Difference between revisions of "TIEE program design document 2023-25"

From Karnataka Open Educational Resources
Jump to navigation Jump to search
(Created page with "Introduction")
 
(2 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
Introduction
+
= '''Introduction''' =
 +
IT for Change (ITfC) is an NGO located in Bangalore, India, that works for innovative and effective use of information and communication technologies (ICT) to promote socio-economic change. Our Teacher Education programs are pan-India and cover Teachers from various states, including Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh. Our field practice is primarily based out of the southern Indian state of Karnataka. We have also worked with schools in Telangana. We have been working on programs for integrating ICT and education in Government and aided High Schools in Bangalore South since 2010. We have supported teachers to learn the use of free and open source software (FOSS) applications to access, create and publish open educational resources (OER) in Mathematics, Science, Kannada and English and other subjects. We have also worked with students on different aspects of digital literacy and digital enabled learning.
 +
 
 +
During the 2022-2023 academic year, IT for Change initiated the "Technology Integration for Equitable Education (TIEE)" program aimed to encourage inclusive learning for students in higher primary schools (HPS) in Bengaluru South-3 block. The project focused on equitable pedagogical approaches to support student learning and empowering teachers to effectively integrate technology in their teaching practices. The TIEE program was designed for three-year endeavour, commencing with a one-year pilot project, followed by two years of program expansion. The pilot phase was implemented in selected HPS schools within Bengaluru South-3 block. In addition to demonstrating technology integration for inclusive education at the school level and building communities of practitioners, the teaching-learning materials from the project, are published on the Karnataka Open Educational Resources (KOER) repository, in English and Kannada, for teachers across Karnataka.
 +
 
 +
Based on our experience working with high schools and in-service teacher training over the last 14 years, as well as our work in the pilot phase of TIEE, we are aware that teachers need support and hand holding to integrate technologies effectively into their practice to strengthen students' learning experience. They need to be able to access adequate contextual resources when needed. Though there are several open educational resource repositories, accessing resources, evaluating them and using them appropriately is a skill that needs to be developed through capacity building and peer interactions. Teachers also need to be able to identify the appropriate materials and methods for diverse learner conditions as are found in government schools in urban locations. Additionally, it was noted that there is a general lack of awareness and understanding about ‘Equitable Education’ among teachers, parents, and the education support system. Oftentimes, it is perceived to be applicable to only children from socio-economically backward households or those with severe physical and/or cognitive disabilities. Children who lag behind in grade-level learning indicators are often excluded under the purview of education and little effort is made to understand their challenges and learning needs which remain unaddressed as a result. In the post-pandemic aftermath, the proportion of such children has risen manifold, and teachers’ abilities to address the learning needs of these ‘educationally deprived’ children need to be strengthened. In its current phase (2023-2024), TIEE aims to make the classroom an effective learning space for all children by integrating digital technology meaningfully to promote equity and inclusion.
 +
 
 +
The National Education Policy 2020 acknowledges these challenges and envisions transforming India’s education system by 2040 (MHRD, 2020). It recommends moving away from siloed, subject-based learning towards a holistic, integrated education. The policy strongly advocates the use of technology in education to enhance teaching, learning and educational access. The Karnataka state education policy also recognizes the potential of educational technology to transform learning (GoK, 2022). However, only a small percentage of schools in Karnataka currently use ICT-enabled education. In 2022, just 4.4% of primary schools and 28.2% of upper primary schools were identified as ‘smart schools’ with some form of technology access (DISE, 2022). Additionally, many teachers are still not digitally literate or trained in using technology in pedagogically-appropriate ways (Ramdev, 2016).
 +
 
 +
A meta-analysis of 46 studies found that teacher training along with access to digital devices was four times more impactful than provision of devices alone (Snelling & Fingal, 2020). Thus, teacher education must go beyond technical training to build capacity in designing learner-centered activities using technology. Approaches like TPACK (Technological, Pedagogical and Content Knowledge) help teachers combine their understanding of content, pedagogy and technology for effective teaching (Harris et al., 2009). TIEE, thus, aims to help teachers move from traditional instruction to learner-centered approaches by integrating technology to enable participatory, inclusive and joyful learning experiences for all children.
 +
 
 +
There is a growing recognition that participatory pedagogies that tap into the local context have deep resonance with children from marginalized communities (Kumar et al., 2021). Storytelling, art, drama and music help children construct their own understanding meaningfully while connecting learning to lived realities (Chakravarthi, 2021). ICT can provide tools to apply these active learning approaches in classrooms. For instance, multimedia storytelling tools allow children to author stories by creatively combining text, audio, images and video based on their experiences (Ohler, 2013). This makes language and literacy learning engaging and contextualized. Simulations in science and mathematics can help learners manipulate variables to test hypotheses and visualize complex concepts. Game-based tools introduce elements of play, competition and rules to motivate learning of math and computational skills (Ke, 2019).
 +
 
 +
Overall, realizing the potential of educational technology to transform learning requires situating technology integration within participatory and inclusive pedagogies. It calls for teachers developing TPACK confidence along with capacities for inclusive instructional design. Top-down efforts for ICT implementation must be accompanied by ground-up teacher professional development and ongoing collaboration & mentorship within teachers’ learning communities. Bringing these dimensions together is at the heart of TIEE’s vision to prepare teachers for the digital age while centering equity and quality learning for all children. Effective technology integration can potentially make quality education at scale a reality.
 +
 
 +
This document is meant to serve as a comprehensive resource outlining the key aspects of the TIEE program for the academic year 2023-2025, offering insights into its objectives, methodologies, and progress. The document is structured into several sections, each of which contributes to understanding the program's scope and impact.
 +
 
 +
The Cognizant Foundation (CF) is one of the channels of Cognizant's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives in India, dedicated to catalysing positive change in the  communities it serves. The foundation is committed to enhancing education and skill development, promoting healthcare and well-being, and supporting environmental sustainability. With a strong focus on social and economic empowerment, the CF has a track record of supporting initiatives that empower underserved communities and foster inclusive growth. Cognizant Foundation's involvement in our program underscores their dedication to creating meaningful and sustainable impact in the areas of education, skill development, and community well-being. Their partnership with IT for Change reflects a shared commitment to improving the lives of those we serve, and their support has been instrumental in our program's success.
 +
 
 +
== '''Need Assessment Study''' ==
 +
To better implement the TIEE program at the block, cluster, and school levels, and as suggested by the Block Education Officer, a ''Needs Assessment'' of teachers was designed and conducted in July through August 2023. This study aimed to get a sense of teachers’ beliefs about using ICT in  clssroom teaching, and to gather inputs from the teachers and HMs (Headmasters/ Headmistresses) on challenges to teaching of classes 6 to 8 to better design the teacher's workshops and assess the way forward.
 +
 
 +
The key findings highlighted major difficulties faced in terms of content, pedagogy, resources, classroom management and skills. Most teachers have over 20 years of experience and teach multiple subjects, indicating the need for customised training suited to experience levels and subjects taught. While basic ICT infrastructure exists in schools, lack of ICT-based teaching-learning materials (TLMs) hinders its use. A majority of teachers struggle with inadequate resources and struggle to ensure comprehension, retention and engagement. Disconnects are seen between beliefs towards teaching-learning and ICT and actual classroom practices. To address these challenges, the TPD program should adopt an experiential methodology focused on peer learning, teacher collaborations, hands-on activities and reshaping beliefs aligned to principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL).
 +
 
