The objectives of this workshop were:
- To introduce teachers and department officials to the program's goals and processes.
- To identify the interested teachers for the project.
- To brainstorm with them on possible strategies for using ICTs in Education.
- To introduce them to the basics on computer use and the possibilities of ICT based education The workshop was held on 13th and 14th of September, 2010 at Church Hall, Station Bazaar Road, Yadgir. The participants were Mathematics and Science high school teachers from Yadgir block. The rationale for deputation of these teachers included: basic proficiency in computer use, teach Maths and Science, interest in learning more on ICTs in Education.
Around 30 teachers participated on the first day of the workshop and around 35 different teachers on the second day. The agenda followed for the workshop was to introduce them to the different uses of a computer, give them an introduction of the project as well as the pilot done in Bangalore. The afternoon session comprised of explaining to them what a computer was, its components and basic operating system use. They were then introduced to some educational software on Maths and Science. Information on some useful websites was also shared with them. The feedback on both days was positive with participants showing their interest in the program and also feeling the need for computers in their teaching process. On both days the participants were told that only those interested could be part of this project and hence those not interested were to give their names so that they would not be deputed in the future. The participants were encouraged to buy a computer for themselves to promote and develop their own learning. They were also encouraged to buy copies of the National Curriculum Framework (2005) position papers. Many of the participants also bought copies of the Ubuntu operating system and FOSS on Windows. A pre test form was filled by the participants which will be collated and used during the project. Information on infrastructure of the school and stakeholder needs has also been collected. This data will be used to plan the project. The participants decided on the dates for the next workshop to be 3rd, 4th, 5th September. As they expressed need for basic computer literacy, this will be the agenda for the workshop. This will be followed by workshops in November and January on Maths and Science.