To improve Uttarakhand’s education system and promote digital education, 840 government schools in the state have been connected to a virtual classroom network. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami launched this initiative today (Saturday) by inaugurating a centralized studio at Rajiv Gandhi Navodaya Vidyalaya, Nanurkheda (Dehradun). On this occasion, State School Education Minister Dr. Dhan Singh Rawat stated that the state government is committed to modernizing and inclusive the state’s education system. He stated that the government’s goal is to provide smart classrooms and modern facilities in government schools, providing children with the opportunity to learn digitally, so they can keep pace with the technological world. Dr. Rawat stated that under the ICT program, virtual and smart classrooms will be operated in a hybrid mode in 840 schools across the state to promote digital education. This will ensure access to digital education in remote areas of the state. He informed that two new central virtual studios have been constructed at Rajiv Gandhi Navodaya Vidyalaya, Raipur, Dehradun, for digital broadcasting in schools. Through these, curriculum-based classes will be conducted live by trained teachers, and the student evaluation process will also be streamlined and made simple, easy, and quick. Dr. Rawat explained that this state-led initiative in digital education will overcome many obstacles to effective student learning. He explained that this system has several advantages. The first advantage is that our children will now have the convenience of studying from home. Children can study from home through the Uttarakhand Virtual Learning App. Adverse weather or distance will no longer hinder their studies. The second advantage is that it will allow children to be evaluated immediately. Our children will now have access to assessment tools, which will allow them to immediately determine how much they have learned and which subjects require further work. Connecting with expert teachers is its third feature. This will provide children with the opportunity to study with renowned expert teachers from the state and country, without leaving their village or city. Furthermore, the local community will also benefit from this platform, as this platform is not limited to children. Other members of the village and community can also benefit from special sessions, whether on agriculture, health, or new information related to startups and business. Dr. Rawat explained that this initiative will increase children’s competitiveness and drive for progress. In these special sessions, toppers and prominent citizens of the state will interact with them and provide them with new direction. Raipur MLA Umesh Sharma ‘Kau’, Additional Secretary of Education Ranjana Rajguru, Director General of Education Deepti Singh, and other departmental officials were present, while students and teachers from schools across the state participated virtually.
