Information and Communication Technology

for the School System

Curricula for ICT in Education

Version #1.01

Developed by
Central Institute of Educational Technology
National Council of Educational Research and Training, New Delhi

August, 2013
Foreword

It is well accepted that Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) have

an immense potential to impact education – of children, of teachers, of teacher
educators and others, and provide newer and more effective ways of mitigating
some of the challenges being faced by the educational system of our country.
These technologies distinguish themselves by their rapid evolution, continu-
ously changing the modes of engagement with them. A decade long infusion of
computers, and more recently ICT, have demonstrated varying impacts on learn-
ing. Besides, ICT are also among the most expensive of investments, causing much
confusion regarding practices that have the best returns on investments. Under
these circumstances, the recent National Policy on ICT in School Education is a
beacon which directs future implementations. Guided by the Policy, and anchor-
ing firmly on the National Curriculum Framework, this document unveils generic
curricula for the school system.
The school context is riddled with disparities emerging primarily from socio-
economic sources, but manifested as denial of access. At any given instant of
time, therefore, one encounters schools at different levels of preparedness for ICT
infusion, teachers with varying levels of awareness of and ability to use ICT in edu-
cation and students with varied levels of exposure. Fitting a curricular prescription
into such diversity calls for an openness in approach.
The present document shares the resolve of the National Curriculum Frame-
work to respect the right of every learner to negotiate learning spaces on their own
and develop their unique world views. Accordingly it underscores the need for op-
portunities of exploration, exercising of imagination and creativity and connecting
to and being a part of the larger community of learners, thereby influencing and
impacting human understanding.
The NCERT appreciates the work done by the ICT Curriculum Group in ar-
ticulating a response to the emergent need. Several persons have contributed to
the development of the curricula; we are grateful to each of them. We hope that
the curricula laid out here will not only be found relevant but also help orient
technology use towards more meaningful applications in education. As an organi-
sation committed to systemic reform and continuous improvement in the quality of
its interventions, NCERT welcomes comments and suggestions which will inform
further revision and refinement.

Director

New Delhi, August, 2013 National Council of Educational

Research and Training
Contents

1 Overview 7

2 Guiding Principles 9

3 Part 1: ICT Curriculum for Teachers 10

3.1 Competencies defined in the National
Policy on ICT in School Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
3.2 The Learning Strands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
3.2.1 Connecting with the World . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
3.2.2 Connecting with Each Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
3.2.3 Creating with ICT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
3.2.4 Interacting with ICT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
3.2.5 Possibilities in Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
3.2.6 Reaching Out and Bridging Divides . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
3.3 Syllabus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
3.3.1 Objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
3.3.2 Organising Learning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
3.3.2.1 Induction 01 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
3.3.2.2 Refresher 01 – Digital Story Telling . . . . . . . . . 17
3.3.2.3 Refresher 02 – Data Analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
3.3.2.4 Refresher 03 – Internet as a Learning Resource . . 18
3.3.2.5 Refresher 04 – ICT for teaching-learning - 1 . . . . 18
3.3.2.6 Refresher 05 – ICT for teaching-learning - 2 . . . . 19
3.3.2.7 Refresher 06 – ICT for Evaluation . . . . . . . . . 20
3.3.2.8 Induction 02 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
3.3.2.9 Refresher 07 – ICT for Documentation and
Communication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
3.3.2.10 Refresher 08 – Games . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
3.3.2.11 Refresher 09 – Building Communities and
Collectivising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
3.3.2.12 Refresher 10 to 13 – Subject Specific ICT Tools . . 23

5
 3.3.2.13 Refresher 14 – ICT for Educational Administration
and Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
3.3.2.14 Induction 03 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
3.3.3 Assessment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

4 Part 2: ICT Curriculum for Students 26

4.1 The Learning Strands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
4.2 Syllabus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
4.2.1 Objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
4.2.2 Organising Learning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
4.2.2.1 Year 01 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
4.2.2.2 Year 02 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
4.2.2.3 Year 03 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
4.2.3 Assessment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

5 ICT Curriculum Group 31

1. Overview

The National Policy on ICT in school education has set the goal of preparing
youth to participate creatively in the establishment, sustenance and growth of a
knowledge society leading to all round socio-economic development of the nation
and to be geared for global competitiveness.
The National Curriculum Framework which guides the teaching-learning effort
in schools cautions that technology used as a mere medium to disseminate infor-
mation tends to bypass the teacher. It expresses a firm belief that teachers and
children must be treated not merely as consumers but also as active producers. It
is the two-way interactivity rather than one-way reception that would make the
technology educational.
The present curricula for ICT in education is a step towards realizing the goals
of both the National Policy and the National Curriculum Framework. It has
factored in the rapid evolution of technologies and the ground realities of Indian
school systems. For the teacher, it is an initiation into exploring educational
possibilities of technology, learning to make the right choices of hardware, software
and ICT interactions, and more importantly, growing to become a critical user of
ICT. For the student, it is an initiation into creativity, problem solving, and an
introduction to the world of information and technologies which could also shape
career pursuits.
ICT distinguish themselves from other technologies by their rapid evolution,
defeating attempts to define a curriculum which can serve the schools for a while.
Keeping up with the changes require constant upgradation and at times, unavoid-
able replacements, which makes it an expensive proposition. Given the dynamic
nature of the field, the curricula, emphasising the core educational purposes, are
generic by design and focus on a broad exposure to technologies aimed at enhanc-
ing the creativity and imagination of the learners.
Recognising that teachers as a group represent varying levels of exposure to
ICT, the curriculum for teachers attempts to fast track them into becoming pro-
ficient users of ICT by defining milestones and an evaluation system that allows
for teachers to assess their readiness and decide their pace through the course.
Based on the size of the school, the infrastructure available and other related

