 COMPUTER EDUCATION AND 
TECHNOLOGICAL AIDS

The NCERT continued to give attention to the issues and problems in Computer Education and related research and development in modern technological aids/media in its programmes and activities.

16 COMPUTER EDUCATION AND TECHNOLOGICAL AIDS

The NCERT continued to give attention to the issues and problems in Computer Education and related research and development in modern technological aids/media in its programmes and activities.

Computer Education

The NCERT has taken up the responsibility to develop courseware using multi-media, curriculum of computer education, microprocessor-based experiments-, survey of computer education in India; and training of teachers to use the computers as a tool to store, retrieve and analyse data, etc. A Computer Resource Centre (CRC) for all aspects of computer education in schools is being set up. A CAL package on Separation of Substances was developed and tried out in schools for its effectiveness. A similar package on Measurement is under development. A seminar on 'Computer and the Educational Process' was organised to identify priority areas of research and development. The recommendations of this seminar were published. Facilities for Web Surfing (Internet) have been opened up. The Home Page of the WERT has been composed and given to the NIC for preparation of a Web Site. The work on micro-processor-based experiments has been initiated and suitable probes for measuring voltage and temperature have been de- veloped. The book Computer Literacy was tried out. A project Learning Disabilities through Computer has been undertaken. A lecture by Prof. Crisna from Romania on 'Several Arguments for Defining an Hierarchical Cognitive Model' was organised.

Technological Aids

Research and development activities on science kits for schools, production of prototypes, experimental trial and training of teachers on the new design continued. The NCERT's science kits were introduced in the school system during 1969-70 for the first time in the country. The continuity has been maintained and its two designs-Primary Science Kit and Mini Tool Kit-were included in the list of essential facilities for the primary level under Operation Blackboard. The Integrated Science Kit on the lines of Science curriculum for the upper primary level is now a part of the OB for elementary education. Existing Science Kits are being continuously reviewed and a number of kit items have been refined. A manuscript for Teachers' Handbook of Science Activities for Classes VI to VIII was developed. A model of hydrogen burner is being developed. During 1996-97, 186 Integrated Science Kits, 29 Primary Science Kits and 9 Mini Tool Kits were despatched to various demanding states and UTs. About 700 Integrated Science Kits are under production and 1,500 plastic packs and other kit items were despatched to Vigyan Kit Nirman Shala, Allahabad.

Regional Level Inputs

In the RIE, Mysore, a centralised facility called 'Computer Applications Laboratory' has been set up for use by the staff and students. It is being used in a training programme for Maldivian teachers.

Reports and Other Materials Brought Out during 1996-97

1. Computers and Educational Process (xeroxed)

2. Can Classroom Courseware be Effective without the Teacher? (xeroxed)

3. Technology Education in School Curriculum (xeroxed)