Remote Learning Initiatives in Uttarakhand

Sampark Didi Mobile App

The Uttarakhand state education department has started virtual lessons for primary level students through a mobile app ‘Sampark Baithak App’ developed by Sampark Foundation. Through the app, students can access animated videos, audios, worksheets, puzzles, fascinating activities etc. while they are confined to their homes during the pandemic.

The syllabus has been made available in both Hindi and English. Schools can share their best practices through this app and students can share their homework, opinions and doubts through this app directly with the teachers for doubt clearing and support from teachers. The app also provides facilitation of QR code scanner which can be used for viewing content available in multimedia workbooks.

WhatsApp Classes

Meanwhile, the education department has also started classes through WhatsApp where children are being given tasks to do, and they can connect with teachers via the social media platform for doubts and concept clearing.

Officials have created different WhatsApp groups and selected teachers for different subjects from across the State and connected them with students where they are being given tasks. Students are also being given online study material by the teachers.

Gyaandeep Programme

The state of Uttarakhand is a hilly State and Internet connectivity remains a major issue in hilly/rural areas. Therefore, it becomes very difficult to provide online e-learning material to all students. In view of easy access of learning content to all students across the State, it is decided at State level to initiate a relay of learning content (‘Gyan Deep’ programme) through Doordarshan, as Doordarshan has better access up to remote areas and most viewed by all sections of people.

Features of the relay are as follows -

• The Gyan Deep programme has been getting relayed through Doordarshan since 24th April 2020.
• An MoU is signed with Doordarshan for the cited telecast as per government approved rates.
• Content for the relay is being developed at State level with the help of subject specific teachers.
• Subject wise and slot wise schedule is given to Doordarshan Kendra along with recorded lectures.
• Lectures relayed through Doordarshan are also being relayed through some other channels (DD Free Dish-41, Dish TV-229, Den-137, Ansel-400, Videocon-889, Tata Sky-1195, Hathway-483, City Cable-671, Lucknow-237, Big TV-250, Net Vision-138.
• Comprehensive directions are issued to District Magistrate, District Education Officers, and at subordinate level for community awareness.

Community Radio

Community radio is also being used for digital online learning in some of the areas in the State. Through community radio, stories are being broadcasted for the children studying in primary classes, and skill development programmes like reduce stress, solve problems, time management, nutrition etc. for girls. At present 10 community radio channels in 5 districts are being operated. With the help of NGO partner (Room to Read) early reading is being facilitated through 2-3 minutes broadcast. This has been initiated in two districts. Content for the broadcast is developed by the combined efforts of Room to Read, SCERT/DIET faculty and KGBV wardens. 

Use of Educational Portal

State Education portal (e-portal) is also being used by teachers and students for digital learning. A link (https://educationportal.uk.gov.in/Guest?action=elListPage) is given on the e-portal where teachers can upload learning content, handwritten notes etc. and the same can be downloaded by the students as well as other teachers from the portal. This has been conveyed to all concerning beneficiaries and is being used. 

Source : Remote Learning Initiatives Across India