11/19/2007
The Internet is a vast ocean of content but special efforts are needed to translate and contextualize this content for consumption by rural communities.
The lack of digital content in local languages is in fact a significant drawback that keeps a majority of Sri Lankans who cannot read and understand English from reaping the full benefits that Information Technology can bring.
One of the projects to be funded by the Agency under this programme is Shilpa Sayura, a project by eFusion Ltd to create digital content related to the school curriculum in Sinhala to help students in grades 6 through 11. Computers and other basic IT infrastructure are not widely available in rural households, but are necessary in order to use this resource.
The 380-strong Nenasala network provides a practical and efficient means of distributing the content. Therefore, Shilpa Sayura has now been deployed through 20 Nenasalas and will eventually be deployed across the entire network.
Shilpa Sayura provides an interactive means of self study and could be particularly helpful as a teaching resource to children in remote, rural areas who do not have access to teachers. Even children who do have access to teachers can refer to Shilpa Sayura for self study and to better understand a subject that is being taught in school. The content includes text, supported by movie clips, photographs, animations and applet based interactive exercises, totaling over 2 GB. It can therefore go far beyond a textbook’s ability to impart subject knowledge.
Furthermore Shilp a Sayura also provides a platform on which students can interact with one another, share and exchange knowledge.
The content has been generated and reviewed by a panel of teachers from around the country and piloted with schoolchildren and teachers from 20 Nenasala communities. The feedback received has been used to further upgrade subject matter and improve its delivery. It has also been demonstrated to , President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the recently concluded Deyata Kirula exhibition at the BMICH and also to the National Institute of Education.
The goal of the e-SDI programme is to pilot innovative ideas to spread the benefits of ICT to all members of Sri Lankan society.
The Shilpa Sayura project is one of many projects funded by the e-SDI that fulfills this goal. Those interested in working with the e-SDI to help take the dividends of ICT “to every citizen and every village” are invited to visit www.icta.lk/esdi or email esdi@icta.lk for more information.
Source : Daily Mirror
http://www.dailymirror.lk/2007/05/07/ft/16.asp
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