e-learning Project-APARD

Details of Programme /Project/Initiative:

Brief Description:

AMR APARD is the apex training institute for building the capacities of Rural Development Officials and

Panchayat Raj Elected Representatives in the State of Andhra Pradesh. The institute caters to the

capacity building and training requirements of around 2.61 Lac Elected Representatives of Panchayat Raj

Institutions and about 50 thousand officials from Panchayat Raj, Rural Development and other

development departments. The e-learning project was initiated as a part of implementation of Capacity

Building and Training Programmes under BRGF and MGNREGS sponsored by Ministry of Panchayat Raj

and Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India. The project aims to equip the Panchayat Raj

Elected Representatives and Functionaries associated with implementation of MGNREGS, with the

Knowledge and Skills required for effective management of these Institutions and for improved service

delivery under various flagship programmes aimed at improving the quality of life in rural areas.

Organizing training for such a large number is a challenging task and since the target group changes for

every 5 years with the conduct of fresh elections to PRIs, the demand for Capacity Building is recurrent.

The main problems and concerns that pose a challenge to capacity building are: • Number and quality of

good trainers; • Wide geographical distribution of target group • Functionaries cannot leave their

workplaces for long time to attend training programmes • Requirement of large scale funding through

traditional training method Therefore, in order to provide formal and informal training to large number of

development functionaries and Elected Representatives, APARD has launched this innovative project

provide interactive and experiential learning at the learners’ doorstep by leveraging ICT and e-learning

solutions like Computer Based Tutorials, Virtual Classroom facility, Interactive Satellite TV Programmes, e

magazines, e books, Help Lines, Wikis, SMS alerts, social networking tools, etc.

Why was the project started:

AMR-A.P. Academy of Rural Development is presently catering to the training needs of around 2.61 lakh

elected representatives of Panchayat Raj Institutions and 50,000 officials of PR&RD Department. Among

the Elected Representatives a majority are from the SCs, STs and women who are elected for the first

time. All the elected persons hold office only for (5) years and are replaced largely by a new set of people.

Therefore the number of elected representatives be trained and oriented is very large and the demand for

Capacity Building is recurrent. The issues of capacity building of the PR functionaries are: 1. knowledge

enhancement 2. Skill up-gradation 3. Attitudinal change 4. Problem solving techniques 5. Practical

solution seeking 6. Learning from best practices. The main problems and concerns that pose a challenge

to Capacity building are: 7. Number and quality of good trainers; 8. Barriers to access and entitlements; 9.

Overly prescriptive, supply-driven nature of training 10. Target audience (learners) widely scattered

across the Mandals and Gram Panchayats. 11. Functionaries cannot leave their workplaces for long time

to attend training programs 12. Requirement of large scale funding to reach these target groups through

traditional training methods Therefore in order to provide formal and informal training to large number of

development functionaries and Elected Representatives, AMR_APARD has planned to provide interactive

and experiential learning at the doorstep using Information and Communication Technology by

developing certain e learning solutions through e learning project.

Objective: The objective of this project is to provide a life long learning opportunity and self paced

learning opportunities to various learners at their own work and at the time convenient to them. The

national training policy 2012 of Government of India envisages “Training for all”. The present e learning

project complies with the national vision and it aims to make the learning a life long even and helps the

grassroots level functionaries to keep abreast of the latest developments in the field of Rural

Development and other allied sectors. With National e governance plan in place, the mission mode

project being implemented by Ministry of Panchayat Raj, Govt of India envisages fibre to Panchayat by

2020. The e learning project initiated by APARD would go a long way down the time and help the rural

elected representatives to acquire the knowledge required for day to day administration for effective

delivery of services under various sectors.

Target Group: Elected Representatives of Panchayat Raj Institutions and Officials functionaries of

Panchayat Raj,Rural Development Departments,Bharat Nirman Volunteers(BNVs)

Geographical Reach within India: Yes

Geographical Reach outside India: Yes

Date From which the Project became Operational: 1-6-2010

Is the Project still operational?: Yes

List 5 Innovations of programme/project/initiative:1. Computer Based Tutorials:

About AMR-APARD :

The Andhra Pradesh Academy of Rural  Development (APARD) has been working relentlessly for over 58 years in building capacities for sustainable development of the rural poor. APARD is an apex training institute in AP for capacity building of rural development officers and panchayat raj officials. We also consistently focus on research that helps us offer high quality consulting services in rural development. The academy also has a consistent focus on research and innovation in rural development, it undertakes need-driven research and evaluation studies as part of its own operations strategy

and also for other organizations and agencies working in the field rural development. With in-depth understanding of rural conditions, problems and opportunities, and its extensive experience working with rural communities, APARD also provide high quality development consulting and project management services in rural development to government and leading national and international clients.With an aim to generate efficient and high quality manpower working towards the cause of rural development, APARD has now forayed into education services by offering comprehensive educational courses in Rural development.