7
8 CHAPTER 1. OVERVIEW

issues like availability of electricity, students may have varying access to the ICT
facilities and resources. The student’s curriculum, therefore, is designed as a three
year course spanning 90 weeks with three sessions per week. Schools may opt to
begin the curricular programme as early as sixth grade (beginning of the upper
primary stage), in any case completing the programme before the student leaves
school. The ICT curriculum is a common programme for all students in school.
As such it is distinct from any optional subject at the plus two stage and distinct
from any vocational education programme under the NVEQF.
The curricula are built around a set of guiding principles, enabling any school
system to provide the right exposure to emerging technologies to build capabilities
in teachers and students, not only to use technology comfortably, but also employ
them judiciously to enhance their learning.
The requirements of the curricula are not to be hardware or software specific.
Undoing the general trend of limiting software to office applications, which are
not only ill suited for educational purposes but also tend to narrow down the view
of what computers and ICT can achieve, a wide range of software applications
specifically designed for education are introduced. Use of proprietary software
would become very expensive and make the implementation unviable. Therefore,
Free and Open Source software have been suggested throughout the curricula. The
use of FOSS applications will also obviate software piracy and enable customisation
to suit local needs.
The curricula underscore the need for internet connectivity of adequate band-
width, particularly for teachers as access to the internet is no more a matter of
choice. The educational potential of internet resources and interactions are im-
mense. It also serves the essential purpose of connecting teachers and schools to
each other and contributing to bridging of divides.
Responding to the National Curriculum Framework’s observation that treating
e-content as yet another teaching aid trivialises the potential of this medium and
has detrimental effects on teaching-learning practices and the role of the teacher,
the teachers’ curriculum emphasises the involvement of teachers in the creation
of e-content, its sharing with peers and its critical evaluation. Taking cognizance
of parallel efforts like the National Repository of Open Education Resources, the
curriculum encourages the participation of teachers in its collaborative platform
to share such evaluated creations.
2. Guiding Principles

1. The curricula shall be generic, drawing upon the features of a wide range of
technological applications and focussing on educational purposes.

2. The focus of the curricula shall be on learning to compute, which includes

learning to create using a variety of hardware and software tools. ICT liter-
acy, defined as the knowledge and ability to wield tools and devices, shall be
an incidental outcome of this learning.

3. The curricula shall provide adequate opportunity for hands on learning and
open ended exploration of ICT applications. Sharing of learning and critical
evaluation of the learning shall be integral to the strategy.

4. A healthy ICT environment requires heightened awareness of the social, eth-

ical and legal aspects of its use. Software piracy and plagiarism shall be
explicitly denounced and discouraged. Creation of original content, taking
pride in the creation and duly recognising others’ contributions shall be pro-
moted. Safe and secure use of ICT shall also be promoted.

5. The curricula shall promote the full utilisation of infrastructure and re-
sources, integrating it with the school’s programme. Universal access and
fostering of a sense of ownership shall be encouraged to ensure maximum
impact. Innovative ways of reaching the unreached shall be promoted.

9
3. Part 1: ICT Curriculum for
Teachers

The teachers’ curriculum is considered a significant vehicle for the realisation of

the goals of the National Curriculum Framework and consequently is designed
to provide an enhanced exposure to information and resources for ongoing pro-
fessional support, improved teaching-learning-evaluation-tracking, and increased
productivity.
The National Policy on ICT in School Education organises the competencies
for ICT Literacy into three broad levels, basic, intermediate and advanced, and
the curriculum subsumes them.

3.1 Competencies defined in the National

Policy on ICT in School Education
Stage 1: Basic
Basics of computers and basic use of tools and techniques – operate a com-
puter, store, retrieve and manage data, use a computer to achieve basic
word and data processing tasks; connect, disconnect and troubleshoot basic
storage, input and output devices.
Connect to the internet, use e-mail and web surfing, use search engines;
keep the computer updated and secure; operate and manage content from
external devices (sound recorders, digital cameras, scanners etc.); connect,
disconnect, operate and troubleshoot digital devices.

Stage 2: Intermediate
Create and manage content using a variety of software applications and digi-
tal devices; using web sites and search engines to locate, retrieve and manage
content, tools and resources; install, uninstall and troubleshoot simple soft-
ware applications.

10
3.2. THE LEARNING STRANDS 11

Stage 3: Advanced
Use different software applications to enhance one’s own learning – database
applications, analysis of data and problem solving, computing, design, graph-
ical and audio-visual communication; undertake research and carry out projects
using web resources; use ICT for documentation and presentation; create and
participate in web based networks for cooperative and collaborative learning;
become aware of issues of cyber security, copyright and safe use of ICT and
take necessary steps to protect oneself and ICT resources.

The content of the curriculum involves activities which simultaneously draw

upon competencies from different levels, such that a completion of all levels is
ensured.

3.2 The Learning Strands

The learning strands seek to build capacities to handling today’s and tomorrow’s
technologies appropriate for use in education, capitalizing on technology to master
technology, managing the ICT infrastructure, using technology to surmount bar-
riers and to acquiring insights to lead technology educationally. The six strands
are:

1. Connecting with the world

2. Connecting with each other
3. Creating with ICT
4. Interacting with ICT
5. Possibilities in education
6. Reaching out and bridging divides

3.2.1 Connecting with the World

ICT tools enable anytime, anywhere access to information and resources. Given
the proliferation of internet connectivity, the curriculum recognises the fact that
being connected to the internet offers tremendous benefits to teachers in terms of
capabilities to access information and resources of various kinds and to utilize them
in their teaching-learning. Not only will these add to the range of techniques that
teachers use, but also make a difference to their students learning. The ability
to critically review and use the resources will be an essential input to teachers
professional development.
12 CHAPTER 3. PART 1: ICT CURRICULUM FOR TEACHERS

Becoming aware of the range of materials the web offers for the teachers’ own
learning as well resources for their teaching; critical appraisal of the informa-
tion and resources; safe, productive, ethical and legal use of these resources; and
protecting oneself and others from the harmful effects of the virtual medium is
fundamental to every teacher’s learning.
Therefore, the strand introduces teachers to the internet and its resources; us-
ing browsers and search engines; choosing appropriate sites; search and retrieval of
information and resources; different kinds of websites and interactivity; navigating
the web, bookmarks, subscriptions to services and products; downloading infor-
mation and resources; awareness of formats and techniques; copyright and safety
issues; uploading and sharing information; and transactions through internet.

