IIT Madras to educate students in rural areas

IIT Madras to educate students in rural areas of UP via online classes

/ Education / By

IIT Madras to educate students in rural areas of UP via online classes

In response to the widening educational gap between urban and rural students caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation and OpenMentor’s ‘Vidya Shakti’ initiative have collaborated to offer online classes and virtual reality experiences to rural students in Uttar Pradesh.

IIT Madras to educate students in rural areas of UP via online classes

 OpenMentor, a corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative by Softsmith Infotech Private Limited, is collaborating with IIT Madras to provide targeted classes in language fundamentals, Mathematics, and Science. This initiative has already been implemented in 100 villages of Varanasi district, catering to students in Classes 6 and 8 with Hindi as the medium of instruction.

In order to enhance student engagement and retention, a range of technologies is being utilized. STEM tutors bring VR headsets to the classes, enabling students to actively engage with educational content and immerse themselves in the subject matter through sensors. To explain Science and Mathematics concepts, concise 3D videos are used, while interactive sessions involving questions and answers make the visualizations more impactful. By actively participating and responding to questions during Q&A sessions, students will develop improved responsiveness, communication skills, and overall engagement.

During each session, the STEM tutor will carry three to four VR devices and visit one school in the morning and another in the afternoon. After providing a brief explanation of the concept, students will be divided into small groups to watch the VR videos.

IIT Madras to educate students in rural areas of UP via online classes

IIT Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation serves as the technological innovation hub of the institute and operates as a not-for-profit organization supported by the Government of India’s Department of Science and Technology.

Also Check : IIT-Kanpur 56th Convocation: Doctorate degree to Mary Kom, 2127 students receives degrees

And : Bank Job News