Based on the AP School academic calendar, here is a detailed overview of the Vidya Shakti Programme:
1. Objectives and Purpose
The Vidya Shakti programme aims to achieve the following key goals:
Improve GER & Retention: Improve the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in schools and reduce dropout rates.
Enhance Learning Outcomes: Focus on the foundational content of core subjects such as Mathematics, Science, and English.
Skill Development: Build intellectual capacities by motivating and supporting children through interactive learning tools.
Digital Inclusion: Bring educational awareness to students in remote and rural areas through digital platforms.
2. Focus Areas
Target Group: Students in Grades 3 to 12.
Subjects: Mathematics, Science, and English, with each subject taught twice a week.
Capacity Building: Training teachers to adopt digital platforms and modern pedagogical methods for effective teaching.
3. Mode of Delivery (Hybrid Digital Model)
The programme uses a hybrid digital model to overcome physical and resource-based barriers:
Online Classes: Delivered via Zoom meetings and conducted by bilingual teachers (speaking Telugu and English) who were trained by IITM Pravarthak.
Simulation-Based Learning: Utilizes tools like PHET, O Labs, Circuits.com, and Worldwall.net to make Mathematics, Science, and English concepts engaging. These allow students to visualize concepts and perform virtual experiments.
Recorded Content: Available on a dedicated YouTube channel for students who miss sessions due to power failures or other reasons.
4. Key Features & Implementation
Flexible Timing: Classes are scheduled from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM to avoid conflicts with regular school hours.
Class Coordinators: They upload student assignments and marks into the Vidya Shakti app, monitor regular classes, upload daily attendance and photos, and act as a bridge between teachers, students, and technical teams.
Teacher Training: IIT Madras (IITM) identifies teachers capable of teaching bilingually. Tech-savvy teachers are selected as Master Trainers (Master Coaches) to mentor others.
Employment Opportunities: Rural women are trained as coordinators (under the Digital Akka program), boosting local employment and community engagement.
5. Performance Monitoring and Data Analytics
Vidya Shakti uses a data-driven approach to monitor student performance:
Baseline Tests: Conducted at the start to assess initial learning levels.
Micro Assignments: Weekly peer-evaluated tasks allow for continuous evaluation of student progress.
Data Dashboards: Student performance data is uploaded into dashboards to analyze topics covered versus not covered, and to track improvement trends. This helps stakeholders identify gaps and implement targeted interventions.
6. Timetable Structure (4:00 PM - 5:00 PM)
Academics: Subject-specific classes (Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Science, English) are scheduled across the week for different grades.
Holistic Development: Common classes are held for 6th to 9th grades focusing on Career Guidance, Personality Development, Life Skills, Success Stories, and Skill Development.
Teacher Capacity Building: IITM Pravarthak conducts online capacity building for Science, Maths, and English teachers.