3.2.2 Connecting with Each Other

ICT tools also enable a variety of ways to keep people connected. Synchronous
and asynchronous modes increase the degree of interactivity and help create com-
munities, which can then collaborate to form interest groups for a common cause.
While at the bare minimum, it enables a very rapid way of communicating with
a friend, it can be leveraged to break teachers’ isolation and promote professional
growth.
Becoming aware of various communication possibilities, becoming interested
in and participating in professional communities and keeping abreast with newer
ways of communicating are essential to keep the teachers in sync with develop-
ments of technology and updated about developments in her own discipline and
in educational practice.
Learning to create an email ID; send and receive emails; store and manage
communication; handle attachments; maintain address books; form or join email
forums; participate in discussion forums, wikis, video and audio conferencing, so-
cial networks, blogging and microblogging; become aware of cyber bullying and
other social issues are essential parts of teachers’ cyber kit.

3.2.3 Creating with ICT

ICT tools are not seen as an end in themselves but as an opportunity to create and
express. Modern ICT employ a variety of media forms – text, graphics, animation,
audio and video, enabling a rich communication. Easy, friendly ways have been
discovered to interact with ICT. Together they expand enormously the range of
learning that can accrue.
Software applications and hardware devices have become increasingly versatile
and cater to a variety of learning needs. The wider the range of tools, devices, soft-
ware applications and techniques that teachers are aware of and can productively
3.2. THE LEARNING STRANDS 13

use, the wider will be the opportunities for developing their imagination and ex-
pression. Treating a computer as a mere information delivery device will lead to a
gross underutilisation of its capabilities and diminish its use for teaching-learning.
With access to a range of tools and devices, the repertoire of communication skills
will also increase. The teachers’ ability to leverage the interactive features into
teaching-learning will also extend the range of activities students can be involved
in and learn from.
Creating, curating, managing images and documents; repurposing them into
communications; gathering and processing data and presenting them; working with
audio and video tools to create media rich communications; learning to program
and control devices and processes, become important to teachers.

3.2.4 Interacting with ICT

ICT are evolving at a very rapid pace. The type of device, its operating processes,
the purpose for which the tool is to be deployed – the range of essential learning in
ICT is ever increasing. While the computer has evolved to take on more and more
complex tasks, the interface itself has become simpler by the day. From the days of
a command line interface to an app based touch interface, computers have become
extremely productive, finding uses in more and more applications, particularly in
the daily routine of every common man.
Understanding how ICT systems operate and an appreciation of the range
of ICT tools available today can help identify opportunities for teaching-learning.
Extensive use also helps make informed decisions in selecting the most appropriate
tools for education.
A computer today is not just a large calculator but an integrated communica-
tion medium. Expectedly, the more the functions, the more the complexity. The
free participatory ways in which this technology has grown has also brought in di-
verse ways in which different hardware and software achieve similar tasks. Keeping
abreast of the technology becomes a challenge. At the same time, trying to learn
every new tool in a rote manner would not be fruitful either. A broad concep-
tual understanding of how ICT devices and tools work, along with an operational
knowledge of safe and efficient use of ICT is the aim, together with learning basic
ways to troubleshoot and working around problems.
Connecting input and output devices – printers, scanners, webcam, digital cam-
era, sound recorder, projector, headphone; using storage devices and optical disks;
mounting and dismounting devices; connecting to the internet – modem, data
card, Wi-Fi, LAN; bandwidth and connection speeds; software installation; using
different operating systems; file management; settings and configurations; enabling
regional language support; troubleshooting and basic repair; virus protection and
safety of equipment and user form the strand’s focus.
14 CHAPTER 3. PART 1: ICT CURRICULUM FOR TEACHERS

3.2.5 Possibilities in Education

ICT capabilities have led to a wide variety of educational applications. Soft-
ware applications which extend learning, immerse students in experimentation
and problem solving, make available data sets to process and retrieve information
from are commonly used in education. Online resources – books, courses, media
materials have become common. Interactive possibilities, individual users inter-
acting with packaged material or groups of people interacting with each other have
opened up ways in which teaching-learning is transacted.
While the glamour and novelty of the medium attracts everyone, becoming
a discerning, critical user of ICT is very essential. Sugar coating of information
cannot constitute enriching of experience. Learning to acquire insights into how
ICT operate and impact teaching-learning, what forms of media and information
can be appropriate to learning, how educational goals can become the arbiter of
choices made in ICT, assessment and evaluation of ICT tools, devices, information
and resources are very important, if cost effective and meaningful ICT has to be
promoted. This strand therefore forms the bridge between the aspirations of the
education system and the run away developments in ICT.
The strand involves exploration and experimentation with open education re-
sources (OER)– access, use and evaluation, creation and contribution of educa-
tional resources; research and critical appraisal of the utility and effectiveness of
ICT devices and tools; familiarity with virtual environments for self-learning and
teaching-learning; familiarity with the web and its range of resources; produc-
tivity tools and their meaningful use; tools and forums for planning, organising,
teaching-learning, assessment and evaluation; tools and forums for professional
growth.