 +
It was also noted that providing basic digital literacy training customised for each school's ICT infrastructure is crucial. Creating how-to videos on classroom gadgets can build capacity. Subject and topic-specific guidance through workshops is needed to address content challenges highlighted in Math, Science and Languages. Training in student-centric, multilingual pedagogies and balanced assessment practices beyond traditional exams can equip teachers with inclusive & equitable teaching strategies. Building digital literacy for integrating multimedia resources and ICT tools into teaching is pivotal. Science simulations and activities can provide hands-on alternatives. Allowing teachers to identify unique needs for tailored support is also recommended. The TPD program should emphasise UDL principles like growth mindsets, balanced error correction and collaborative learning. Fostering teacher collaborations, peer learning and exchanges can facilitate continuous improvement. Providing self-learning resources directed at students can relieve the teaching burden.
 +
 
 +
[[File:Topics mentioned by teachers.png|center|thumb|600x600px| '''''Graphic 1: Challenges faced by teachers with respect to Pedagogy(Source: Needs Assessment Study TIEE, IT for Change)''''']]
 +
 
 +
= '''Objectives''' =
 +
The TIEE project aims to make the classroom an effective learning space for all children by integrating digital technology meaningfully, to promote equity and inclusion, by[[TIEE program design document 2023-25#sdfootnote1sym|<sup>1</sup>]]
 +
 
 +
* supporting teachers integrate digital technologies through demonstration and hands-on support,
 +
* strengthening teachers’ abilities use diverse pedagogies and multi-level materials to address students academic needs,
 +
* providing opportunities for continuous professional development (CPD) of teachers, including through peer learning in Communities of Practice (CoPs), and
 +
* supporting schools in integrating technologies for school administration and development.
 +
 
 +
== '''Scope of the TIEE Program''' ==
 +
The approaches are aimed at enhancing the ‘academic support system’ in order to create an inclusive education environment by using a variety of digital methods. This will include engaging with subject teachers from various elementary government schools from different clusters in South 3 block, Bengaluru. At the block level, the focus will be on enhancing teacher capacity on using classroom teaching resources (shared through teachers' community groups) and a series of workshops. Based on the department's inputs, IT for Change has shortlisted several schools and clusters for the regular student intervention activities. The team might extend the program to other blocks if given permission by the South DIET.
 +
 
 +
== '''Phase – II (Academic year 2023-2024)''' ==
 +
Research indicates that for technology to transform learning, devices and connectivity must be accompanied by continuous teacher professional development situated within supportive pedagogies. TIEE aims to provide such comprehensive, sustained capacity building for teachers to meaningfully leverage ICTs within participatory, constructivist approaches that center inclusion and equity.
 +
 
 +
The Needs Assessment Study highlighted the challenges faced by teachers, as well as the support requested in order to make quality education more equitable. It was noted that there is a need for teachers and teacher educators to become familiar with the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles as well as related concepts, and practices so that they can move from ‘only some children can and will learn’ to ‘all children can and must learn’ mode of thinking.
 +
[[File:Teacher’s beliefs about teaching and learning based on UDL principles.png|border|thumb|'''''Graphic 2: Teacher’s beliefs about teaching and learning based on UDL principles (Source: Needs Assessment Study TIEE, IT for Change)'''''|alt=|center|400x400px]]
 +
 
 +
Teachers also require adequate horizontal networking spaces for regular and guided peer interaction. There is a need for teachers’ CPD that supports autonomous explorations and sharing, rather than only through top-down administrative directives. Additionally, there is a need for schools to automate/digitize the basic administrative tasks for better operational efficiency and to free up the bandwidth of teachers to focus more on teaching-related activities. Academic support persons (CRPs / BRPs / DIET faculty) also need to be made familiar with concepts and practices relating to equitable education including UDL principles, and digital technologies to access resources so that they can provide support to teachers in using and integrating technology in their classrooms for equitable education.
 +
 
 +
Keeping this in mind, in its second phase (2023-25), the “Technology Integration for Equitable Education (TIEE)" program aims to work in middle schools (grades 6-8) by:
 +
 
 +
* demonstrating processes of making the classroom an equitable learning space for all children, including through the meaningful integration of digital technologies
 +
* creating multi-level digital learning modules on select subjects for addressing children with different learning abilities and aptitudes,
 +
* capacity building of teachers and teacher educators to support equitable teaching-learning processes through appropriate integration of digital technologies, and
 +
* supporting the teachers in accessing and using Open Educational Resources (OER) for their Continuous Professional Development (CPD), for use in equitable teaching-learning as well as enabling students to access digital technologies for learning.
 +
 
 +
== '''Program Strategies''' ==
 +
TIEE plans to adopt the following key strategies in our interventions with students, teachers, schools, and the overall education system:
 +
 
 +
'''1.Students'''
 +
 
 +
* Designing and  developing subject specific methodologies for digitally enabled  learning
 +
* Working with  students on building their digital literacy skills and skills for  learning using different tools and resources
 +
* Using digital  tools to encourage self-expression and independent learning
 +
* Providing for  hands-on and immersive learning experiences using digital tools.
 +
 
 +
'''2. Teachers'''
 +
 
 +
* Capacity building  for teachers for inclusive pedagogies and technology integration in  teaching-learning
 +
* Awareness,  sensitization and capacity building of teachers for adopting  equitable education practices
 +
 
 +
Capacity building  for teachers – focused on digital literacy for teachers
 +
 
 +
* Supporting the  continuous professional development of teachers through communities  of practice (COPs)
 +
 
 +
'''3. Schools/ HMs/ Principals'''
 +
 
 +
* Facilitating  the setting up of digital infrastructure in schools along with  educational resources
 +
* Demonstrating  school-level integration of technologies for an equitable learning  environment
 +
 
 +
'''4. Parents and the School Community'''
 +
 
 +
* Organising  workshops and interactive sessions to educate parents about the  significance of digital literacy and technology in education.  Encouraging their active involvement in supporting their children's  learning through shared digital resources.
 +
* Including the  school community in events (such as Science Exhibitions,  Language-Day Celebrations etc.) to create a sense of ownership and  to promote the importance of technology-enabled learning.
 +
* Encouraging  community support in providing access to digital resources and  infrastructure for students.
 +
 
 +
'''5. Cluster Resource Persons (CRPs) / Block Resource Persons (BRPs) / Education Coordinators (ECOs)'''
 +
 
 +
'''6. The broader education ecosystem'''
 +
 
 +
* Adding on to the  free and open digital ecosystem –through platforms, resources,  and professional networks
 +
* Teacher capacity  building models scaled through workshops and COPs
 +
* Research and  documentation of effective models of technology integration.
 +
 
 +
== '''Implementation Methodology''' ==
 +
The TIEE program aims to facilitate the meaningful integration of technology within inclusive, participatory pedagogies in schools. The implementation methodology provides comprehensive, sustained support to teachers and schools to enable this transition.
 +
 
