India today aspires to emerge as front-runner amongst the knowledge-based societies. Thus, the benefits of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) revolution in providing education and training of desirable quality can hardly be over emphasised.

The challenge ahead is to provide universal access, equity and quality at the Secondary stage. It is a critical stage in the educational hierarchy as it prepares the students’ career path in higher education as also in the world of work. As educational indicators are not very encouraging at the moment, the responsibility is now to ensure substantial investment to improve the current scenario at the earliest.

Use of technology by students at the Secondary stage pre-supposes their strength in terms of knowledge and skill development. As Internet becomes more and more accessible, the world of information and innovations has become more accessible today. Recognizing the importance of

ICT in education as early as 1984-85, Computer Literacy and Studies in Schools (CLASS) Project was launched. Today, exclusive educational television channel ‘Gyan Darshan’ has been launched to provide satellite based education across the country besides the interactive radio programme.

In December 2004, the ICT in Schools Scheme was launched to open a window of opportunity for secondary stage school students across the country in partnership with states/union territories. While the emphasis has been on the computer literacy programme, the advantage is now realized in use of IT tools for development of e-content in the computer aided learning activities and self learning by students.

The Government of India (GoI) recognizes the need to develop an appropriate National ICT in education policy to integrate ICTs in education and is aware of the role played by various organizations in helping the nation move towards a dynamic and progressive policy. To develop an appropriate and deliberate policy to enhance the role of ICT in education and poverty eradication, the Department of School Education, MHRD, GoI has decided to initiate a consultative and participatory process to formulate the National Policy on ICT in School Education for India.

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Read all the responses to our call for suggestions, recommendations and position papers on ‘Defining a Roadmap for Building a National ICT in School Education Policy’

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