Signalling a new era in teaching the hearing impaired
SHWETA WALISHETTAR B. D. Tatti Deaf & Dumb School | Lakshmeshwar, Karnataka
LEARNING FOR A LIFETIME
The self-sustaining digital literacy model encompasses: Illustrating difficult concepts with videos and presentations using Microsoft Office PowerPoint and Windows Movie Maker Developing analytical skills with calculations and spreadsheets on Microsoft Office Excel Nurturing a spirit of enquiry by learning more with online research and scanning materials
Now an inspiring teacher at the B. D. Tatti Deaf & Dumb School, Shweta was severely crippled at the age of 6 months. Growing up, she realised how lack of access and facilities hinder learning for the specially-abled and resolved to help address their needs. Even as she used sign language to teach, Shweta felt it was necessary to further simplify computer education. Microsoft’s Project Shiksha teacher training program presented this opportunity. The trainers at the Microsoft Shiksha IT Academy in Dharwad helped her develop a unique sign language to bring the world of computers alive. Using her background in computers and newly acquired skills, Shweta now teaches Computer Education to students from 8 to 15 years. Online browsing, doing research and creating their own learning materials help students develop practical skills. Recently, they developed a campaign to create awareness about the needs of deaf and mute children! The result - skills that go beyond textbooks to create a better life for all.
ENABLING INDIA This story is one of the many steps on the road to enabling India. Partnering with 12 state governments, Project Shiksha has helped train over 5,12,000 teachers in IT skills, who have impacted over 25 million students so far. To know more about Microsoft’s initiatives, visit www.microsoft.com/india/msindia