 +
# '''Teacher Professional Development Workshops'''  Intensive capacity building workshops will be organized at block and cluster levels for teachers across subjects like Languages (English, Kannada and Hindi), Mathematics and Science. The workshops will have the following key objectives:
 +
## Developing  shared understanding regarding equity and inclusion principles and  practices like the UDL framework, multi-lingual  instructions etc.
 +
## Enabling  reflection on current teaching beliefs and practices; identifying  areas for improvement
 +
## Exploring diverse  digital tools and resources to build TPACK (Technological,  Pedagogical and Content Knowledge)
 +
## Appreciating the  heterogeneous learning needs in classrooms; imagining possibilities  of integrating technology thoughtfully within inclusive pedagogies
 +
## Learning to  design and implement multimodal, multi-level resources and flexible  teaching strategies to address diverse learner needs
 +
## Fostering peer  learning communities for sharing ideas, experiences and resources  on an ongoing basis
 +
## The  workshops will use a blended format combining self-paced online  learning resources  with collaborative in-person deliberations. The online components  will support personalized learning as per one's own pace and  convenience. The face-to-face interactions will enable co-creation  of knowledge through peer exchange of context-specific challenges,  ideas and strategies.
 +
## The  workshops will include subject-specific examples (based  on teachers’ suggestions),  and activities tailored to curriculum concepts in Languages,  Mathematics and  Sciences. The aim is to support teachers in translating the  understandings around technology-integrated inclusive education  into practice within their respective subject areas and topics.
 +
## In  addition to school teachers, the  HMs, block  and cluster level academic resource persons like BRPs (Block  Resource Persons), CRPs (Cluster Resource Persons) and BEOs  will  also be involved.  Building their capacity is crucial so that they can effectively  guide and support schools in implementing technology-enabled  inclusive education.
 +
# '''Sustained School-level Engagement'''  While periodic workshops help initiate awareness and understanding, meaningful translation of technology-integrated inclusive education into classroom practices requires sustained engagement with schools. Hence, the program implementation will emphasize ongoing collaboration with selected focus schools across blocks, through the following approaches:
 +
## Assisting  teachers in collaborative lesson planning, co-teaching specific  concepts, curating/developing contextual digital resources and  designing balanced assessments
 +
## Supporting  students in using digital tools for self-paced and collaborative  learning through integrated digital literacy sessions*
 +
## Strengthening  school leadership capabilities for evolving a shared vision and  plan, making optimal use of existing ICT infrastructure, fostering  teacher professional communities, and regular feedback for  improvements.
 +
## Providing  multi-lingual story-based audio and audiovisual resources created  by ITfC as supplementary learning materials mapped to textbook  concepts across subjects. The narrative format, local contexts and  multilingualism can help in making classroom teaching-learning more  engaging, relatable and participatory for all learners.
 +
## By working  closely with schools over an extended duration, the aim is to move  beyond superficial input-based interactions to an embedded approach  where schools feel empowered to continue the change process  themselves.
 +
# '''Strengthening School Leadership'''  School leadership plays a key role in enabling improvements. Workshops for Head Teachers/ HMs will focus on pedagogical leadership approaches based on evolving a shared vision, teacher development, optimal use of digital infrastructure, monitoring improvements and involving community stakeholders. Ways to use technology for in-school communication, teacher collaborations and reducing administrative workload will also be discussed. The aim is to strengthen their capacities for school development and technology integration based on participatory processes.
 +
# '''Strengthening Public Digital Infrastructure in Schools'''  Lack of adequate digital infrastructure including hardware, connectivity and electrical supply is a systemic challenge in many government schools. As part of CSR partnerships, ITfC will support the setting up and maintenance of computer labs in interested schools, while also building capacities of teachers and students to leverage the infrastructure optimally for educational purposes. In addition, extensive use of FOSS (Free and Open Source Software) tools will be promoted to enable easy access to digital resources without licensing constraints.
 +
# '''Fostering Communities of Practice'''  To sustain professional development and continued improvements in integrating technology in inclusive ways, it is crucial to nurture horizontal teacher communities at local levels. ITfC will facilitate the formation of Communities of Practice (CoPs), anchored around a shared purpose and interest regarding technology-enabled inclusive education.
 +
## The CoPs will  enable teachers across schools to collaboratively engage in  activities like lesson study, peer review of teaching practices,  co-creation of contextual digital resources, and sharing feedback  on how to address context-specific challenges. CoPs help in  shifting professional development from a top-down, workshop-based  approach to embedded, teacher-driven processes within local  ecosystems.
 +
## Diverse mediums  like WhatsApp groups, social media platforms, messaging apps,  Learning Management Platforms like Moodle, along with periodic  in-person meetings will be leveraged to enable continuous  collaboration, coordination and knowledge sharing within the CoPs.
 +
# '''Parent Engagement'''  Parent engagement is vital for improving learning outcomes and fostering shared accountability between schools and communities. Current parent engagement tends to be ritualistic in the urban context, where parents are unable to collaborate with teachers to strengthen the school. TIEE aims to conduct periodic parent-teacher meetings in collaboration with select schools. These interactive meetings will share student progress, discuss academic programs, and obtain feedback. Direct communication channels like IVRS messaging will be leveraged to notify parents. Meetings will be conducted in local languages to maximize reach. Follow-ups after meetings will address individual parent queries and provide take-home activities to support learning. The aim is two-fold - to keep parents informed about school activities, while also increasing their involvement in their child's education. Documenting meeting proceedings will ensure transparency. Overall, the focus on parents as partners will strengthen home-school linkages.
 +
# '''Empowering Academic Resource Persons'''  Block and cluster level academic resource persons like BRPs, CRPs etc. provide critical academic support to schools. Workshops will be organized to build their capacities in using digital tools for academic monitoring, knowledge sharing within teacher communities, and accessing teaching-learning resources. Hands-on training will be provided on using FOSS tools to create and disseminate contextual digital resources. Online communities of practice will be facilitated so that resource persons can coordinate with teachers to continuously co-create, share and discuss academic resources. Overall, the aim is to empower them to effectively guide schools in technology-integrated approaches.
 +
# '''Feedback and Documentation'''  Gathering regular feedback from teachers, schools and resource persons will be key to periodically track program inputs, activities and outputs across clusters. Course corrections will be carried out based on emerging insights. Simultaneously, a longitudinal evaluation will be conducted to assess improvements in student learning outcomes as well as teacher beliefs and practices over time, within sample sections of focus schools where the program is being implemented. The insights emerging will be systematically documented to inform replication and scale-up.
 +
# '''Addressing Key Challenges'''  Successful translation of the understandings around technology integration within inclusive pedagogies into sustainable classroom practices involves addressing certain contextual challenges:
 +
## Teacher  motivation levels for experimenting with new methods are often  hindered by systemic issues like lack of academic support,  multigrade teaching pressures, inadequate training and monitoring.  The program aims to respect teacher agency, build capacity and  foster peer collaboration so that change is driven from within  rather than imposed externally.
 +
## School teachers  have heavy workloads and tight timetables often leaving little room  for professional development or designing new lesson plans. By  aligning training schedules with non-teaching times, minimizing  classroom time for new practices and exploring ways of offloading  some administrative tasks from teachers, the program will address  the time constraint barrier.
 +
## Digital  infrastructure limitations will be tackled not just through lab  set-ups but also by promoting cost-effective innovations like use  of existing digital infrastructure ins chools, use of portable  projectors etc. Extensive use of FOSS tools should further help  circumvent infrastructure barriers.
 +
## Language  diversity in the classrooms poses unique challenges for adoption of  digital content which is often available only in English. The  program will proactively incorporate multi-lingual digital  resources in local languages tailored to state-specific textbooks  and curricula.
 +
## Sustaining change  often proves difficult once external support concludes. The focus  on building professional communities of practice, strengthening  school leadership capabilities and ensuring buy-in from critical  institutional actors will promote self-driven continuance of  positive changes.  This comprehensive approach aims to support effective translation of TIEE's vision into impactful school-level practices to further the goals of equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all children.
 +
 
 +
= '''Risks and Possible Mitigation Strategies''' =
 +
Implementing the TIEE program in government schools involves certain risks that need to be planned for.
 +
 
