Page 178 - Kaleidoscope Academic Conference Proceedings 2024

2024 ITU Kaleidoscope Academic Conference

recognizing the transformative potential of technology in In addition to these initiatives, the government has launched
enhancing learning outcomes and expanding access to various programs under PM e-Vidya to offer high-quality,
quality education. Some of the key initiatives are: multilingual educational content for students. Table 3
▪ BharatNet Project: This initiative aims to provide high- presents the different initiatives taken by the government
speed broadband connectivity to all gram panchayats, [22]. Furthermore, alongside these efforts, various
including rural areas. Currently, the BharatNet project intervention programs such as the “Akash Table Project”,
has successfully linked 211,335 Gram Panchayats, government-led virtual model schools, and state-level
deploying 681,864 kilometres of Optical Fiber Cable initiatives offering tablets, laptops, and scholarships have
(OFC). Additionally, 924,693 Fibre-To-The-Home been instrumental in reducing inequality and bridging the
(FTTH) connections have been activated, and 104,675 digital divide among students [23-26].
Wi-Fi hotspots have been established to ensure Table 3: Initiatives by Government of India
connectivity even in remote areas [16]. S. For students/
▪ Digital India Campaign: The Digital India campaign No. Resource Researchers
encompasses elements targeting digital literacy, Audio-Video e-Content
infrastructure enhancement, and the delivery of digital Massive Open online
services. Through this initiative, students can access their 1. SWAYAM courses program to earn
academic documents, while individuals can conveniently credit
access important government documents like driving Digital courses on TV with
licenses, Aadhar cards, and more [17]. 2. SWAYAMPRABHA high-quality educational
▪ Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan content are available 24*7
(PMGDISHA): This scheme focuses on making rural Digital Content: access journals and e-books
households digitally literate, contributing to the overall 1. National Digital Access to e-content on
digital empowerment of rural communities. The Library multiple disciplines
Government of India aimed to include 6 crore rural 2. e-PG Pathshala Get curriculum-based e-
families (one member from each family) in its initiative, content and free books
and as of now, more than 6.62 crore individuals have 3. Shodhganga Access to the thesis of
registered. Of these, 5.68 crore individuals have Indian research scholars
completed training under the PMGDISHA Scheme 4. e-ShodhSindhu Access to full-text e-
resources
across the country. Notably, 4.22 crore candidates have Accelerated Hands-on training
obtained official certification as a part of this program Get hands-on experience
[17]. 1. e-Yantra with embedded systems
▪ Teacher Training Programs: The government conducts Access to Free/ open-
training programs to equip rural teachers with digital 2. FOSSEE source software
skills, online teaching methodologies, and content Self-pace training
creation abilities. The Central Institute of Educational 3. Spoken Tutorial programs in IT fields
Technology (CIET) runs different training programs on Web-enabled curriculum-
multiple occasions under the supervision of NCERT to 4. Virtual Labs based virtual
strengthen digital literacy among teachers. experimentation
▪ DIKSHA: The DIKSHA portal is an online platform National Internship Internship for students and
launched by the Government of India to provide digital 5. Portal fresh graduates in
learning resources and tools for teachers, students, and engineering
educators across the country. The e-Content on DIKSHA National Educational Public-private partnership
is available in 32 Indian languages [18]. 6. Alliance for program to develop
▪ K-YAN: K-Yan is an integrated knowledge device that Technology employable skills in the
seamlessly combines the functionalities of a computer, learners
projector, and interactive whiteboard. Its purpose is to These initiatives have enhanced digital education in rural and
enhance digital learning and promote interactive teaching remote areas by providing learning resources that are either
methodologies in classrooms, particularly in regions with free or available at nominal costs, significantly lower than
limited infrastructure. As part of the Samagra Shiksha the expense of migrating from their homes.
Abhiyan (SSA), schools have been equipped with this
innovative device. K-Yan comes preloaded with 4. PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS (PPP)
educational content tailored to the syllabus of the INITIATIVES
National Council of Educational Research and Training
(NCERT), catering to students across various classes [19- PPPs are pivotal in the Indian education system for several
21]. reasons, including expanding access to education, fostering
innovation, aligning with industry needs, bridging gaps in

– 134 –