The e-Shiksha program aims to bridge the digital divide in the rural villages of Haliyal by providing quality technology education. It focuses on empowering Learning Facilitators as Master Trainers and equipping e-Shiksha centers with digital tools to foster holistic learning and problem-solving skills through coding and digital making. By doing so, the program seeks to create an inclusive and empowering educational environment, helping students thrive in the digital age.
The key objectives of the program include enhancing students’ proficiency in programming, logical thinking, and physical computing, conducting regular assessments to track their progress, and offering comprehensive training for Learning Facilitators to effectively deliver the curriculum. Within one academic year, students from each e-Shiksha center are expected to develop at least one project for coding competitions, promoting innovation and creativity.
The core activities of the program involve revamping existing school or community spaces to create well-equipped computer labs, accessible to students from grades 5 to 9. Workshops and hands-on sessions are organized to build computational skills, while a 50-hour computing curriculum for each grade is developed, progressing from visual coding tools like Scratch to advanced languages like Python and HTML. The curriculum is designed to integrate academic subjects like Math, Science, Geography, and English, demonstrating real-world problem-solving applications. Teacher training is also a critical component, with ongoing support provided to educators throughout the year.
Operating in Haliyal Taluk, Uttara Kannada, Karnataka, the program has been in operation for over three years, benefiting a minimum of 30 to 35 students per center, aged between 10 and 16 years. The intervention is recurring and spans a 12-month timeline, ensuring continuous support for the students and facilitators involved.