The free laptops soon to be distributed to almost 1.5 million students in Uttar Pradesh will have chip maker Intel’s IT training module preloaded in them.
The global IT major is working closely with the state government towards digital literacy in the classrooms, especially in remote areas.
“Our ‘Easy Step’ training module would be preloaded in the laptops to be given to the students in UP,” Intel South Asia Managing Director, Sales and Marketing, Debjani Ghosh, told Business Standard here.
She said several states had announced free laptop and tablet scheme, but the gadgets would be useless without useful content. UP chief minister Akhilesh Yadav has a better understanding of information technology and is extremely positive about digital learning in the state, she added.
“While digital learning cannot replace classroom learning, it facilitates easier access to knowledge and helps structure our thoughts in a much better way,” Ghosh said.
Meanwhile, Intel launched its ‘Vigyan Yatra’ programme in the state to creating awareness about IT and digital learning in the classroom. It was flagged off by Yadav from his official residence yesterday.
Intel has been driving education programmes for students and teachers simultaneously. The objective is to provide experiential learning and drive awareness around the benefits of computers and internet.
Under the programme, Intel in collaboration with the state secondary education department would cover 21 districts in coming 45 days. “The aim is to train 100 teachers and 1,000 students in each district,” she informed.
The company has been running similar programmes in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka in the past.
All the major IT companies have collaborated for the National Digital Literacy Mission (NDLM) towards digital literacy for pre-university college students and adult learners.
Earlier, UP had picked Hewlett Packard (HP) for the supply of 1.5 million laptops to the students, who had passed XII standard during the 2011-12 academic year.