 +
# Teacher availability: Schools often face teacher shortages, with many teachers handling multiple subjects. It might be difficult for teachers to take out time for these activities.
 +
# Permissions: Formal approvals from education department officials at state, district and block levels will be needed for conducting workshops and school interventions. Bureaucratic delays may pose challenges.
 +
# Communication: Top-down communication about the program from district/block authorities to schools will be critical for acceptance and participation.
 +
# Timing: Conducting workshops only on weekends or holidays may limit teacher participation. But scheduling programs on working days will require approvals and adjustment of school timetables.
 +
# Infrastructure: Many schools have constraints like small classrooms, power outages, lack of projectors etc. which may hamper technology integration.
 +
# Sustainability: The changes may not sustain after the program concludes without continued structured support.
 +
 
 +
Careful planning and mitigation strategies will be needed to address these risks for smooth program implementation. Some possible mitigation strategies will be as follows:
 +
 
 +
# Permissions will be sought well in advance at all levels to avoid delays. The program's alignment with National Education Policy goals will be highlighted for gaining approvals.
 +
# Orientation sessions will be organized for officials, if necessary, to build support and facilitate faster clearances. Regular communication with department will be maintained.
 +
# Schools will be informed in advance regarding the expectations and engagement to clarify goals, address concerns and prevent exclusion of marginalized groups.
 +
# Teacher availability will be ensured through timetable adjustments with school heads. Optional weekend workshops will also be considered.
 +
# School heads will be involved in infrastructure planning. Low cost innovations like portable projectors, mobile devices and tablets can be explored. Workarounds like smaller group workshops will be looked at.
 +
# Both online and offline alternatives for resources will be shared with stakeholders wherever possible.
 +
 
 +
With robust mitigation strategies to tackle the contextual challenges, the risks involved can be minimized for effective on-ground implementation of the program. The learnings will provide insights for enhancing the model further.
 +
 
 +
= '''Expected Program Outcomes''' =
 +
The TIEE program aims to build the capacity of the educational ecosystem to meaningfully integrate technology into inclusive pedagogical practices focused on quality learning for all children. The expected outcomes across different stakeholders are:
 +
 
 +
# '''Teachers:'''
 +
## Improved  TPACK skills to use digital tools in various stages of  teaching-learning like planning, instruction, assessment etc.
 +
## Enhanced  skills in curating, adapting and creating multimodal, leveled  resources to address diverse learner needs
 +
## Exposure  to learner-centered technology-enabled pedagogies based on  storytelling, simulations, games, etc.
 +
## Increased  participation in professional communities to share ideas and  resources on technology integration
 +
## Positive  attitudinal shift regarding potentials of thoughtfully integrating  technology within inclusive and  equitable classroom  practices.
 +
# '''School Leadership:'''
 +
## Strengthened  skills in evolving a shared vision and technology-integrated school  improvement plans through participatory processes
 +
## Increased  awareness on optimal utilization of existing digital infrastructure 
 +
## Improved  technological and pedagogical support to teachers for continuous  professional development
 +
## Increased  involvement of parents and community in school activities and  child's learning
 +
# '''Academic Resource Persons:'''
 +
## Enhanced  capabilities to curate and create contextual teaching-learning  resources for training programs
 +
## Increased  participation in online communities of practice for continuous  co-creation and sharing of educational resources
 +
## Better  coordination between schools, teachers and block-level teacher  training ecosystems on technology integration
 +
# '''Students:'''
 +
## Improved  learning outcomes across languages, mathematics, science and social  studies
 +
## Enhanced  engagement levels through interactive, joyful and participatory  learning experiences
 +
## Increased  self-paced learning through appropriate and appealing digital  learning resources
 +
 
 +
The holistic, ecosystem-focused approach can lead to interlinked outcomes across stakeholders, sustaining meaningful technology integration in schools within supportive pedagogical frameworks focused on inclusion and equity in the longer term.
 +
 
 +
= '''Conclusion''' =
 +
Education systems must increasingly leverage technology meaningfully to expand access, equity, efficiency and quality in learning. However, mere provision of devices and connectivity is not sufficient. Teachers need continuous capacity building and academic support to transition towards technology-enabled inclusive pedagogies focused on students constructing their own understanding. Sustained school-level engagement, strengthening infrastructural support, fostering peer collaborations for horizontal knowledge sharing, and addressing contextual challenges are vital accompanying interventions.
 +
 
 +
The TIEE program aims to provide this comprehensive, nuanced support to government school ecosystems in Bengaluru & Mysuru for integrating technology and inclusive education. The implementation methodology focuses on building teacher and school leader capabilities, providing in-depth mentoring support to schools, empowering academic resource persons, engaging parents as partners and nurturing professional communities of practice. Monitoring, evaluation and documentation will provide feedback loops to strengthen the approach further. Managing risks through context-appropriate mitigation strategies will be crucial.
 +
 
 +
Ultimately, the program aspires to act as an exemplar for how to meaningfully leverage technology for improving teaching-learning processes towards the vision of equitable, quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all children. With its sharp focus on inclusion, localized contextualization and sustainability, TIEE represents a model adoption framework that can be extended across diverse resource-constrained environments through appropriate customizations. The insights generated can inform policymaking and practitioner communities on how to optimally harness technology for education in impactful and ethical ways.
 +
 
 +
 
 +
You can download the document here: [https://karnatakaeducation.org.in/KOER/en/images/9/9a/Technology_Integration_for_Equitable_Education_%28TIEE%29_Program_Document%2C_IT_for_Change.pdf Technology Integration for Equitable Education (TIEE) Program Design Document]
 +
 
 +
= '''References''' =
 +
ASER. (2022). Annual Status of Education Report (Rural) 2021. ASER Centre.
 +
 
 +
Chakravarthi, R. (2021). Leveraging Participatory Media with Underserved Children to Promote Active Learning and Wellbeing. Multicultural Education Review.  <nowiki>https://doi.org/10.1080/2005615X.2021.1927289</nowiki>
 +
 
 +
DISE. (2022). Unified District Information System for Education Plus. Government of India.
 +
 
 +
GoK. (2022). Karnataka Education Policy. Education Department, Government of Karnataka.
 +
 
 +
Harris, J., Mishra, P., & Koehler, M. (2009). Teachers’ technological pedagogical content knowledge and learning activity types. Journal of Research on Technology in Education, 41(4), 393-416. <nowiki>https://doi.org/10.1080/15391523.2009.10782536</nowiki>
 +
 
 +
Hsin, C. T., Li, M. C., & Tsai, C. C. (2014). The influence of young children’s use of technology on their learning: A review. Journal of Educational Technology & Society, 17(4), 85-99.
 +
 
 +
Krishna Kumar, K. (2016). What is Worth Teaching? Orient Blackswan.
 +
 
 +
Kumar, K., Sarangapani, P. M., Sangeeta, C. R., Kadaru, S. B., & Sachs, J. (2021). Curriculum as Enacted Experience: Children’s Life-Worlds and School Learning in India. Springer.
 +
 
 +
MHRD. (2020). National Education Policy. Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India. 
 +
 
 +
Mishra, P. (2019). Digital education policies in India. Commonwealth Educational Media Centre for Asia.
 +
 
 +
Philip, T. M., & Garcia, A. (2013). The importance of still teaching the iGeneration: New technologies and the centrality of pedagogy. Harvard Educational Review, 83(2), 300-319. <nowiki>https://doi.org/10.17763/haer.83.2.w221368g1554u158</nowiki>
 +
 
 +
Ramachandran, V., Pal, M., Jain, S., Shekar, S., & Sharma, J. (2008). Teacher Motivation in India. Azim Premji Foundation.
 +
 
 +
Ramdev, P. (2016). Importance of ICT in Indian Education System. International Journal of Advance Engineering and Research Development, 3(1), 105-111.
 +
 
 +
Robin, B. R. (2016). The power of digital storytelling to support teaching and learning. Digital Education Review, 30, 17-29.
 +
 
