217 Schools in Mumbai Officially Launch 'Intelligent School-Intelligent Village' Initiative, Overseen by BMC and Sampark Foundation
The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has partnered with Sampark Foundation to roll out the 'Smart School-Smart Block' program in 217 municipal schools across Mumbai. The program, aimed at enhancing learning outcomes in government schools through innovative, technology-driven solutions, is part of a nationwide effort that has shown significant gains in Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN) outcomes [1].
Transforming Classrooms into Smart Learning Spaces
The initiative includes the conversion of 273 classrooms into smart learning spaces, equipped with 159 smart TV panels. These panels will provide over 1,000 hours of offline content mapped to state textbooks and curriculum, making classrooms more interactive and engaging for students [1].
Empowering Teachers with Training and Modern Pedagogy
The program will also train 434 teachers in using Sampark’s innovative Teaching Learning Material and pedagogy. This training is expected to enhance teaching capabilities and improve learning outcomes [1].
Impacting Thousands of Students and Teachers
The initiative is expected to directly benefit 3,078 students, turning 273 classrooms into dynamic smart learning spaces, and equipping 434 teachers with training [1].
Building on Previous Successes
This initiative builds on Sampark Foundation’s broader collaboration with the Government of Maharashtra, which has already transformed thousands of classrooms statewide, trained thousands of teachers, and distributed thousands of LED TVs to facilitate smart learning environments [1].
Benefits for Students and Teachers
The benefits observed for students and teachers in Mumbai include more dynamic and engaging classroom environments, enhanced teaching capabilities due to teacher training, and improved learning outcomes expected from the experiential and technology-supported teaching approach [1].
Program's Future Prospects
The program will be reviewed monthly at district and block levels, with refresher training sessions and surveys to ensure measurable improvements in learning outcomes. The program features Sampark FLN TV, a device that transforms any regular television into an interactive smart classroom for Classes 1 to 5 [1].
The program is part of Sampark Foundation's five-year MoU (2023-2028) with the Government of Maharashtra. Under this agreement, 13,128 schools across 13 districts have already seen the conversion of 14,344 classrooms into smart classrooms, the training of 9,972 teachers, and the distribution of 6,167 LED TVs [1].
Led by Chairman Mr. Vineet Nayar, Sampark Foundation has committed ₹100 crores to strengthening foundational learning across the state. The program has trained over 8.5 lakh teachers and established over 40,000 smart classrooms across the country [1].
The program was inaugurated by Mr. Bhushan Gagrani (IAS), Municipal Commissioner and Administrator, BMC. Dr. Amit Saini (IAS), Additional Municipal Commissioner, BMC, along with Dr. K. Rajeswara Rao (Retd. IAS), Chairman of Sampark Foundation and former Special Secretary of NITI Aayog, were also present [1].
[1] Source: Press Release, Sampark Foundation, 2023.
- This partnership between the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation and Sampark Foundation aims to transform municipal schools through the 'Smart School-Smart Block' program, which includes promoting science education and personal growth by leveraging online learning, modern pedagogy, and technology for education and self-development.
- The initiative involves equipping classrooms with smart TV panels to deliver offline content, training teachers in innovative teaching techniques, and converting classrooms into interactive, engaging learning spaces - all aimed at boosting learning outcomes in areas like Foundational Literacy and Numeracy.
- As part of a larger national effort, this program is expected to enhance science education for thousands of students in Mumbai, ultimately contributing to their personal growth and overall development by improving learning outcomes through technology-supported and experiential teaching approaches.
