Technology and Education in India

PowerPoint Presentation

Bill ThiesMicrosoft Research [email protected]

india

Technology and Education in India1Classroom Environment in IndiaTotalSchools1.4 MGovernmentSchoolsHaving aComputer19%SchoolsHavingGirlsToiletHavingElectricitySource: National University of Educational Planning & Administration, 2010-201178%60%43%Government spends less than $100 / year on studentsComputers increase the draw of coming to school2

Computers remain: Expensive- Difficult to configure Difficult to maintain Prone to viruses Unfamiliar to teachers and students Designed for individual use Lacking good content

But still perceived as providing opportunity

3Bottleneck is in utilizing technologyas opposed to accessing technology

Some photos courtesy Nithya Sambasivan TV / DVD players are:+ Inexpensive+ Pre-configured+ Locally maintainable+ Virus-proof+ Very familiar+ Designed for use by group

- Still dependent on power, and content- Less capable than computers?

Fed by efficient distribution network

Still dependent on powerPerceived as providing entertainment5Childrens Books on TV-DVD

Rs. 25 for 1 book in printRs. 25 for 10,000 books on DVDWikipediaSubseton TV-DVD

Focus on engagement value of contentas opposed to quantity of contentDigital Green:Peer-to-Peer Agricultural Extension

Record Farmer Best PracticesMediated Screenings in VillageUtilize peers to increase engagementMassively Open Online Courses

Leveraging Online Education in IndiaI. Universities Can we engage students across branch campuses?

II. K-12 Can we put 10th grade online?Bottleneck is in utilizing technologyas opposed to accessing technologyFocus on engagement value of contentas opposed to quantity of contentUtilize peers to increase engagement12