 +
Santo, R., Viera, A., Ching, D., & Whitebread, D. (2019). Interventions promoting computational thinking abilities in early childhood education. In D. Liu, C-C. Wang, & M. Spector (Eds.), Educational technology to improve quality and accessibility in education (pp. 3-24). Springer.
 +
 
 +
Snelling, J., & Fingal, D. (2020). Factors influencing teacher adoption of competency-based education. Competency-Based Education, 5(3), e01253. <nowiki>https://doi.org/10.1002/cbe2.1253</nowiki>
 +
 
 +
Tondeur, J., Forkosh-Baruch, A., Prestridge, S., Albion, P., & Edirisinghe, S. (2016). Responding to challenges in teacher professional development for ICT integration in education. Journal of Educational Technology & Society, 19(3), 110–120.
 +
 
 +
UNESCO. (2021). UNESCO Report: Unpacking Digital, Technology and Innovation for a Disability-Inclusive Education Response.
 +
 
 +
UNESCO. (2022). Pupil-teacher ratio by education level - India. UNESCO Institute of Statistics.
 +
 
 +
The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act. (2009). The Gazette of India. Ministry of Law and Justice, Government of India.
 +
 
 +
''[[TIEE program design document 2023-25#sdfootnote1anc|1]].'' Some of the aspects identified are beyond what a program of the nature of TIEE can envisage. Some require large investments on the part of the public system, such as provision of adequate physical and academic infrastructure, filling teacher vacancies and even providing one teacher per grade/section in the school apart from administrative support. Others are long-term processes such as facilitating parental/community engagement and support for the school.  The program design document focuses on items that are within the ‘circle of influence’ of a civil society organisation, working closely with the government system.

Revision as of 07:30, 18 June 2024

Introduction

IT for Change (ITfC) is an NGO located in Bangalore, India, that works for innovative and effective use of information and communication technologies (ICT) to promote socio-economic change. Our Teacher Education programs are pan-India and cover Teachers from various states, including Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh. Our field practice is primarily based out of the southern Indian state of Karnataka. We have also worked with schools in Telangana. We have been working on programs for integrating ICT and education in Government and aided High Schools in Bangalore South since 2010. We have supported teachers to learn the use of free and open source software (FOSS) applications to access, create and publish open educational resources (OER) in Mathematics, Science, Kannada and English and other subjects. We have also worked with students on different aspects of digital literacy and digital enabled learning.

During the 2022-2023 academic year, IT for Change initiated the "Technology Integration for Equitable Education (TIEE)" program aimed to encourage inclusive learning for students in higher primary schools (HPS) in Bengaluru South-3 block. The project focused on equitable pedagogical approaches to support student learning and empowering teachers to effectively integrate technology in their teaching practices. The TIEE program was designed for three-year endeavour, commencing with a one-year pilot project, followed by two years of program expansion. The pilot phase was implemented in selected HPS schools within Bengaluru South-3 block. In addition to demonstrating technology integration for inclusive education at the school level and building communities of practitioners, the teaching-learning materials from the project, are published on the Karnataka Open Educational Resources (KOER) repository, in English and Kannada, for teachers across Karnataka.

Based on our experience working with high schools and in-service teacher training over the last 14 years, as well as our work in the pilot phase of TIEE, we are aware that teachers need support and hand holding to integrate technologies effectively into their practice to strengthen students' learning experience. They need to be able to access adequate contextual resources when needed. Though there are several open educational resource repositories, accessing resources, evaluating them and using them appropriately is a skill that needs to be developed through capacity building and peer interactions. Teachers also need to be able to identify the appropriate materials and methods for diverse learner conditions as are found in government schools in urban locations. Additionally, it was noted that there is a general lack of awareness and understanding about ‘Equitable Education’ among teachers, parents, and the education support system. Oftentimes, it is perceived to be applicable to only children from socio-economically backward households or those with severe physical and/or cognitive disabilities. Children who lag behind in grade-level learning indicators are often excluded under the purview of education and little effort is made to understand their challenges and learning needs which remain unaddressed as a result. In the post-pandemic aftermath, the proportion of such children has risen manifold, and teachers’ abilities to address the learning needs of these ‘educationally deprived’ children need to be strengthened. In its current phase (2023-2024), TIEE aims to make the classroom an effective learning space for all children by integrating digital technology meaningfully to promote equity and inclusion.

The National Education Policy 2020 acknowledges these challenges and envisions transforming India’s education system by 2040 (MHRD, 2020). It recommends moving away from siloed, subject-based learning towards a holistic, integrated education. The policy strongly advocates the use of technology in education to enhance teaching, learning and educational access. The Karnataka state education policy also recognizes the potential of educational technology to transform learning (GoK, 2022). However, only a small percentage of schools in Karnataka currently use ICT-enabled education. In 2022, just 4.4% of primary schools and 28.2% of upper primary schools were identified as ‘smart schools’ with some form of technology access (DISE, 2022). Additionally, many teachers are still not digitally literate or trained in using technology in pedagogically-appropriate ways (Ramdev, 2016).

A meta-analysis of 46 studies found that teacher training along with access to digital devices was four times more impactful than provision of devices alone (Snelling & Fingal, 2020). Thus, teacher education must go beyond technical training to build capacity in designing learner-centered activities using technology. Approaches like TPACK (Technological, Pedagogical and Content Knowledge) help teachers combine their understanding of content, pedagogy and technology for effective teaching (Harris et al., 2009). TIEE, thus, aims to help teachers move from traditional instruction to learner-centered approaches by integrating technology to enable participatory, inclusive and joyful learning experiences for all children.

There is a growing recognition that participatory pedagogies that tap into the local context have deep resonance with children from marginalized communities (Kumar et al., 2021). Storytelling, art, drama and music help children construct their own understanding meaningfully while connecting learning to lived realities (Chakravarthi, 2021). ICT can provide tools to apply these active learning approaches in classrooms. For instance, multimedia storytelling tools allow children to author stories by creatively combining text, audio, images and video based on their experiences (Ohler, 2013). This makes language and literacy learning engaging and contextualized. Simulations in science and mathematics can help learners manipulate variables to test hypotheses and visualize complex concepts. Game-based tools introduce elements of play, competition and rules to motivate learning of math and computational skills (Ke, 2019).

Overall, realizing the potential of educational technology to transform learning requires situating technology integration within participatory and inclusive pedagogies. It calls for teachers developing TPACK confidence along with capacities for inclusive instructional design. Top-down efforts for ICT implementation must be accompanied by ground-up teacher professional development and ongoing collaboration & mentorship within teachers’ learning communities. Bringing these dimensions together is at the heart of TIEE’s vision to prepare teachers for the digital age while centering equity and quality learning for all children. Effective technology integration can potentially make quality education at scale a reality.

This document is meant to serve as a comprehensive resource outlining the key aspects of the TIEE program for the academic year 2023-2025, offering insights into its objectives, methodologies, and progress. The document is structured into several sections, each of which contributes to understanding the program's scope and impact.

The Cognizant Foundation (CF) is one of the channels of Cognizant's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives in India, dedicated to catalysing positive change in the communities it serves. The foundation is committed to enhancing education and skill development, promoting healthcare and well-being, and supporting environmental sustainability. With a strong focus on social and economic empowerment, the CF has a track record of supporting initiatives that empower underserved communities and foster inclusive growth. Cognizant Foundation's involvement in our program underscores their dedication to creating meaningful and sustainable impact in the areas of education, skill development, and community well-being. Their partnership with IT for Change reflects a shared commitment to improving the lives of those we serve, and their support has been instrumental in our program's success.