APARD Computer Based Tutorials (CBTs)

1. Integrated district planning 2. Scheduled grama panchayati Sarpanch training 3. Agro Techniques for dry land crops 4. Sarpanch training CBT – 1 5. Grama sabha (english) CBT -1 & 2 6. CNRM watershed management – telugu vision labs 17. IDP VOL 2 88. Plan Plus 49. IWMP 110. Integrated District Planning Disc 1 - 811. Plan Plus Disc 1 - 212. Integrated District Planning Disc 1 - 313. Integrated Watershed Management Disc 114. Mandal Praja Parishad President's Training Disc 115. Visual Docemnt on RC Puram Disc 116. e-Panchayat Disc 117. Visual Docemnt on Hazipalli - telugu Disc 118. Visual Docemnt on Hazipalli - english Disc 119. Grama Sabha Campaign Disc 120. Visual Docemnt on Gangadevipalli Disc 121. Development of powers- Rural water supply Disc 122. CSE & E CBT 3-3-2010 Disc 123. Film on PMES Disc 1

Capacity Building Services:A time tested multi-pronged approach is being adopted by APARD for several years, to reach the huge target of 2.61 Lakh elected representatives. Training is imparted through both Direct Mode and through Cascading modes. Distance Mode of Training through centrally located studio (located at Hyderabad) using Ku band Satellite transmission facility is being adopted to reach Village Level Functionaries of various departments. This approach helps us cover huge groups of targeted participants and also reduces costs. Direct Training Programs are arranged for all key functionaries at APARD, 5 Extension Training Centres and at district levels. Direct training is imparted for a period of 3 to 6 days at APARD and ETCs.Cascading Mode of Training is adopted for bigger groups like Ward Members and other grass

root level functionaries. A system of identifying suitable trainers, who can handle training sessions are selected from NGOs, Retired Officials, former members of Mandal Parishad Presidents and other Panchayat Raj staff. These Trainers are subjected to rigorous training at APARD in using Participatory methodologies for training the elected representatives. Cascading Mode of training is imparted for a period of 2 to 3 days at mandal head quarters, where batches of 35-40 functionaries are organised.

2. APARD Knowledge Commons:

APARD’s Knowledge Commons provides a platform for instant access to highly interactive and interesting Computer Based Tutorials, e books, presentations, research papers and a host of other valuable educative resources on virtually all aspects of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Administration. Knowledge Commons offers a self-paced, on-demand, high-quality training environment designed to meet the individual training needs of all the users. This e-learning solution ensures the learning process easy, highly interesting and reaches large number of users.

Some of the advantages claimed for Knowledge Commons systems are:

1. Sharing of valuable organizational information throughout the academy hierarchy.2. Can avoid re-inventing reducing redundant work.3. Reduces training time for new employees4. Retention of Intellectual Property after the employee leaves if such knowledge can be

codified. 5. Self-Paced Learning

3. Panchayati Raj Comprehensive Help Line:

Offers access to information, advice or service via Telephone and Web. Our goal is to create a platform that we can use to set up a unique way to collect and visualize information for monitoring. The core platform is designed so that it can be customized for different locales and needs. The beta version platform an open source application is made available as a continuous handholding support to offer solutions to the problems that occur in day to day administration of Panchayat Raj Institutions. It is also being used to disseminate information related to various rural development programmes. It also helps as a tool for internal monitoring or visualization purposes. This is a comprehensive helpline can reach in several ways such as asking information of Gos of Panchayat Raj,want to know about Gram panchayat and genral body activities, Annual report etc..,file complaint and sending /calling for queries/request to know about the Panchayat Raj Acts.by Telephone and Web.

