IIT Madras Pravartak Technologies, Vidya Shakti to bring education to 100 villages in Varanasi with ‘Online Classes & VR’
IIT Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation is the technology innovation hub of the institute. It is a not-for-profit company funded by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India.
The initiative aims to tackle the ‘knowledge gap’ between students from urban and rural areas which widened because of the Covid-19 pandemic. The classes are focused on the fundamentals of languages as well as on Mathematics and Science
The partnership between IIT Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation and ‘Vidya Shakti’ to bring education to rural areas of Uttar Pradesh through online classes and virtual reality (VR) is an innovative initiative. By implementing this program in 100 villages of the Varanasi District, the organizations aim to bridge the knowledge gap caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly between urban and rural students.
The online classes are conducted in Hindi medium and cater to students in classes 6th to 8th. The curriculum focuses on language fundamentals, mathematics, and science. The use of various technologies has led to increased student retention levels.
One notable technology used in this initiative is virtual reality (VR). STEM teachers bring VR headsets to the classes, allowing students to immerse themselves in educational content and experience a simulated environment through sensors. This interactive approach enables students to “feel” and engage with the subject matter. Short 3D videos are employed for each concept in science and mathematics, enhancing visualization and comprehension. Additionally, Q&A sessions are conducted to make the learning experience more interactive and memorable for the students.
Overall, this partnership and the adoption of technology-based teaching methods are intended to provide quality education and empower students in rural areas by leveraging the benefits of online classes and virtual reality.