Need Assessment Study

To better implement the TIEE program at the block, cluster, and school levels, and as suggested by the Block Education Officer, a Needs Assessment of teachers was designed and conducted in July through August 2023. This study aimed to get a sense of teachers’ beliefs about using ICT in clssroom teaching, and to gather inputs from the teachers and HMs (Headmasters/ Headmistresses) on challenges to teaching of classes 6 to 8 to better design the teacher's workshops and assess the way forward.

The key findings highlighted major difficulties faced in terms of content, pedagogy, resources, classroom management and skills. Most teachers have over 20 years of experience and teach multiple subjects, indicating the need for customised training suited to experience levels and subjects taught. While basic ICT infrastructure exists in schools, lack of ICT-based teaching-learning materials (TLMs) hinders its use. A majority of teachers struggle with inadequate resources and struggle to ensure comprehension, retention and engagement. Disconnects are seen between beliefs towards teaching-learning and ICT and actual classroom practices. To address these challenges, the TPD program should adopt an experiential methodology focused on peer learning, teacher collaborations, hands-on activities and reshaping beliefs aligned to principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL).

It was also noted that providing basic digital literacy training customised for each school's ICT infrastructure is crucial. Creating how-to videos on classroom gadgets can build capacity. Subject and topic-specific guidance through workshops is needed to address content challenges highlighted in Math, Science and Languages. Training in student-centric, multilingual pedagogies and balanced assessment practices beyond traditional exams can equip teachers with inclusive & equitable teaching strategies. Building digital literacy for integrating multimedia resources and ICT tools into teaching is pivotal. Science simulations and activities can provide hands-on alternatives. Allowing teachers to identify unique needs for tailored support is also recommended. The TPD program should emphasise UDL principles like growth mindsets, balanced error correction and collaborative learning. Fostering teacher collaborations, peer learning and exchanges can facilitate continuous improvement. Providing self-learning resources directed at students can relieve the teaching burden.

Graphic 1: Challenges faced by teachers with respect to Pedagogy(Source: Needs Assessment Study TIEE, IT for Change)

Objectives

The TIEE project aims to make the classroom an effective learning space for all children by integrating digital technology meaningfully, to promote equity and inclusion, by1

  • supporting teachers integrate digital technologies through demonstration and hands-on support,
  • strengthening teachers’ abilities use diverse pedagogies and multi-level materials to address students academic needs,
  • providing opportunities for continuous professional development (CPD) of teachers, including through peer learning in Communities of Practice (CoPs), and
  • supporting schools in integrating technologies for school administration and development.

Scope of the TIEE Program

The approaches are aimed at enhancing the ‘academic support system’ in order to create an inclusive education environment by using a variety of digital methods. This will include engaging with subject teachers from various elementary government schools from different clusters in South 3 block, Bengaluru. At the block level, the focus will be on enhancing teacher capacity on using classroom teaching resources (shared through teachers' community groups) and a series of workshops. Based on the department's inputs, IT for Change has shortlisted several schools and clusters for the regular student intervention activities. The team might extend the program to other blocks if given permission by the South DIET.

Phase – II (Academic year 2023-2024)

Research indicates that for technology to transform learning, devices and connectivity must be accompanied by continuous teacher professional development situated within supportive pedagogies. TIEE aims to provide such comprehensive, sustained capacity building for teachers to meaningfully leverage ICTs within participatory, constructivist approaches that center inclusion and equity.

The Needs Assessment Study highlighted the challenges faced by teachers, as well as the support requested in order to make quality education more equitable. It was noted that there is a need for teachers and teacher educators to become familiar with the Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles as well as related concepts, and practices so that they can move from ‘only some children can and will learn’ to ‘all children can and must learn’ mode of thinking.

Graphic 2: Teacher’s beliefs about teaching and learning based on UDL principles (Source: Needs Assessment Study TIEE, IT for Change)

Teachers also require adequate horizontal networking spaces for regular and guided peer interaction. There is a need for teachers’ CPD that supports autonomous explorations and sharing, rather than only through top-down administrative directives. Additionally, there is a need for schools to automate/digitize the basic administrative tasks for better operational efficiency and to free up the bandwidth of teachers to focus more on teaching-related activities. Academic support persons (CRPs / BRPs / DIET faculty) also need to be made familiar with concepts and practices relating to equitable education including UDL principles, and digital technologies to access resources so that they can provide support to teachers in using and integrating technology in their classrooms for equitable education.

Keeping this in mind, in its second phase (2023-25), the “Technology Integration for Equitable Education (TIEE)" program aims to work in middle schools (grades 6-8) by:

  • demonstrating processes of making the classroom an equitable learning space for all children, including through the meaningful integration of digital technologies
  • creating multi-level digital learning modules on select subjects for addressing children with different learning abilities and aptitudes,
  • capacity building of teachers and teacher educators to support equitable teaching-learning processes through appropriate integration of digital technologies, and
  • supporting the teachers in accessing and using Open Educational Resources (OER) for their Continuous Professional Development (CPD), for use in equitable teaching-learning as well as enabling students to access digital technologies for learning.

Program Strategies

TIEE plans to adopt the following key strategies in our interventions with students, teachers, schools, and the overall education system:

1.Students

  • Designing and developing subject specific methodologies for digitally enabled learning
  • Working with students on building their digital literacy skills and skills for learning using different tools and resources
  • Using digital tools to encourage self-expression and independent learning
  • Providing for hands-on and immersive learning experiences using digital tools.

2. Teachers

  • Capacity building for teachers for inclusive pedagogies and technology integration in teaching-learning
  • Awareness, sensitization and capacity building of teachers for adopting equitable education practices

Capacity building for teachers – focused on digital literacy for teachers

  • Supporting the continuous professional development of teachers through communities of practice (COPs)

3. Schools/ HMs/ Principals

  • Facilitating the setting up of digital infrastructure in schools along with educational resources
  • Demonstrating school-level integration of technologies for an equitable learning environment

4. Parents and the School Community

  • Organising workshops and interactive sessions to educate parents about the significance of digital literacy and technology in education. Encouraging their active involvement in supporting their children's learning through shared digital resources.
  • Including the school community in events (such as Science Exhibitions, Language-Day Celebrations etc.) to create a sense of ownership and to promote the importance of technology-enabled learning.
  • Encouraging community support in providing access to digital resources and infrastructure for students.

5. Cluster Resource Persons (CRPs) / Block Resource Persons (BRPs) / Education Coordinators (ECOs)

6. The broader education ecosystem

  • Adding on to the free and open digital ecosystem –through platforms, resources, and professional networks
  • Teacher capacity building models scaled through workshops and COPs
  • Research and documentation of effective models of technology integration.

Implementation Methodology

The TIEE program aims to facilitate the meaningful integration of technology within inclusive, participatory pedagogies in schools. The implementation methodology provides comprehensive, sustained support to teachers and schools to enable this transition.

