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Kids Hot Spot

Kids of Patiala now have a fun way to learn through SOLE Labs

November 16, 2018 04:40 PM

PATIALA: In modern times, teaching methods are increasingly becoming dependent on rapidly evolving modern technology. However, these methods of improved pedagogy have eluded Government School going students across the nation. But no more shall be the case with children of Patiala.

In order to initiate the process of revamping the existing learning model in Government Schools in line with the present-day requirement, 58 Self Organized Learning Environment - SOLE Labs were inaugurated today in fifty-eight government primary schools spread across various villages of Patiala. One lab is already established at Vill Sidhuwal is and running successfully.

The inauguration of the 58 labs was done at a brief ceremony conducted at Government Elementary School, Dhaun Kala, Sanour by Smt. Preneet Kaur, Former Minister of State for External Affairs, Government of India ans Sh. Sadhu Singh Dharamsot, Minister for Forests & Wildlife and Minister in presence of Deputy Commissioner Patiala Mr Kumar Amit and other officers of the department.

On this occasion, Mrs. Parneet Kaur addressed the students and urged them to make all possible attempts to acquire knowledge and education for their all-round development, as knowledge gives us information about our rights. She said that in order to provide quality education to the students of government schools in the era of modern day, Punjab Government has started the project with the help of private organizations. She praised the efforts of Chief Minister Capt. Amarinder Singh, District Patiala Administration and supporting organizations.

Preneet Kaur said that in this modern age of the kids learn very quickly and therefore it is necessary to provide them such modern education. She said that at the beginning of this lab today, she could not be able to express the happiness that she has seen on the faces of these children while learning on the computer and this is a very good start. She said that this facility would be provided to the students of almost all the villages in the district very soon.

Earlier in his address, Punjab Forest Minister Mr. Sadhu Singh Dharamsot said that the Punjab government under the dynamic leadership of CM Captain Amarinder Singh fully committed to making the standard of government schools of the state at the level of international in education. Mr. DharamSot also urged the teachers of government schools to avoid any stone unturned to make these children of govt. schools educated and skilled and those who neglected them not be apologized. He said that the children of the government schools are flowers which no one takes note of it, therefore the Punjab government is giving special attention to the education of these children and is making efforts to provide them the better education than private schools. He also invited the parents of these children not to take them out of school because the studies is not only for the job but to make them skilled.

 Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Commissioner, Sh. Kumar Amit, informed that SOLE Lab, based on the Hole in the Wall concept of Prof. Sugata Mitra of Newcastle University, England, is a space for self-discovery and learning. Each Lab is equipped with 4 to 5 desktop computers, Smart TV, AC and speakers. The inquisitive young children use the internet and ICT technologies in small groups to learn about various things on their own. The children think on their own and feed their curiosity in this self-learning environment. This learning platform inculcates and improves confidence, collaborative culture, language and public speaking skills, teamwork, and the ability to enjoy studies, teaching and learning, higher cognitive skills and innovation.

Deputy Commissioner thanked Chief Minister Punjab Capt Amrinder Singh and Sh. Dharamsot, Minister for SC & BC Welfare for providing funds for this initiative and also acknowledged the role of RoundGlass Foundation, all Panchayats, BSNL and other stakeholders including the staff of the schools participating in this initiative. He further informed that buoyed by the successes of the program, a PSU has shown interest in setting up 25 more such labs in the district.

This unique educational program has captured the hearts and minds of the young children and the numbers show an increase in their classroom participation, learning and comprehension ability and the enrolment in these schools. This sure is a promising start for the bright young children of Patiala. PRTC Chairman Mr. KK Sharma, Former Information Commissioner Mr. Harinder Pal Singh Harry Mann, Ritinder Singh Rikky Mann, Additional Deputy Commissioner (G) Mr Showkat Ahmad Parry, IAS (UT) Mr. Rahul Sindhu, students, teachers, villagers and others were present on the occasion.

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