Influence of Technology in Education Framework. The Implications and Challenges of the Implementation of "KYAN" in Government Schools of West Bengal, India

Resumen o Introducción

This paper is an attempt to review the implications of the implementation of 'KYAN' in the different districts of West Bengal and unfold the issues and challenges the Govt. has been facing in the implementation of 'KYAN'.

The Government of West Bengal has been implementing Sarva Shiksha Abhiya since its inception. To optimize its impact, the State Government is combining Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan with Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Tools for Education Programme in the primary and secondary Government schools. Integration of the ICT in education projects popularly called Technology in Education (TIE) is generally used to familiarize students with the use and workings of computers as well as leverage the power of the ICT for teaching conventional subjects that get registered more effectively compared to conventional teaching-leaning method.

The integrated approach of Technology in Education (TIE) has prerequisites such as use of technology by students to create learning artefacts, integrating technology with curriculum, focused learning achievement and teacher designed instruction. The Department of Education, Govt. of West Bengal introduced Technology in Education (TIE) system titled 'KYAN' (Vehicle of Knowledge) to utilize ICT tools and ensure sustainability. KYAN, modelled on best principles of TIE, was developed in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Mumbai, as a Community Computer. The device contains a computer with inbuilt projector, content, speakers, and has wireless keyboard and mouse. It combines the computing power of a computer with an appropriate high luminosity, high resolution, and large screen projection system. The project has resulted in significant improvement in the class-room teaching learning practices apart from improving the morale of teachers; enhance attendance, improved retention of the core academic concepts as well as better recall, improvement in the examinations results etc..