Today, the world is experiencing the benefits of the IT Revolution. On one hand, the means of business and communication have undergone a transformation, and the world has come closer, while on the other hand, the interior and rural areas still do not have access to this medium. In 2003, ICECD conceived an innovative project; with the objective of providing easy access to information technology to rural women by developing e-learning centres for better opportunities, resources, training and education through specialized software designed for the rural masses. This facility would help them use e-learning as a medium for socio-economic development in a cost-effective way.
Structure of e-learning
ICECD's connectivity with 18 village centres of Gujarat
Special programmes are created for various target groups
Issues addressed through e-learning
Issue
Programme
Target Group
Health
Jivan Rekha
(Life line)
Women/Children/Youth/Senior Citizen
Income Generation
Aamdani
(Income)
Men/ Women / Youth
Value based Education
Kalarav
(Sweet Music)
Children
Teenage problems, Arts, Career Guidance, Craft
Meghdhanushya
(Rainbow)
Youth
Social Issues, Motivation, Women’s issues
Sahiyar
(A Friend)
Women
E-learning centres with fully developed infrastructure have been handed over to the women SHGs in the community, who have been trained to manage the centres and carry video-conferencing successfully.
The E-learning programmes implemented in the villages through video conferencing are usually of 3 hours duration. The methodology for these programmes involves lectures, uses of charts, demonstrations, guest lectures, films, interactions/discussions and question/answer sessions.
Different learning modules are being used regularly for sensitization and capacity building of the target group.
The new IT technology has helped in strengthening of the sustainable community based organisations, equipped with technical resources and systems.
Rural women have learnt to use IT as an effective tool in their daily life and facilitate their own development regularly and quickly.
Increased access and linkage to Govt. and private institutions and, experts/ professionals for creating effective convergence through the facilities of E-learning centres.
Future Plan for the Utility of the programme
SHG women and the others from the community have expressed their desire to use the facilities further for purposes like:
Training children in use of computers
Communicating with the Government network for all official work
Allowing the use of the computer for e-mail / accounting / web browsing
