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Young World
Holistic school network
JOHN L. PAUL
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Learning sure should be fun now.
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Learning for Gen next: Through computers
The coming academic year will see the Amrita Vidyalayams in Kerala move more towards IT-enabled learning. The concept called ‘Amrita Vidyalayam eLearning Network’ has been developed by a team led by Prema Nedungadi, an IT professional. Thus, an entire chain of schools in Kerala will be linked together using broadband, to create a collaborative
learning environment.
The network will host multimedia educational content, allow for sharing of teacher-training materials, links to subject-specific websites, career-counselling centres, school websites and provide students with ‘safe Internet’ browsing.
Effective learning
A key component of this network is the adaptive learning and assessment programme. Developed in collaboration with Amrita University, students in this programme work individually on computers, doing their assessment and practice.
This is an adaptive learning programme. If a student excels in learning at her class level then the system automatically allows learning at the next higher class level.
Similarly, if a student is very weak and fails in her class level skill, the programme automatically adjusts and allows the student to learn at a lower level.
Initial data indicate that on an average, the programme has increased student academic performance by 35 percent in Maths and English. Student motivation and attitude towards learning have dramatically improved.
Amrita Vidyalayams also feature phonics-based learning and have high quality Maths, Language and Science labs. Computer education is introduced from Standard 1 in all Amrita schools. A parent of an UKG child, Seejaya, said that the phonics-based English programmememe kindled a love of reading in her child and she is able to read books above her reading level.
Well connected
“In 2007, Amrita Vidyalayam schools in Kerala had 100% success in the 10th and 12th Standards CBSE exams,” says Ms Prema Nedungadi.
Most Amrita schools have science clubs and recently Dr. C.N.R. Rao, renowned scientist addressed the students on the importance of science and about his new book ‘Learning Science’.
In 2007-’08, the network of schools performed well in academics, arts and sports competitions. Amrita Vidyalayam, Thalassery, hosted this year’s CBSE south zone Judo championship. Amrita Vidyalayam, Perumbavoor boys Judo team won the championship.
The same school scored the highest points in music competitions conducted by the Stallions International Children’s Fest. Amrita Vidyalayam, Palakkad hosted the Palakkad Sahodaya Dance fest and bagged the first position.
Amrita Vidyalayam, Mysore was the runner-up in the CBSE National Table Tennis Championship, held in Hyderabad, where students from seven countries participated.
For more details, visit the website: www.amritalearning.com.
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