MYSORE: Students of Sarvajanika School in Vidyaranyapuram are showing greater aptitude towards learning science. Children of the government school are keen to go into the details of science, now that they have been exposed to personal computing.
Thanks to the initiative of a bunch of youths who spent their time helping kids in the government schools to learn about computers, the students are game for it now.
T Manjappa from class VII gets excited when he is asked about his experience in learning computer stuff. He has learnt how to play video games too. "I can now operate the PC and manage it on my own," the 13-year-old said proudly.
Students have learnt computer basics and want many more such classes, said their headmaster Gururaj, adding that exposure to computer basics has made learning science easy.
It all started in January, when the bunch of students decided to do something for the kids and started to work on it. They devoted their valuable time to educate government school students learn more about computers. The 26 members of team 'Techism', all students of Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA) at a the city-based Amrita School of Arts and Sciences, began their experimentation in computer education by taking it to 25 schools in Mysore district. After obtaining permission from school authorities, they conducted classes for the kids on weekends and on holidays.
One of Techism's member, M V Rakesh, was traveling by bus and was using his laptop, when he met an inquisitive child who was curious to know about computers. Rakesh taught him how to handle the computer and was surprised to see the speed at which the child picked up the skills. "Knowledge of computer is essential. This made us focus on children," Rakesh said. Like-minded students joined Rakesh and started to impart free computer training to the students of government schools.
Initially, the team was divided into four groups - 'Techno Gadget' that taught basics of computers like internet, USB tools, hardware tools; 'Techno Craft' taught pogrammes like painting, word pad, multimedia; 'Techno Meridian' focused on images, music, slide show and 'Techno Explorer' dealt with other elementary skills. The first class was conducted on January 22, at the government school atop Chamundi Hills and at Bettadapura in Periyapatna taluk. The classes included both theory, practical and interactive sessions.
"Our mission has been to create computer-based knowledge among the student community, especially in government schools, where computer training is more essential," pointed out Rakesh. The team didn't take money from the trainees for the services they delivered, even when it involved expenses for traveling and stationeries. These students said they spent their pocket money for the project.
"We are through with the project and have given our best effort to train and motivate them to enter this technological era," added Rakesh.
During the course, various competitions were conducted and winners were awarded prizes and a free four-month training after completion of their PU course.
The team consisting of 25 project leaders trained the kids in both theory and practicals, with individual interaction and concluded it with a motivation programme, course book distribution and photo session.
The next version of computer saplings with many more courses including hardware courses and soft skills will be thought to the same 25 schools after December, Rakesh explained.