3.2.6 Reaching Out and Bridging Divides

ICT has become available widely, overcoming geographical and social boundaries.
But this has not naturally ensured access to its benefits to all. ICT itself has
evolved techniques – a DVD or a music player as examples of portability, forums
as examples of public helplines and support, public sharing and open educational
resources; a wide range of free and open source software - auguring well for im-
proved access.
Language barriers and professional isolation can deny students and teachers
access to the wide range of digital information and resources. Becoming aware of,
experimenting with, participation in and creation of resources and support aimed
at those denied access will help reach out and bridge the divides. Physically
challenged, particularly the visually impaired and the auditorily impaired cannot
access information as easily.
3.3. SYLLABUS 15

The theme will involve an exposure to building digital communities; under-

standing the need for and evolving a shared agenda; creating, sharing, and curating
resources for teacher and student communities; community radio; local language
tools and local content, translators and translations; subtitling video; disability
and assistive technologies – screen readers for the visually impaired; audio books;
talking books; collaborative possibilities – wikis, open maps, data repositories and
forums.

3.3 Syllabus
The ICT curriculum broadly attempts to equip teachers with ICT competencies
to strengthen their own professional capabilities and to effectively use ICT tools
and devices in their teaching-learning. Teachers will also be trained to manage the
ICT environment in the school and function as a local coordinator for organising
capacity building programmes.
The curriculum therefore is rolled out as a series of short courses, spanning
the six strands and ensuring together the basic, intermediate and advanced levels
of competence. Three induction courses and fourteen refresher courses leading to
a diploma in ICT in education is proposed. The first set of six refresher courses
will be organized in between the first and second induction courses and a second
set of eight refresher courses will be organized between second and third induction
courses. Refresher ten to thirteen will include optional courses; a number of subject
specific and interest based courses will be offered under these refresher courses so
that a teacher may choose any four courses from them.

3.3.1 Objectives
After undergoing this course the teacher will be able to:

1. Effectively use ICT tools, software applications and digital resources

2. Integrate ICT into teaching-learning and its evaluation
3. Acquire, organize and create her own digital resources
4. Participate in the activities of teachers’ networks
5. Participate in the evaluation and selection of ICT resources
6. Practice safe, ethical and legal ways of using ICT
7. Use ICT for making classroom processes more inclusive and to address mul-
tiple learning abilities
16 CHAPTER 3. PART 1: ICT CURRICULUM FOR TEACHERS

3.3.2 Organising Learning

The session wise break up of topics to be covered during the induction and refresher
courses:

3.3.2.1 Induction 01
Objectives

1. Deconstructing the ICT environment

2. Interacting with the ICT environment
3. Interacting with the internet and the web
4. Getting familiar with educational applications of ICT

Session Breakup
Session 01: Accessing the web I – introduction to the browser and browsing
Session 02: Accessing the web II – introduction to the web
Session 03: Familiarity with the ICT environment – connections and connectors
Session 04: Inputting in Indian languages – fonts and keyboard
Session 05: Creating with ICT – handling text
Session 06: Creating with ICT – handling data
Session 07: Creating with ICT – handling media
Session 08: Operating systems and its requirements
Session 09: Bringing together hardware and software
Session 10: Internet to access information I – exploring web resources
Session 11: Internet to access information II – exploring web resources
Session 12: ICT in the classroom – hardware and software
Session 13: Assistive technologies
Session 14: Working with data I – exploring spreadsheets
Session 15: Working with data II – exploring spreadsheets
Session 16: Email and web based forums
Session 17: Transacting through the web – exploring e-commerce applications
Session 18: MIS systems for educational management
Session 19: Exhibition and peer evaluation
Session 20: Evaluation and portfolio submission
3.3. SYLLABUS 17

3.3.2.2 Refresher 01 – Digital Story Telling

Objectives

1. Capturing information in non-textual ways; appropriate media choices for a given

communication need
2. Combining text, graphic and audio visuals to create a communication
3. Developing a story and scripting by combining multiple digital methods
4. Developing digital stories for communication in classrooms
5. Evaluating digital stories
6. Exploring possibilities for inclusion using digital story telling

Session Breakup
Session 01: Deconstructing digital stories
Session 02: Image and video-recording and editing
Special Lecture: Demonstration of photo editing
Session 03: Combining media to tell a story – scripting
Session 04: Evaluating digital stories
Special Lecture: Creating photo essays and video documentation as a source of infor-
mation and a learning process
Session 05: Projects to be completed during day 3 - 8
Session 06: Digital stories for communicating and learning - possibilities of inclusion
Session 07: Exhibition and peer evaluation of project lessons; portfolio submission and
evaluation

3.3.2.3 Refresher 02 – Data Analysis

Objectives

1. Looking at data, reading data and making meaning (using a variety of data sets)
2. Plotting the data set and reading the graph
3. Querying data sets and plots for analysis, including multiple data sets
4. Using data visualization
5. Exploring data collection, data capture and analysis formats
6. Evaluating data, data sources and visualizations
7. Using data tables and graphs for communicating

Session Breakup
Session 01: Look at data, read and make meaning
Session 02: Plots and graphs
18 CHAPTER 3. PART 1: ICT CURRICULUM FOR TEACHERS

Special Lecture: What questions to ask? When to use which methods of data repre-
sentation and visualization? Limitations of data sources, data representation and data
analysis
Session 03: Querying data sets and plots
Session 04: Exploring sources of data, Evaluation of data
Special Lecture: Excerpts from the video “The most important video you will ever see”
- on the power of data
Session 05: Projects to be completed during day 3 - 8
Session 06: Communicating data and data analysis
Session 07: Exhibition and peer evaluation of project lessons; portfolio submission and
evaluation

