Intel announced the extension of the Intel Teach Program in Himachal Pradesh in a joint event with the state government called Sankalp (Pledge) with an aim to ensure that the teachers and students of the state are equipped with the right tools to connect them to 21st century opportunities.
The event, organised at Hotel Holiday Home on July 11, 2008, also saw the unveiling of a CD-ROM containing technology aided lesson plans, created by teachers who have been trained under the first phase of the Intel Teach Program in the state.
The CD-ROM unveiled at the event, has been evaluated by SCERT Solan prior to the release. It will be replicated by the state Education Department and copies will be provided to all government schools as readily available technology based lesson plans across K12.
On the occasion, Chief Minister Prof. Prem Kumar Dhumal said
the initiative taken by Intel in Himachal Pradesh was commendable, and further appreciated the ‘noble example of Public Private Partnership in the field of education’. Prof. Dhumal was of the firm view that the use of technology with broadband connectivity is a must for the teachers and students in this changing world. He also stressed that in the 2nd phase of this programme thousands of more teachers will be trained so that technology based education extends to the reach of every student and community.
‘If you teach a man only one person is taught, if you teach a woman one whole family is taught, and if you teach a teacher one whole institution gets taught. Therefore I thank Intel and the HP education department for taking this initiative and training the in-service teachers’- Chief Minister (Himachal Pradesh)
Prof. Dhumal also appreciated the Project Based Learning concept of Intel Teach Program and applauded the social community awareness project done by students of Govt. Senior Secondary School Basdehra, Una to raise the sensitive issue of declining female
sex ratio.
Rahul Bedi, Director CAG Intel South Asia, introduced the audience to the INTEL world Ahead Program and complimented the governance in the state as both the Chief Minister and Education Minister had stressed on Broadband Connectivity for schools as an essential requirement. This corroborates with the Intel World Ahead Program and the 511 vision.
Valsa Williams, Head CAG North and East, detailed the Intel Teach initiatives in Himachal Pradesh which were highly appreciated by the Chief Minister and Education Minister.
The evening ended with all present signing their names on the pledge board and taking a Sankalp to assure the availability of the right tools required for 21st century opportunities.
In Himachal Pradesh, the Intel Teach Program has trained 15062 teachers till date. Through the implementation of computer-based education and innovative teaching methods in government schools, the programme aims to make learning easier and more interesting for students, and facilitate the creation of 21st century skills, including digital literacy, problem solving and critical thinking.
A positive impact of the Intel Teach Program in Himachal Pradesh: Project on Female Foeticide at Una by students of G.S.S.S Basdehra.
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The district of Una had been seeing a decreasing female ratio as per the last 1991-2001 Census.
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To understand the ill-effects of an unbalanced population, students from G.S.S.S Basdehra worked on a school project with the help of their Economics teacher.
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The students initiated speech competitions, interviews in surrounding areas on female foeticide, based on which they arrived at findings which were very biased towards the male population.
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The students used technology tools Internet, MS Office, Digital Camera, Printer etc to extensively support their project and prepared presentations, brochures, flyers and interacted with local people to create awareness of the ill-effects.
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As a result of their awareness creating project, the Mahila Mandal held a presentation on gender inequalities for the villages of the district.