4. APARD Wiki :

Wikis provide opportunities for trainees to collaborate with other Peers, share what they have learned, and become a centralized online resource as educators. This technology tool is ideal and used for project-based learning, cross curricular projects in teams, and thematic units. One advantage of Wikis in collaborative projects is that they are online. Participants can demonstrate their Knowledge by providing information

which fits within specific parameters on the Wiki. Wiki can be used as Online Resources for training use. A list of websites that provided appropriate information related to subject content is provided by the developer for trainee use during the year. Wiki is also used to store files, images, videos,News Letters,Publications and other information in a special access controlled area of the Wiki. Apard Wiki is collaborative with digital e-learing environment of Apard activities like Grama Sabha,sakshar bharath and also with Learning Management System(LMS)

5. APARD BULK SMS:

APARD has recently embarked on a community empowerment initiative,Viz,, KEYCAP (Link) which requires continuous contact with large number of village level volunteers called Bharat Nirman Volunteers. For this APARD has commenced a Bulk SMS Service to send frequent updates to these Volunteers. Bulk sms system has many advantages over the free sms services offered by various services providers whose services are limited and unsecure. We canreach our vast target group of over 2000 Bharat Nirman Volunteers in lab to land programme at a time and by march2012 We can reach our vast target group of over 10,000 Bharat Nirman Volunteers in lab to land programme at a time

Since Lab to Land envisages an effective communication strategy to create awareness among the BNV’s, this system bulk sms facility is greatly helping the APARD to reach the large numbers at comparatively lower prices.

6. APARD You Tube Channel:

APARD website carries a link to the You Tube channel in which all the video lessons/documentary films developed by APARD are made available. Content

on various subjects related to rural development is made available for public 935 training videos are uploaded on to you tube and Daily Update will be done.

7. Social Networking: AMR-APARD Facebook AMR-APARD Twitter

APARD has been making the best use of social networking site like Facebook, and twitter to create a social group of rural development functionaries to share their job experiences and knowledge for effective functioning and for adopting good governance practices. A link to these social networking sites is provided on the home page of APARD website. Daily updates are available on Facebook and Twitter with all activities donein Rural Development of Andhra Pradesh.

8. Distance Education Programme Information Monitoring System:

APARD telecasts its distance education programmes through SAPNET MANA TV (Ku Band Transmission) to consolidate the learning of various functionaries including elected representatives. With the help of Department of IT & C, APARD had established 1097 Receive Only Terminals(RoT) in the Office of the Mandal Parishad. This is a two way audio and one way video interactive system which enables the participants who are present at RoT station to interact with subject matter experts in the TV Studio through a live phone-in programme. This system is a very effective tool in reaching large number of trainees at one go and ensures quality delivery of training content. In order to monitor the training attendance at various RoT Points, APARD has developed an MIS application and it helps regular monitoring of the training delivery. This seeks to develop a knowledge and understanding of rural policy making and management approaches to gross roots community,developmentand capacity building , with skills to design and implement sustainable projects with effective tools and methods.

9. Sthanika Palana e magazine:

It is a 64 page multi - colour Telugu Monthly Magazine. The focus of the magazine is to enhance the knowledge base of the elected representatives and official functionaries working with the PRIs. The magazine features the topics related to Panchayat Raj, Financial Management, RD Programs, Disaster Management, Environment, Land and Poor, Women and Child welfare, Social Equity and Empowerment, Natural Resource Management and many such subjects. It also carries certain articles of general interest like short stories, cartoons etc. APARD Sthanika Palana monthly e Magazine in e book format is made available on APARD website for public viewing. The Circulation of the hard copy of the magazine is 27,000 copies every month and it Reaches all the Sarpanches, MPPs, ZP Chairpersons, CEOs, District Collectors, HODs, Principal Secretaries, Hon’ble Ministers , CMO, MPsMLAs, MLCs , District Level Officers

10. Video Conference:

In order to reach large number participants especially from the grassroots level, APARD has leveraged the ICT tools and established video conference facility with state of the art digital teaching equipment. Through this video conference facility APARD has established virtual connectivity with all the 22 District Head Quarters and 5 Extension Training Centres. The video conference facility is made available in 3 types 1) ISDN (connected to all SIRDs across the country) 2) Special Lease line to ETCs through Rail Tel 3) BSNL Lease Line to all district head quarters. APARD faculty regularly conducts training sessions through this facility and interact with various participants. This system not only helps in the training delivery but also helps as a management tool to review and monitor the training delivery at District and Sub Distirct levels with the Chief Executive Officers of Zilla Parishads and District Panchayat Officers.