  1. Teacher Professional Development Workshops Intensive capacity building workshops will be organized at block and cluster levels for teachers across subjects like Languages (English, Kannada and Hindi), Mathematics and Science. The workshops will have the following key objectives:
    1. Developing shared understanding regarding equity and inclusion principles and practices like the UDL framework, multi-lingual instructions etc.
    2. Enabling reflection on current teaching beliefs and practices; identifying areas for improvement
    3. Exploring diverse digital tools and resources to build TPACK (Technological, Pedagogical and Content Knowledge)
    4. Appreciating the heterogeneous learning needs in classrooms; imagining possibilities of integrating technology thoughtfully within inclusive pedagogies
    5. Learning to design and implement multimodal, multi-level resources and flexible teaching strategies to address diverse learner needs
    6. Fostering peer learning communities for sharing ideas, experiences and resources on an ongoing basis
    7. The workshops will use a blended format combining self-paced online learning resources with collaborative in-person deliberations. The online components will support personalized learning as per one's own pace and convenience. The face-to-face interactions will enable co-creation of knowledge through peer exchange of context-specific challenges, ideas and strategies.
    8. The workshops will include subject-specific examples (based on teachers’ suggestions), and activities tailored to curriculum concepts in Languages, Mathematics and Sciences. The aim is to support teachers in translating the understandings around technology-integrated inclusive education into practice within their respective subject areas and topics.
    9. In addition to school teachers, the HMs, block and cluster level academic resource persons like BRPs (Block Resource Persons), CRPs (Cluster Resource Persons) and BEOs will also be involved. Building their capacity is crucial so that they can effectively guide and support schools in implementing technology-enabled inclusive education.
  2. Sustained School-level Engagement While periodic workshops help initiate awareness and understanding, meaningful translation of technology-integrated inclusive education into classroom practices requires sustained engagement with schools. Hence, the program implementation will emphasize ongoing collaboration with selected focus schools across blocks, through the following approaches:
    1. Assisting teachers in collaborative lesson planning, co-teaching specific concepts, curating/developing contextual digital resources and designing balanced assessments
    2. Supporting students in using digital tools for self-paced and collaborative learning through integrated digital literacy sessions*
    3. Strengthening school leadership capabilities for evolving a shared vision and plan, making optimal use of existing ICT infrastructure, fostering teacher professional communities, and regular feedback for improvements.
    4. Providing multi-lingual story-based audio and audiovisual resources created by ITfC as supplementary learning materials mapped to textbook concepts across subjects. The narrative format, local contexts and multilingualism can help in making classroom teaching-learning more engaging, relatable and participatory for all learners.
    5. By working closely with schools over an extended duration, the aim is to move beyond superficial input-based interactions to an embedded approach where schools feel empowered to continue the change process themselves.
  3. Strengthening School Leadership School leadership plays a key role in enabling improvements. Workshops for Head Teachers/ HMs will focus on pedagogical leadership approaches based on evolving a shared vision, teacher development, optimal use of digital infrastructure, monitoring improvements and involving community stakeholders. Ways to use technology for in-school communication, teacher collaborations and reducing administrative workload will also be discussed. The aim is to strengthen their capacities for school development and technology integration based on participatory processes.
  4. Strengthening Public Digital Infrastructure in Schools Lack of adequate digital infrastructure including hardware, connectivity and electrical supply is a systemic challenge in many government schools. As part of CSR partnerships, ITfC will support the setting up and maintenance of computer labs in interested schools, while also building capacities of teachers and students to leverage the infrastructure optimally for educational purposes. In addition, extensive use of FOSS (Free and Open Source Software) tools will be promoted to enable easy access to digital resources without licensing constraints.
  5. Fostering Communities of Practice To sustain professional development and continued improvements in integrating technology in inclusive ways, it is crucial to nurture horizontal teacher communities at local levels. ITfC will facilitate the formation of Communities of Practice (CoPs), anchored around a shared purpose and interest regarding technology-enabled inclusive education.
    1. The CoPs will enable teachers across schools to collaboratively engage in activities like lesson study, peer review of teaching practices, co-creation of contextual digital resources, and sharing feedback on how to address context-specific challenges. CoPs help in shifting professional development from a top-down, workshop-based approach to embedded, teacher-driven processes within local ecosystems.
    2. Diverse mediums like WhatsApp groups, social media platforms, messaging apps, Learning Management Platforms like Moodle, along with periodic in-person meetings will be leveraged to enable continuous collaboration, coordination and knowledge sharing within the CoPs.
  6. Parent Engagement Parent engagement is vital for improving learning outcomes and fostering shared accountability between schools and communities. Current parent engagement tends to be ritualistic in the urban context, where parents are unable to collaborate with teachers to strengthen the school. TIEE aims to conduct periodic parent-teacher meetings in collaboration with select schools. These interactive meetings will share student progress, discuss academic programs, and obtain feedback. Direct communication channels like IVRS messaging will be leveraged to notify parents. Meetings will be conducted in local languages to maximize reach. Follow-ups after meetings will address individual parent queries and provide take-home activities to support learning. The aim is two-fold - to keep parents informed about school activities, while also increasing their involvement in their child's education. Documenting meeting proceedings will ensure transparency. Overall, the focus on parents as partners will strengthen home-school linkages.
  7. Empowering Academic Resource Persons Block and cluster level academic resource persons like BRPs, CRPs etc. provide critical academic support to schools. Workshops will be organized to build their capacities in using digital tools for academic monitoring, knowledge sharing within teacher communities, and accessing teaching-learning resources. Hands-on training will be provided on using FOSS tools to create and disseminate contextual digital resources. Online communities of practice will be facilitated so that resource persons can coordinate with teachers to continuously co-create, share and discuss academic resources. Overall, the aim is to empower them to effectively guide schools in technology-integrated approaches.
  8. Feedback and Documentation Gathering regular feedback from teachers, schools and resource persons will be key to periodically track program inputs, activities and outputs across clusters. Course corrections will be carried out based on emerging insights. Simultaneously, a longitudinal evaluation will be conducted to assess improvements in student learning outcomes as well as teacher beliefs and practices over time, within sample sections of focus schools where the program is being implemented. The insights emerging will be systematically documented to inform replication and scale-up.
  9. Addressing Key Challenges Successful translation of the understandings around technology integration within inclusive pedagogies into sustainable classroom practices involves addressing certain contextual challenges:
    1. Teacher motivation levels for experimenting with new methods are often hindered by systemic issues like lack of academic support, multigrade teaching pressures, inadequate training and monitoring. The program aims to respect teacher agency, build capacity and foster peer collaboration so that change is driven from within rather than imposed externally.
    2. School teachers have heavy workloads and tight timetables often leaving little room for professional development or designing new lesson plans. By aligning training schedules with non-teaching times, minimizing classroom time for new practices and exploring ways of offloading some administrative tasks from teachers, the program will address the time constraint barrier.
    3. Digital infrastructure limitations will be tackled not just through lab set-ups but also by promoting cost-effective innovations like use of existing digital infrastructure ins chools, use of portable projectors etc. Extensive use of FOSS tools should further help circumvent infrastructure barriers.
    4. Language diversity in the classrooms poses unique challenges for adoption of digital content which is often available only in English. The program will proactively incorporate multi-lingual digital resources in local languages tailored to state-specific textbooks and curricula.
    5. Sustaining change often proves difficult once external support concludes. The focus on building professional communities of practice, strengthening school leadership capabilities and ensuring buy-in from critical institutional actors will promote self-driven continuance of positive changes. This comprehensive approach aims to support effective translation of TIEE's vision into impactful school-level practices to further the goals of equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all children.

Risks and Possible Mitigation Strategies

Implementing the TIEE program in government schools involves certain risks that need to be planned for.

  1. Teacher availability: Schools often face teacher shortages, with many teachers handling multiple subjects. It might be difficult for teachers to take out time for these activities.
  2. Permissions: Formal approvals from education department officials at state, district and block levels will be needed for conducting workshops and school interventions. Bureaucratic delays may pose challenges.
  3. Communication: Top-down communication about the program from district/block authorities to schools will be critical for acceptance and participation.
  4. Timing: Conducting workshops only on weekends or holidays may limit teacher participation. But scheduling programs on working days will require approvals and adjustment of school timetables.
  5. Infrastructure: Many schools have constraints like small classrooms, power outages, lack of projectors etc. which may hamper technology integration.
  6. Sustainability: The changes may not sustain after the program concludes without continued structured support.

