and guide the development of quality EdTech products in the Indian context. The session was conducted by Angelina Philip and Sheeja Vasudevan, with valuable inputs from Prof. Sahana Murthy.

EdTech Tulna introduces research-backed standards for content design and evaluation, ensuring alignment with the requirements of quality education. It aids stakeholders in selecting the best EdTech products by providing transparent reviews based on a multi-dimensional evaluation model.

The session explored its relevance in platforms like DIKSHA and its application in content creation for various subjects. Dr. K.N. Bijalwan, Assistant Director at SCERT, engaged in a discussion about the potential of the Tulna App for Uttarakhand's educational ecosystem.

Rakesh Rawat and Akhilesh Dobhal, faculty members from SCERT, elaborated on the need to embed quality standards into training components. The discussion also covered the app's future prospects and its practical implementation in creating standardized educational content across disciplines like science, mathematics, and English.

Spoken Tutorial: Hands-On OER Session

After a special lunch, the focus shifted to Spoken Tutorials, led by Prof. Kannan Moudgalya and Dr. Snehalatha. This hands-on session emphasized the importance of Open Educational Resources (OER) in promoting self-paced and flexible learning.

SCERT participants explored the vast repository of Spoken Tutorials and discussed its potential for empowering educators and learners alike. Contributions to the platform were also highlighted, with suggestions for enhancing its utility in addressing diverse learner needs.

Ramesh Badoni, IT faculty at SCERT, shared practical insights on making courses more adaptable to measure real learning outcomes rather than focusing solely on certification numbers. This resonated well with the participants, reinforcing the need for a learner-centered approach.

Future Prospects and Commitments

The day concluded with discussions on the future collaboration between SCERT Uttarakhand and the PPCCLT team. The session leaders expressed their commitment to providing mentorship and online training support for SCERT initiatives. With a wealth of ideas and actionable takeaways, the faculty returned inspired to implement these insights in their teaching practices and state-level programs.

Key Takeaways from Day 4:

1. Collaborative learning platforms enhance inclusivity and innovation.
2. EdTech Tulna provides a research-based framework for evaluating and improving educational content.
3. Spoken Tutorials serve as an effective OER tool for flexible and self-paced learning.
4. Ground-level insights are vital for tailoring digital tools to local educational needs.
5. The potential for future mentorship and training by experts ensures sustained progress.

Day 4 was a significant step in empowering SCERT Uttarakhand faculty with tools and knowledge to drive digital transformation in education. The journey continues with optimism and a commitment to quality education for all.