3.3.2.4 Refresher 03 – Internet as a Learning Resource

Objectives

1. Exploring the internet for personal enrichment and professional learning, for teaching-
learning ideas and creation of multiple learning spaces
2. Identifying appropriate resources for specific learning needs in the areas above
3. Organizing the identified resources
4. Evaluating resources for use in specific contexts

Session Breakup
Session 01: Demonstrating different types of websites to show the possibilities for per-
sonal learning
Session 02: Web-based learning objects, simulations and tutorials
Special Lecture: A grand tour of the internet
Session 03: Participating in forums for identifying learning resources, teaching-learning
ideas
Session 04: Software applications and tools as and for using teaching-learning resources
Special Lecture: Exploring MOOCs as a space for continuous learning
Session 05: Projects to be completed during day 3 - 8
Session 06: Evaluating internet resources in terms of relevance, ease of use and context
Session 07: Exhibition and peer evaluation of project lessons; portfolio submission and
evaluation

3.3.2.5 Refresher 04 – ICT for teaching-learning - 1

Objectives

1. Deconstructing ICT in teaching-learning (ICT – availability of – changing the way

one can access learning)
3.3. SYLLABUS 19

2. Organising learning (for self) and designing learning environments for classrooms
3. Analysing curriculum to identify areas for ICT infusion (analysing and abstracting,
evaluating and problem solving)
4. Mapping of content and skills to be built
5. Identifying applications, media and materials to achieve (3) above
6. Building personal libraries of classroom ideas

Session Breakup
Session 01: Curriculum analysis to determine content (what do I need to teach and what
do I need to know)
Session 02: Determine the resources for teaching-learning
Special Lecture: ICT infusion and going beyond the textbook (Presentation of a case
study of how the availability of ICT resources can actually result in a different learning
experience)
Session 03: Determine appropriate ICT infusion and design a learning plan for a given
topic; Identify and add metadata for ICT resources that can be used
Session 04: Exploration of the world of ICT resources for teaching-learning
Special Lecture: ICT Showcase – Educational applications of ICT
Session 05: Projects to be completed during day 3 – 8 (Transacting lessons using given
ICT resources and evaluating it)
Session 06: Evaluation of resources – Framework for assessing and evaluating ICT re-
sources - educational tools and applications for integrating ICT into lessons
Session 07: Exhibition and peer evaluation of project lessons; portfolio submission and
evaluation

3.3.2.6 Refresher 05 – ICT for teaching-learning - 2

Objectives

1. Deconstructing ICT for teaching-learning (Using ICT in the classroom, technolo-

gies and methods)
2. Organizing learning and designing learning environments (classroom organisation
and adaptation for ICT)
3. Interacting with hardware and software
4. Building personal libraries of classroom resources

Session Breakup
Session 01: Exploring ICT for teaching-learning, curriculum analysis to determine meth-
ods of transacting (how do I teach it)
Session 02: Using appropriate hardware (CD/DVD, projectors, interactive boards...)
Special Lecture: ICT showcase, relevant technologies for the classroom
20 CHAPTER 3. PART 1: ICT CURRICULUM FOR TEACHERS

Session 03: Using appropriate software (single and multiple media, animations and sim-
ulations)
Session 04: Classroom organisation for ICT infused lessons (teacher led instruction, self-
learning and group activities)
Special Lecture: Focussing on enhancing learning – appropriate technologies
Session 05: Projects to be completed during day 3 – 8 (Transacting lessons using given
ICT resources and evaluating it)
Session 06: Evaluation of technologies and ICT infused classrooms – criteria for effective
technology use and effectiveness of technology in classrooms
Session 07: Exhibition and peer evaluation of project lessons; portfolio submission and
evaluation

3.3.2.7 Refresher 06 – ICT for Evaluation

Objectives

1. Deconstructing evaluation and ICT for evaluation

2. Exploring tools and techniques for ICT for evaluation
3. Interacting with appropriate software
4. Building personal libraries of evaluation resources

Session Breakup
Session 01: Evaluation and ICT for Evaluation – purposes and techniques of evaluation,
scope of ICT for evaluation
Session 02: Exploring software tools for evaluation
Special Lecture: What can data reveal – exploring data analytics
Session 03: Using appropriate software 01 (for constructing tests / quizzes)
Session 04: Using appropriate software 02 ( managing data, analysis of results, tracking
student achievement)
Special Lecture: Focussing on enhancing learning – tracking and managing student
achievement
Session 05: Projects to be completed during day 3 – 8 (Constructing and implementing
tests / quizzes using given ICT resources)
Session 06: Evaluation of the evaluation process – criteria for technology choice
Session 07: Exhibition and peer evaluation of project lessons; portfolio submission and
evaluation

3.3.2.8 Induction 02
Objectives

1. Deconstructing the ICT environment

3.3. SYLLABUS 21

2. Interacting with the ICT environment

3. Interacting with the internet and the web
4. Getting familiar with educational applications of ICT

Session Breakup
Session 01: Troubleshooting and seeking help
Session 02: Installing hardware and software
Session 03: Synchronous communication on the web
Session 04: Uploading to the web
Session 05: Advanced text processing 01
Session 06: Advanced graphics 01
Session 07: Advanced spreadsheets 01
Session 08: Storage and backup
Session 09: Exhibition and peer evaluation
Session 10: Evaluation and portfolio submission

3.3.2.9 Refresher 07 – ICT for Documentation and

Communication
Objectives

1. Deconstructing documentation, communication and media

2. Exploring tools and techniques for documentation and communication
3. Interacting with appropriate software
4. Building personal libraries of documentation and communication resources

