Tura, 20th Oct: The idea of distribution of PC tablets to 12th standard school children has been a unique and novel idea and was welcomed by most. However, one section of sceptics are of the opinion that though the idea was correct, the implementation of life changing digital learning aids may just take too long for the benefit to filter down to the children it is supposed to revolutionize.
The CM, Dr Mukul Sangma had expressed hope that the same tablets could be used to revolutionize the education scene within the state. He also promised to make all schools wi-fi enabled to ensure that benefit of the tablets can be wholesome and education can move a generation ahead and catch up with the world. Though the idea is definitely novel, the practicality of the same coming into existence to benefit students may take some time. For starters, the telecom situation within the state is not even up to local standards. The investment required is huge and will require a huge amount of groundwork and re-laying.
One person on the condition of anonymity said, “Look around us and you can understand why we are sceptical. Most of the regions within the districts are remote with even mobile phone connectivity missing. Numerous complaints to the various departments have not borne fruit and the situation remains the same. For our children to actually be able to use Digital Learning aids and to use them properly, the teachers need to be able to use the system. For the teachers to use the system, the system itself needs to be in place. It may take more than ten years for the CMs dream to come true, but by then what is now novel, may suddenly become obsolete”.
The CM himself conceded that the school infrastructure needed overhaul and more practicality sought to better education. The problems he faces are huge. Firstly, there are not enough quality teachers within the state to actually better the state of education. Secondly, some schools are in such a dilapidated state within the region, that thinking of a wi-fi set up is a distant dream. Thirdly, the current allocation for education is very limited and cannot cover all the schools in dire need and most of them are. Most schools are being funded MSDP or BRGF, but that is limited to only infrastructure and not for the betterment of education. To think that colleges like Tikrikilla, Kazi Zaman and Phulbari colleges are getting only Rs 35,000 per month for staff payments would give an idea of what exactly the schools face. (SP News)
