Computer education may be made mandatory

SCERT proposes that it be introduced from class 8 in govt. schools

A representative image of students using the computer for studies. File Photo

Computer education in government schools may be introduced as a compulsory subject from Class VIII from the forthcoming academic year in the State.

The State Council of Education and Research Training (SCERT) has sent proposals to the Telangana Government in this regard and sought the creation of 4,550 posts for computer teachers. This will entail an expenditure of Rs.106.86 crore in the first year to procure computers, apart from a recurring annual cost of Rs.40.95 crore.

“Earlier, the same subject was introduced in identified schools as co-curricular area without any regular period of instructions and assessment. The instructors used to handle classes for basic skills only. In view of the explosion of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), every student should be computer-literate,” said SCERT consultant Upender Reddy, who was instrumental in preparing the proposals.

Computer education in Navodaya Vidyalayas and schools offering the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) curriculum was studied while preparing the curriculum.

“The purpose will be served only if it is introduced as one of the curricular subjects with appropriate assessment procedures,” said SCERT Director Jagannath Reddy.

“The earlier experience of implementing the scheme through private agencies proved ineffective,” he said, adding that SCERT has also designed the curriculum and was in the process of designing books for training teachers and assessment procedures. “There are about 4,550 government high schools in Telangana and since there would be a requirement of 4,550 computer instructors, the existing Secondary Grade Teacher (SGT) posts may be converted for these recruitments,” officials suggested. To infuse seriousness about the subject, the SCERT mooted that it be made a compulsory subject with online examinations for theory and practice with 50 marks each. The theory exam for Class X for 50 marks would be conducted by the Board of Secondary Education and the remaining 50 marks for practical exams through online designated centres. “The online examination will be free for children studying in government schools,” the document said.