A survey conducted by SCERT has revealed that only 60 per cent parents of secondary school students have smartphones with internet
Pune: A survey conducted by the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) has revealed that only 60 per cent parents of secondary school students have smartphones with internet connection.
The SCERT had conducted this survey in which students of Class 1 to 8 were included. The survey was done in view of the Covid-19 pandemic crisis situation in the state. The survey has covered 72 talukas including Mumbai with a total of 760 government schools and 737 schools run by the local government bodies.
About 3304 male students and 3551 girl students were interviewed in the survey. The survey has revealed that although parents of 90 per cent of these students had phone and electricity access, very few of them had smartphones with internet connection.
Pune division has the maximum number of students (64.4 per cent) while Amravati division has the minimum number (31.4 per cent) of students who can use various new age mediums as a part of home education.
SCERT will be implementing some schemes. Television, phone and text messaging mediums will be included in home schooling. The government is thinking of reopening traditional schools in areas where digital resources are not available. Also, for the tribal students along with specially-abled students, the government is thinking of reaching out through volunteers and mobile teachers.
Dinkar Patil, Director of State Council of Educational Research and Training said, “The survey conducted was done before June 15. We are taking efforts to ensure that all students in the state should be able to get education while staying at home. We are undertaking another survey after which the changed situation can be assessed.”
NEW AGE MEDIUM AND ITS AVAILABILITY
SMARTPHONE USE