Careful planning and mitigation strategies will be needed to address these risks for smooth program implementation. Some possible mitigation strategies will be as follows:

  1. Permissions will be sought well in advance at all levels to avoid delays. The program's alignment with National Education Policy goals will be highlighted for gaining approvals.
  2. Orientation sessions will be organized for officials, if necessary, to build support and facilitate faster clearances. Regular communication with department will be maintained.
  3. Schools will be informed in advance regarding the expectations and engagement to clarify goals, address concerns and prevent exclusion of marginalized groups.
  4. Teacher availability will be ensured through timetable adjustments with school heads. Optional weekend workshops will also be considered.
  5. School heads will be involved in infrastructure planning. Low cost innovations like portable projectors, mobile devices and tablets can be explored. Workarounds like smaller group workshops will be looked at.
  6. Both online and offline alternatives for resources will be shared with stakeholders wherever possible.

With robust mitigation strategies to tackle the contextual challenges, the risks involved can be minimized for effective on-ground implementation of the program. The learnings will provide insights for enhancing the model further.

Expected Program Outcomes

The TIEE program aims to build the capacity of the educational ecosystem to meaningfully integrate technology into inclusive pedagogical practices focused on quality learning for all children. The expected outcomes across different stakeholders are:

  1. Teachers:
    1. Improved TPACK skills to use digital tools in various stages of teaching-learning like planning, instruction, assessment etc.
    2. Enhanced skills in curating, adapting and creating multimodal, leveled resources to address diverse learner needs
    3. Exposure to learner-centered technology-enabled pedagogies based on storytelling, simulations, games, etc.
    4. Increased participation in professional communities to share ideas and resources on technology integration
    5. Positive attitudinal shift regarding potentials of thoughtfully integrating technology within inclusive and equitable classroom practices.
  2. School Leadership:
    1. Strengthened skills in evolving a shared vision and technology-integrated school improvement plans through participatory processes
    2. Increased awareness on optimal utilization of existing digital infrastructure
    3. Improved technological and pedagogical support to teachers for continuous professional development
    4. Increased involvement of parents and community in school activities and child's learning
  3. Academic Resource Persons:
    1. Enhanced capabilities to curate and create contextual teaching-learning resources for training programs
    2. Increased participation in online communities of practice for continuous co-creation and sharing of educational resources
    3. Better coordination between schools, teachers and block-level teacher training ecosystems on technology integration
  4. Students:
    1. Improved learning outcomes across languages, mathematics, science and social studies
    2. Enhanced engagement levels through interactive, joyful and participatory learning experiences
    3. Increased self-paced learning through appropriate and appealing digital learning resources

The holistic, ecosystem-focused approach can lead to interlinked outcomes across stakeholders, sustaining meaningful technology integration in schools within supportive pedagogical frameworks focused on inclusion and equity in the longer term.

Conclusion

Education systems must increasingly leverage technology meaningfully to expand access, equity, efficiency and quality in learning. However, mere provision of devices and connectivity is not sufficient. Teachers need continuous capacity building and academic support to transition towards technology-enabled inclusive pedagogies focused on students constructing their own understanding. Sustained school-level engagement, strengthening infrastructural support, fostering peer collaborations for horizontal knowledge sharing, and addressing contextual challenges are vital accompanying interventions.

The TIEE program aims to provide this comprehensive, nuanced support to government school ecosystems in Bengaluru & Mysuru for integrating technology and inclusive education. The implementation methodology focuses on building teacher and school leader capabilities, providing in-depth mentoring support to schools, empowering academic resource persons, engaging parents as partners and nurturing professional communities of practice. Monitoring, evaluation and documentation will provide feedback loops to strengthen the approach further. Managing risks through context-appropriate mitigation strategies will be crucial.

Ultimately, the program aspires to act as an exemplar for how to meaningfully leverage technology for improving teaching-learning processes towards the vision of equitable, quality education and lifelong learning opportunities for all children. With its sharp focus on inclusion, localized contextualization and sustainability, TIEE represents a model adoption framework that can be extended across diverse resource-constrained environments through appropriate customizations. The insights generated can inform policymaking and practitioner communities on how to optimally harness technology for education in impactful and ethical ways.


You can download the document here: Technology Integration for Equitable Education (TIEE) Program Design Document

References

ASER. (2022). Annual Status of Education Report (Rural) 2021. ASER Centre.

Chakravarthi, R. (2021). Leveraging Participatory Media with Underserved Children to Promote Active Learning and Wellbeing. Multicultural Education Review. https://doi.org/10.1080/2005615X.2021.1927289

DISE. (2022). Unified District Information System for Education Plus. Government of India.

GoK. (2022). Karnataka Education Policy. Education Department, Government of Karnataka.

Harris, J., Mishra, P., & Koehler, M. (2009). Teachers’ technological pedagogical content knowledge and learning activity types. Journal of Research on Technology in Education, 41(4), 393-416. https://doi.org/10.1080/15391523.2009.10782536

Hsin, C. T., Li, M. C., & Tsai, C. C. (2014). The influence of young children’s use of technology on their learning: A review. Journal of Educational Technology & Society, 17(4), 85-99.

Krishna Kumar, K. (2016). What is Worth Teaching? Orient Blackswan.

Kumar, K., Sarangapani, P. M., Sangeeta, C. R., Kadaru, S. B., & Sachs, J. (2021). Curriculum as Enacted Experience: Children’s Life-Worlds and School Learning in India. Springer.

MHRD. (2020). National Education Policy. Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India.

Mishra, P. (2019). Digital education policies in India. Commonwealth Educational Media Centre for Asia.

Philip, T. M., & Garcia, A. (2013). The importance of still teaching the iGeneration: New technologies and the centrality of pedagogy. Harvard Educational Review, 83(2), 300-319. https://doi.org/10.17763/haer.83.2.w221368g1554u158

Ramachandran, V., Pal, M., Jain, S., Shekar, S., & Sharma, J. (2008). Teacher Motivation in India. Azim Premji Foundation.

Ramdev, P. (2016). Importance of ICT in Indian Education System. International Journal of Advance Engineering and Research Development, 3(1), 105-111.

Robin, B. R. (2016). The power of digital storytelling to support teaching and learning. Digital Education Review, 30, 17-29.

Santo, R., Viera, A., Ching, D., & Whitebread, D. (2019). Interventions promoting computational thinking abilities in early childhood education. In D. Liu, C-C. Wang, & M. Spector (Eds.), Educational technology to improve quality and accessibility in education (pp. 3-24). Springer.

Snelling, J., & Fingal, D. (2020). Factors influencing teacher adoption of competency-based education. Competency-Based Education, 5(3), e01253. https://doi.org/10.1002/cbe2.1253

Tondeur, J., Forkosh-Baruch, A., Prestridge, S., Albion, P., & Edirisinghe, S. (2016). Responding to challenges in teacher professional development for ICT integration in education. Journal of Educational Technology & Society, 19(3), 110–120.

UNESCO. (2021). UNESCO Report: Unpacking Digital, Technology and Innovation for a Disability-Inclusive Education Response.

UNESCO. (2022). Pupil-teacher ratio by education level - India. UNESCO Institute of Statistics.

The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act. (2009). The Gazette of India. Ministry of Law and Justice, Government of India.

1. Some of the aspects identified are beyond what a program of the nature of TIEE can envisage. Some require large investments on the part of the public system, such as provision of adequate physical and academic infrastructure, filling teacher vacancies and even providing one teacher per grade/section in the school apart from administrative support. Others are long-term processes such as facilitating parental/community engagement and support for the school.  The program design document focuses on items that are within the ‘circle of influence’ of a civil society organisation, working closely with the government system.