Internet Learning Centres launched in 10 schools

By Our Special Correspondent

HYDERABAD, JULY 18. In an attempt to bridge the digital divide and add a new dimension to computer learning, the Schools Online (SOL), the U.S.-based philanthropic organisation, has launched its Internet Learning Centres (ILC) in 10 `under resourced' schools here on Wednesday.

The first of the ILCs was launched at the Madapati Hanumantha Rao Girls High School here by Mr. J. Satyanarayana, Secretary, Information Technology.

Addressing a press conference later, Ms. Laxmi Pratury, Programme Director, Schools Online, South Asia Region, who hails from Hyderabad and Ms. Srimathi Prasad, Country Manager, Schools Online India, said these 10 schools form part of the chain of 60 schools in India and 60 in other South Asian countries.

Each ILC includes a network of 10 high-speed, Pentium-class computers with colour monitors, two printers, a scanner and a digital still camera. The software package includes word processing, presentation, spreadsheet, anti-virus, web publishing and image editing applications. The SOL has pooled $2.5 millions for the project and each ILC is being set up at a cost of Rs.7 lakhs to Rs. 10 lakhs.

`The objective of Schools Online and ILCs is to enable the underprivileged students to get access to computers and use them as tools to collect and share information with their peers everywhere. It will enhance the learning experience for students in all faculties be it art, drama, history or geography. We believe that the Internet could open the doors of the vast library of knowledge that exists across national borders and promote them', they said.

To make the ILC sustainable, there is a plan to involve a local entrepreneur who can put to use the computers after school hours. The revenue thus generated can be shared by the school for maintenance of ILC and the entrepreneur.

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Section  : Southern States
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