Session Breakup
Session 01: Appropriate media for documentation – features and scope
Session 02: Appropriate media for communication – features and scope
Special Lecture: Communication showcase – what media combination and when
Session 03: Layout, format, and structuring communication
Session 04: Packaging and presenting communication in print, media and the web
Special Lecture: Innovative, interactive presentations – using the features of the web
Session 05: Projects to be completed during day 3 – 8 (creating communication using
multiple media and its evaluation)
Session 06: Evaluating media choice and techniques for documentation and communica-
tion
Session 07: Exhibition and peer evaluation of project lessons; portfolio submission and
evaluation
22 CHAPTER 3. PART 1: ICT CURRICULUM FOR TEACHERS

3.3.2.10 Refresher 08 – Games

Objectives

1. Deconstructing educational games and ICT games

2. Exploring educational games and game sources
3. Creating games infused learning environments
4. Building personal libraries of gaming resources

Session Breakup
Session 01: Gaming environments for education – range and scope
Session 02: Exploring offline and online games 01
Special Lecture: The psychology of games – immersive gaming environments
Session 03: Exploring offline and online games 02
Session 04: Infusing games into teaching-learning; creating appropriate classroom envi-
ronments
Special Lecture: Gaming showcase – games for different ages
Session 05: Projects to be completed during day 3 – 8 (exploring educational games with
students, documenting its effects)
Session 06: Evaluating games and gaming environments
Session 07: Exhibition and peer evaluation of project lessons; portfolio submission and
evaluation

3.3.2.11 Refresher 09 – Building Communities and

Collectivising
Objectives

1. Deconstructing online communities and collectivising

2. Exploring online communities and participating in them
3. Integrating communities into teaching-learning
4. Participating in online communities and collectives

Session Breakup
Session 01: Online Communities – analysing interactions
Session 02: Sharing thoughts and ideas – blogs, forums and mailing lists
Special Lecture: Virtual communities and virtual identities
Session 03: Collaborative creations 01 – online documents
Session 04: Collaborative creations 02 – wiki as a collective
Special Lecture: Communities’ showcase – developing common cause
Session 05: Projects to be completed during day 3 – 8 (participating in an online com-
munity and documenting the experience)
3.3. SYLLABUS 23

Session 06: Evaluating online communities and participation

Session 07: Exhibition and peer evaluation of project lessons; portfolio submission and
evaluation

3.3.2.12 Refresher 10 to 13 – Subject Specific ICT Tools

Objectives

1. Deconstructing the software application, its scope for teaching-learning

2. Exploring the software application
3. Creating content for teaching-learning
4. Building personal libraries of content resources

Session Breakup
Session 01: Understanding the application, its scope for teaching-learning
Session 02: Exploring the software application
Special Lecture: Application showcase – what can you do with it?
Session 03: Exploring the software application
Session 04: Creating content resources
Special Lecture: Extending learning – using the application for activities and projects
Session 05: Projects to be completed during day 3 – 8 (Constructing and implementing
a lesson incorporating the software application or content resources made with it)
Session 06: Evaluating content resources made with the software application
Session 07: Exhibition and peer evaluation of project lessons; portfolio submission and
evaluation

3.3.2.13 Refresher 14 – ICT for Educational Administration and Man-

agement
Objectives

1. Deconstructing ICT for educational administration and management

2. Exploring tools and techniques for administration and management
3. Interacting with appropriate applications and data sources
4. Participate in ICT based educational administration and management

Session Breakup
Session 01: Role of ICT in educational administration and management – role of infor-
mation management, process and tools
Session 02: Analysing sources, nature and collection of data
Special Lecture: Databases for educational management – application showcase
Session 03: Creating databases for educational administration
24 CHAPTER 3. PART 1: ICT CURRICULUM FOR TEACHERS

Session 04: Populating data, managing the database, querying and retrieving data
Special Lecture: Visualisation and data analytics in educational management
Session 05: Projects to be completed during day 3 – 8 (constructing a database for a
school administration activity and implementing it)
Session 06: Participating in MIS applications for educational management
Session 07: Exhibition and peer evaluation of project lessons; portfolio submission and
evaluation

3.3.2.14 Induction 03
Objectives
1. Deconstructing the ICT environment
2. Interacting with the ICT environment
3. Interacting with the internet and the web
4. Getting familiar with educational applications of ICT
Session Breakup
Session 01: Safe and clean ICT environments
Session 02: Updating and upgrading software
Session 03: Exploring educator communities
Session 04: Exploring social networks
Session 05: Advanced text processing 02
Session 06: Advanced graphics 02
Session 07: Advanced spreadsheets 02
Session 08: Creating a web communication (blog site)
Session 09: Exhibition and peer evaluation
Session 10: Evaluation and portfolio submission

3.3.3 Assessment
Each session of the induction and refresher courses involves an instructor led ses-
sion followed by a hands on session, during which teachers undertake a number of
activities. Each activity has an associated deliverable to be recorded in a portfolio
(an e-portfolio). Teachers also have to submit various assignments as part of the
courses. The cumulative record in the portfolio, representing their achievements
during the courses serve to provide a comprehensive and continuous assessment.
Provision for improving upon one’s performance is also built in. Each of the in-
duction and refresher courses also have a summative evaluation. The portfolio
attempts to capture all learning and complements the periodic summative assess-
ment through the course.
3.3. SYLLABUS 25

Certification
Together, the courses constitute thirty credits for a Diploma. Any teacher com-
pleting the three induction and the fourteen refresher courses becomes eligible to
take an examination leading to a Diploma in ICT in Education. This Diploma
would be awarded by the NCERT.