List 5 achievements of the programme/project/initiative:

1. APARD has won UNFPA furred Laadli Media Awards 2011-2012 for its efforts towards gender

sensitive campaigns on Mana TV. The APARD’s e-learning project has won Special Mention by JURY ‘e-

India’ 2011 award under Best ICT Enabled Skills Development Initiative of the Year in the competitions

held during Dec-2011

2. Educating 5 lakh MGNREGS workers through CBTs, Andhra Pradesh is one of the few states which is

implementing the MGNREGS programme in true spirit and providing livelihood opportunities to huge

number of wage seekers. Government has recruited around 1200 Engineering consultants and 4000

Technical Assistants, to look after the execution of the programme at grass roots level. With the massive

recruitment of these technical personnel, a training need arose in the state to equip the personnel with the

skills related to various inputs on construction of water harvesting/SMC structures like Farm Ponds,

Earthern Bunds, Sunken Pits, Rock fill Dams, Check Dams, Gully Plugging etc.,. APARD had produced

CBTs to make the engineering subject easy even for lay men and all these CBTs were made available to

various target groups for easy understanding of the subject.

3. APARD’s website has won the Third Prize from the Public Relations Society of India, Hyderabad,

during Feb 2011 and the Sthanika Palana Magazine has also won Special Jury award. • One of the films

“Meeru Alochinchandi” produced and telecast on this channel has won prestigious Nandi Award from

Government of A.P under socially relevant category. The film portrays the role of Panchayat Raj

Institution in the Welfare of Persons with Disabilities.

4. Ministry of Rural Development Govt of india have chosen APARD’s website as the best and well

maintained website among all SIRD’s in the country during 2012 the award was presented during the

national colloquium of of Lab to Land held at jaipur on 5th august 2012. Ministry of Panchyati Raj and

Ministry of Rural Development, Government.

List 5 Key challenges faced while implementing the project/programme/initiative and how they

were overcome:

1. There were not many companies which can produce e learning content in the subjects related to Rural

Development. Although, technologically these companies are well placed, the availability of the subject

matter experts and instructional designers within the company was very low. APARD had short listed 14

companies after following a rigorous process. A committee comprising scientific officers from NIC,

National Institute of Rural Development, MANAGE etc was constituted to set the standards for production

of CBTs and other e learning content and negotiated with the companies. With the studious efforts of this

committee, the companies are now able to produce excellent CBTs.

2. For establishing virtual class room facility, obtaining necessary permissions from NIC became a major

problem. Later, after a lot of correspondence, NIC has realized that this project deserves encouragement,

such permissions and ultimately virtual class room facility came in to being. This virtual class room is

connected in 3 ways 1) Through ISDN line to all SIRDs in the country, 2) Through Rail Tel Lease Line to

all ETCs 3) Through NIC network to all Districts.

3. Adoption of a suitable LMS for making available the training content has became another problem

which was then overcome by adopting open source systems to avoid financial burden on the Institute.

4. Since the concept of e learning in the field of Rural Development Capacity Building and Training is

completely new, the institute has put its best efforts to identify the best e learning companies in the

country through open tender process and succeeded in due course of time. Initially, a lot of resistance

came from among the own faculty and many of them were sceptical about the success of the e learning

project. After a series of orientation workshops, the faculty was fully convinced and became a part of a

winning team.

5. Change Management: Initially, lot of resistance came from among the own faculty and many of them

List 5 points on how the Project/Programme/Initiative can serve as a model that can be replicated

or adapted by others?

1. The application designed in such a way that can be replicated by any organization involved in

massive training programmes with in a stipulated time frame optimally utilizing the available

resources

2. The LMS-Knowledge commons application is generic; viz without changing the code it can be

implemented on massive magnitude

3. Minister of Rural Development and Minister of Panchayat Raj, (Govt. of India) recognized as

Key Institute by for preparation of e-learning modules and also advised all other states to follow

APARD model. The effectiveness on e-learning depends upon how interactive it is, and its ability

to retain interest on a particular theme /topic

4. Efforts have been made to upload these e-learning modules on our website for easy access to

one and all, so that any one can download them from anywhere on the globe for its usage. Lot of

care has been taken to provide this vital training material in different formats like text, images,

power points and video clippings, films with multimedia effects and so on

5. Keeping in view the rural audience as major focus the operational part is kept very simple. The

commands are all icon based for better navigation and learning

List 5 points to elaborate on the scalability of the programme/project/initiative?

1. Since the e-learning model is a tested one and is being in operation at APARD for the last two years,

there is no doubt that, it can be rolled out in similar Institutions at cost effective and flexible manner.

2. The application is developed on an open-source platform, so its scalability on any platform.

3. APARD would be too glad to share this model to any Institute/Agency which would like to utilize the

existing application

4. Since the e-learning model is a tested one and is being in operation at APARD for quite some, it can be

rolled out to similar Institutions in a cost effective and flexible way

5. This application can be tailor-made-to a particular Institution/situation to cater local needs with slight

modifications/alternations wherever required.