Date:15/07/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/07/15/stories/2007071552780300.htm

Kerala - Kozhikode

Enter the ‘smart classroom’

Staff Reporter

Chief Minister inaugurates project
It will have computer, Net connection, TV, etc.

Kozhikode: Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan inaugurated the ‘smart classroom’ at the Government Girls HSS, Nadakkavu, here on Saturday.

It was set up with the MLA fund of A. Pradeepkumar. Speaking after inaugurating the ‘smart classroom,’ Mr. Achuthanandan said the new IT policy of the LDF Government envisaged internet connections and Edusat facilities in all Government schools. It was during the LDF Government led by E.K. Nayanar that IT @ School project was started. Though the previous UDF Government had made IT a compulsory subject in schools, Microsoft was the proprietary software. But the then Opposition fought for the ‘free software’ and hence it was included, the Chief Minister said.

Presiding over the function, A. Pradeepkumar, MLA, said the ‘smart classroom’ project would be made available in all high schools in his constituency.

‘Smart classroom’ will facilitate live telecast of Edusat programmes from Thiruvananthapuram.

Science laboratories would be set up at all Government Upper Primary Schools in the constituency. Similarly, pedagogy parks will be set up in all Lower Primary Schools. The first such park was set up at Azhchavattom LP School here, he said.

A smart classroom will have a computer, a DVD writer, digital projector, screen, television and internet connection.

The project aims at making learning as attractive as possible for the students.

Mayor M. Bhaskaran inaugurated the building at the school built using Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) funds.