Fast tracking
A large number of teachers are likely to have been trained or have acquired quali-
fications making them advanced users of ICT. Such teachers will be permitted to
complete all activities and assignments, populating their e-portfolio at their own
pace. On completion, they would become eligible for the examination leading to
the Diploma.
4. Part 2: ICT Curriculum for
Students

Guided by the National Policy on ICT in School Education (see §3.1), the curricu-
lum for students is designed to promote creativity, problem solving, and introduce
students to the world of information and communication technologies with the
specific purpose of widening their horizons and better informing them of choices
in their career pursuits. In particular, the curriculum focusses on training the
student to working with a variety of resources; learning to critically appraise infor-
mation and resources; and making safe, productive, ethical and legal use of these
resources a habit.
Students are also introduced to ICT outside the classroom context. Their
curiosity and desire to learn will prompt them to more intensely participate in
ICT activities. While introduction to social networks and blogging would become
inevitable, making them aware of cyber bullying or other means of violating their
rights should become an essential part of the training. While experimenting with
hard and software the range of learning is very high. Channelising these tendencies
and co-opting them into the teaching-learning process can help teachers create able
support to the ICT system in the school.
The impact of ICT on the overall development of the personality can be ex-
tremely significant. In particular its effect on the improvement of communication
skills is treated as a central goal of the ICT curriculum.
Language barriers and isolation can deny students access to the wide range
of digital information and resources. Physically challenged, particularly the visu-
ally impaired and the auditorily impaired need additional support. Heightened
awareness on the part of the system will help address these students’ problems of
access.
Based on the availability of ICT infrastructure and the provisioning of an ICT
class in the timetable, different schools or Boards of School Education can exercise
the choice to begin the ICT programme with any appropriate class, but ensure
that every student completes the advanced stage outlined in the National Policy
on ICT in School Education before completing schooling.

26
4.1. THE LEARNING STRANDS 27

This curriculum is recommended for use with students of classes 6-12. It should
not be used at the primary stage (classes 1 to 5). A structured ICT programme
at the primary stage is not desirable and can be counter productive.
The curriculum expects an allocation of three sessions per week and thirty
weeks per year for the course work. The course spans three years.

4.1 The Learning Strands

The ICT curriculum for students is also conceived as an important vehicle for
the realisation of the goals of the National Curriculum Framework. It attempts to
introduce students to a dynamic, immensely popular field, exposing them to a wide
range of information and resources, motivating them to explore and participate in.
It can not only support learning, but also introduce them to diverse activities
which challenge their intellect and imagination.
To this end, the curriculum is organised into four strands:

1. Connecting with the world

2. Connecting with each other
3. Creating with ICT
4. Interacting with ICT

The scope of these strands remain the same as that for teachers. In terms of
activities however, the syllabus articulates content differently, taking into consider-
ation the age profile of students, their unique needs and the objective of preparing
them for their future.

4.2 Syllabus
The ICT curriculum broadly attempts to equip students with an ability to nego-
tiate a range of devices, tools, application, information and resources. The course
is offered in chunks of three periods a week, which include one teacher led session
and two hands on sessions. The teacher led session aims to demonstrate techniques
and processes and present a context to the learning. Following this, students en-
gage themselves with activities, which are designed to provide adequate hands on
experience.
28 CHAPTER 4. PART 2: ICT CURRICULUM FOR STUDENTS

4.2.1 Objectives
After undergoing the course, the students will be able to:

1. Develop digital literacy skills that will enable them to function as discerning
students in an increasingly digital society
2. Access various tools and applications for learning and skill development
3. Operate a variety of hardware and software independently and troubleshoot
common problems
4. Use the ICT facility with care, ensuring the safety of themselves, others and
the equipment
5. Create a variety of digital products using appropriate tools and applications
and saving, storing and managing digital resources
6. Practice safe, legal and ethical means of using ICT

4.2.2 Organising Learning

The session wise break up of topics to be covered in the three year course:

4.2.2.1 Year 01
Breakup
Week 01 – 03: Programming 01 (working with programming environments like Logo,
TurtleGraphics, or Scratch)
Week 04 – 05 Graphics 01 (digital art tools like Flowpaint, MyPaint)
Week 06 – 07: Internet and the ICT environment 01 (hardware and software, browsing)
Week 08 – 11: Data representation and processing 01 (spreadsheets)
Week 12 – 13: Audio visual communication 01
Week 14 – 17: Programming 02 (working with programming environments)
Week 18 – 21: Graphics 02 (digital art tools)
Week 22 – 25: Data processing 02 (text and images)
Week 26 – 27: Data processing 03 (layout and output)
Week 28 – 29: Audio visual communication 02
Week 30: Exhibition of portfolios and evaluation
4.2. SYLLABUS 29

4.2.2.2 Year 02
Breakup
Week 01 – 03: Programming 03 (working with programming environments)
Week 04 – 05: Software applications 01 (maps and globe)
Week 06 – 07: Internet and the ICT environment 02 (web resources, e-mail)
Week 08 – 10: Data representation and processing 04 (spreadsheets)
Week 11 – 12: Audio visual communication 03
Week 13 – 14: Programming 04 (working with programming environments)
Week 15 – 16: Software applications 02 (Geogebra)
Week 17 – 20: Graphics and animation 03
Week 21 – 24: Data processing 05 (text and images)
Week 25 – 26: Data processing 06 (layout and output)
Week 27 – 29: Audio visual communication 04
Week 30: Exhibition of portfolios and evaluation

4.2.2.3 Year 03
Breakup
Week 01 – 02: Software applications 03
Week 03 – 04: Software applications 04
Week 05 – 06: Software applications 05
Week 07 – 08: Software applications 06
Week 09 – 10: Software applications 07
Week 11 – 12: Internet and the ICT environment 03
Week 13 – 16: Project 01 (web resources)
Week 17 – 20: Project 02 (programming)
Week 21 – 24: Project 03 (audio visual communication / graphics and animation)
Week 25 – 28: Project 04 (web development / app development)
Week 29: Internet and the ICT environment 04
Week 30: Exhibition of portfolios and evaluation

4.2.3 Assessment
Each session of the course involves a teacher led session followed by a hands on
session, during which the student undertakes a number of activities. Each activ-
ity has an associated deliverable to be recorded. The student also has to submit
various assignments as part of the courses. This should facilitate a comprehensive
and continuous assessment. Provision for improving upon one’s performance is
also built in. A summative evaluation is designed at the end of each year. This
evaluation also includes an exhibition and peer review of the work done through
30 CHAPTER 4. PART 2: ICT CURRICULUM FOR STUDENTS

the year. An e-portfolio attempts to capture all learning and complements the
periodic summative assessment through the course.

