COMPUTER EDUCATION PROJECT AT VSAI

In Few years ago we started the computer lab for special children at VSAI. The lab sough to inculcate logical thinking and impart functional education to special children with the help of a variety of educational software.

The main objective of the programme was to introduce computers to all children at VSA, and to help them to use a variety of software that supports their educational activities. Computer software, such as "paintbrush" and " greeting card maker" provide a stimulus and a tool to undertake creative activities. A select set of students are also given training in word-processing with a view to train them for possible vocational training. Further, students who are not part of the formal stream of education at VSA undertake leisure time activities. The latter enhances their basic learning skills by providing a non-fromal mode of learning.

When VSAI started its afternoon school - Tarang, for the underprivileged children from the neighbouring communities, we found in them an inherent desire to learn about computers. Since we had five computers lying idle in the afternoons, we decided to extend the computer training facility to the Tarang students. In addition to computer skills, the children attending the lab received instruction in English, Math, Typing, etcetera. The lab was very sucessful. Each year, more and more children wanted to join the classes. They were incredibly enthusiastic about learning how to work with computers.

Consequently we felt the need to expand our lab. Fortunately, our needs were met by the Virginia-based APEX Foundation whose generous timely support enabled us to build a larger computer lab. Now we have fifteen computers where by about 150 under priviliged children are imparted free computer education. We run four short-term modules of three-month's duration each as part of a one-year course. Both Theory and Practical examinations are held at the end of every module and only after passing the exam can the children proceed to the next module. At the completion of the one-year course, children receive a certificate.