Participants:      64 participants from 24 affiliated B.Ed colleges including 8 members of the Board of Studies, Chairman- Board of Studies and the Controller of Examiner- Dr. Vasant Bhosale

Objective of the Session

The session was planned with an objective to orient the Teacher Educators on the core theme of the Intel Teach Curriculum. Out of the participants, only some Teacher Educators had been trained by Intel as Master Trainers. Remaining participants had not received any training on the Intel Teach Curriculum. They wanted to have guidelines for implementing the Intel Teach Curriculum in accordance with syllabus integration as meant for student teachers. The session also aimed at generating awareness on the challenges that colleges may face while implementing the Curriculum and went further to discuss how the University and Colleges can collaboratively overcome these challenges through changes in policies at the University level and following standard rules at the ground level.

Brief Proceedings

An inauguration ceremony was held in the presence of Dr. Vasant Bhosale- Controller of Examination and the Principal of Govt B.Ed College. An insight into the background of the program was provided by Mrs. Ramteke, who is a Master Trainer for the Intel Teach Program. Intel was thanked for its ongoing support and cooperation.

Opening Ceremony with Dr. Vasant Bhosale, Controller of Examiner, Dr. Dhoot- Principal of College, Dr. Ramteke- Lecturer and Priya Kulkarni, Intel Teach Program Mentor.

The session started with the mention of various Intel Education initiatives. This was followed by a brainstorming exercise on 21st century skills. An open discussion was initiated for reasoning out why Indian students lack in intra personal and interpersonal skills. This led to a discussion on the summative examination system followed in India and minimum importance being given to performance or process based education. The participants shared various concerns. The discussion concluded with the observation that the education system in India needs a transformation and thereby it is imperative to introduce Project Based Learning. The participants were then given a brief overview of PBL. After understanding the characteristics of PBL and its role in building a multi skilled person, the need for ongoing assessments was introduced as a necessity for successful implementation of Project Based Learning.

The participants were shown a project portfolio through which PBL and the judicious use of technology for creativity, productivity, research and communication was explained. Before the project showcase, three questions were given to the participants and they were asked to reflect on the same throughout the project showcase. The questions were as follows:

• Which 21st century skills are being targeted by the project?
• How is technology judiciously supporting the project?
• How do the characteristics of PBL reflect in the project?

This showcasing was followed by a brainstorming session and an open discussion on the observations of the participants. The discussion concluded with how technology supported PBL methodology can bring about a change in society by developing useful human beings and inculcating 21st century skills in diverse learners.

 
Session in progress

After a thorough understanding of the core theme of the Intel Teach Curriculum, the focus shifted to how the curriculum can be successfully implemented as a part of the B.Ed syllabus. The Version 4.1 CD folders were explained and the objective behind each folder was specified. The participants were also told how the portfolio as a whole showcases technology supported PBL implementation.

Following suggestions were given to the Teacher Educators-

• Use the pre training resources for students’ orientation on basic computer skills. Basic computer literacy is a major challenge for the 100+ student teachers. It was suggested that the students be asked to self study and then take tests which will lead to reducing the burden of developing technical skills among the students, on the Teacher Educators.
• Use samples for explaining the technology supported PBL methodology and its effectiveness in developing 21st century skills, higher order thinking and the use of technology for research, communication, collaboration, productivity and creativity.
• Explain each folder and every document to be prepared with the objectives and outcomes of the same.
• Explain the Evaluation Tools to student teacher before hand so that they stay focused on the project content and use technology to enhance it rather than for superficial presentation purposes. This will lead to a process based evaluation support rather than only an end of project evaluation.

This was followed by a group activity on existing challenges and how they can be overcome with University support and changes in college level planning and strategies. One of the main challenges observed across the University is that no technical help is available although a mandatory post for the same is prescribed by the University through its Directives. This was put forth by the key members of the BOS for the Dean’s consideration.

Intel Teach Program Mentor being felicitated by Dr. Dhoot, Principal of Govt College of Education, Nanded in the presence of Dr. Vasant Bhosale, Controller of Examiner, Swami Ramanand Teerth University, Nanded.

Key Outcomes

The participants appreciated the session and were very positive about supporting the implementation. Their anxiety about implementing was considerably lessened after tips on implementing were shared. All the members of the BOS as well as the Dean were highly satisfied with the outcome of the session.

Quotes

‘The Intel Teach Program has a solid strong research base and the RC was a value add to all of us in terms of not just technology in education but Education at large’

Dr. Sarang S.B Teacher Educator fro Govt COE, Nanded

‘We are very satisfied with the high quality of content gracefully driven throughout the session. All were able to connect as high scope was given for all to actively participate through brainstorming and discussions’.

Mrs. Ramteke- Coordinator of the session and an MT of the Intel Teach Training