Certification
As the course may not be immediately available across all schools, owing to the
ICT infrastructure not being in place, the State Board of Secondary Education
may evolve a mechanism of a separate examination, following which a Certificate
can be awarded. Once all schools are equipped, this could form a part of the
School Leaving Certificate.
5. ICT Curriculum Group

Core Committee

Dr. Rajaram S. Sharma, Joint Director, Central Institute of Educational

Technology, NCERT, New Delhi
Ms. Sriranjani Ranganathan, Programme Associate, ICT & Education, IT
for Change, Bengaluru
Dr. Indu Kumar, Assistant Professor, Central Institute of Educational Tech-
nology, NCERT, New Delhi
Dr. Deepa George, Assistant Professor, Central Institute of Educational
Technology, NCERT, New Delhi
Ms. Praveen Bobby Binjha, Assistant Professor, Central Institute of Educa-
tional Technology, NCERT, New Delhi

Advisory Group

Dr. Nagarjuna G., Associate Professor, Homi Bhabha Centre for Science
Education, Mumbai
Dr. Sanjaya Mishra, Director, Commonwealth Educational Media Centre
for Asia, New Delhi
Mr. Arun M., Executive Director (ICT), Society for Promotion of Alterna-
tive Computing and Employment, Thiruvananthapuram
Dr. M. U. Paily, Associate Professor, Regional Institute of Education,
NCERT, Mysore
Dr. Ajith Kumar B. P., Scientist SG, Inter University Accelerator Centre,
New Delhi

31
32 CHAPTER 5. ICT CURRICULUM GROUP

Members

Mr. Ajay Gupta, PGT, Mathematics, Kendriya Vidyalaya, Vikaspuri, New

Delhi
Dr. Amarendra Behera, Head, Department of ICT, Central Institute of
Educational Technology, NCERT, New Delhi
Dr. Amit Ahuja, Assistant Professor, University School of Education, GGSIPU,
Delhi
Dr. Anamika Singh, Sr. Lecturer and Head, Educational Technology, DIET,
Motibagh, New Delhi
Dr. Anubhuti Yadav, Assistant Professor, Central Institute of Educational
Technology, NCERT, New Delhi
Ms. Anuja Mittal, PGT, Computer Science, Sanskriti School, New Delhi
Dr. Asha Jindal, Associate Professor, DESM-NCERT, New Delhi
Dr. Hari Krishna Arya, Principal, NBV Senior Secondary School, Hanuman-
garh
Ms. D. Kavita, Lecturer, Govt. Girls Higher Secondary School, Chittaurgarh
Ms. Laxmi Dagar, Head, Educational Technology, DIET, Ghumanhera, New
Delhi
Ms. Madhukriti Srivastava, IIT-Bombay, Mumbai
Dr. Manoj Kumar Dash, Regional Director, IGNOU, New Delhi
Dr. M. Kasim, AJK-MCRC, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi
Ms. Neelam Gupta, Senior Education Officer, National Institute of Open
Schooling, New Delhi
Dr. Nisha Singh, Deputy Director, IUC, IGNOU, New Delhi
Dr. Nutan Bharati, Programme Officer (Edu), Commonwealth Educational
Media Centre for Asia, New Delhi
Dr. O. P. Sharma, Deputy Director, NCIDE, IGNOU, New Delhi
Mr. Praveen P. Patil, Assistant Professor, GSS College, Belgaum
Dr. Radha Ganesan, Education Consultant, Bengaluru
Ms. Radha N. Arve, Assistant Teacher, Govt. High School, Begur, Ben-
galuru
Mr. R. V. Raghavendra Rao, PGT Biology, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya,
Vizianagaram
 33

Dr. Rajesh Kumar, Principal, DIET, DaryaGanj, New Delhi

Mr. Rajesha Y. N., Assistant Teacher, Govt. High School, Mallupura,
Mysore
Ms. Rashmi Kathuria, PGT Mathematics, Kulachi Hansraj Model School,
New Delhi
Mr. T. A. Ravisankar, Academic Officer (ICT), IT@School, Govt. of Kerala,
Thiruvananthapuram
Ms. Rupangi Sharma, Freelance Educator, Gurgaon
Mr. Sabarish K., Master Trainer, District office, IT@School, Malapuram
Ms. Sangeeta Gulati, Academic Coordinator & Head, Mathematics Depart-
ment, Sanskriti School, New Delhi
Dr. Sanjay Kumar Pandagale, Assistant Professor, Regional Institute of
Education, NCERT, Bhopal
Ms. Sapna Yadav, Senior Lecturer, Educational Technology, SCERT, New
Delhi
Dr. P. Sasikala, Associate Professor, Makhanlal Chaturvedi National Uni-
versity, Bhopal
Ms. Seema Lal, TGT Social Science, Kulachi Hansraj Model School, New
Delhi
Mr. Shanavas K., Member of Textbook Committee (ICT), IT@School, Govt.
of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram
Mr. S. Sriram, ICT Administrator & HOD Computer Science, Mayo College,
Ajmer
Mr. Suryaveer Singh, PGT Geography, S.D. Public School, Pitampura, New
Delhi
Mr. Vasudevan K. P., Master Trainer, District office IT@School, Thrissur
Mr. Vijay Nauriyal, Computer Teacher, Rashtriya Pratibha Vikas Vidyalaya,
New Delhi
NOTES
NOTES
NOTES