editorial
Technology is for Education The year 2010 saw quite a few major events and stories across school and higher education sector. Some of the precursors of one of the most awaited events near the end of the year is being unfolded in this issue. This issue brings to its readers information on the 6th PanCommonwealth Forum (PCF), a platform on ‘Open Learning’ and global development. It is to spell-out through its workshops, the importance and role of technology in furthering open learning. The event is to take place from 24-28 November 2010 at Le-Meridien, Cochin Resort and Convention Centre (Kochi, Kerala), India; and is themed around the issue of ‘Access and Success in Learning: Global Development Perspectives’. The conference will include participation from over 70 countries and is being organised by Indira Gandhi National Open University and Commonwealth of Learning. This issue, furthermore, floats the current scenario related to Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abiyan (RMSA) that aims at providing universal access and quality secondary education; and Assistive Technology for the differently-abled in education. Secondary education is gaining importance in India because it is at this stage that students prepare for higher education and also for employment. Standards IX and X constitute the secondary stage in school and the normal age group of the children in secondary classes is 14-16. The kind of education at this level decides for Indian students their success at future education or job. Therefore, the need for enhancing access and quality is imperative at the said level. RMSA also works towards ensuring that students acquire sufficient skills till they reach class VIII so that they have the vocational knowledge which is basic for employment.
Advisory Board Prof. Asha Kanwar, Vice President, Commonwealth of Learning Dr. Jyrki Pulkkinen, CEO, Global eSchools & Communities Initiative (GeSCI)
The latter is a note on adaptive technological devices that support the differently-abled population. These are a part of what is called as the Adaptive Technology (AT). Assistive technologies have come as a boon to the differently-abled population. It has enabled them to participate more widely in public life. Though still in its nascent stages in India, assistive technologies – if properly promoted and used – could bring about revolutionary changes and facilitate the creation of a truly inclusive society. In this issue we find out more about what these technologies have to offer. So, join us in this endeavour to cover the current national and technological happenings in space of education.
Shri Subhash C Khuntia, Joint Secretary, Department School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India Prof. V N Rajasekharan Pillai, Vice Chancellor, Indira GandhiI National Open University (IGNOU)
Dr. Ravi Gupta Editor-in-Chief Ravi.Gupta@digitallearning.in
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digital LEARNING
November 2010
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