Week 2: PremaVidya

               As I have written in the previous post, PremaVidya makes and distribute videos as a form of teaching supplements in class. The videos are made with the assumption that the students in schools are visual and auditory learners and therefore these videos are able to help them in memorizing concepts in Math, Science and Social Science. These videos are used in schools through three different models: SSS,ISSS and TASSS. SSS is the model where the teachers within the school is trained how to use the videos and the videos are used at the teacher's own discretion. ISSS is a model where a group of 4 students sits together with a DVD player and uses the video of their choice. There is a facilitator that keeps the DVD players recharged but does not conduct any teaching.Students who have any questions about the material will write them on "Doubt Slips". These doubt slips are then given to the teacher, where the teacher will answer them. The third model is the TASSS model where a Teaching Assistant from PremaVidya conducts one period of lesson using the video. The TA's do not necessarily have to know the material but he/she does have to know how to encourage discussions in class and initiate peer to peer learning, a key aspect while using these videos.

The ISSS model

Some of the charts used for reference

One of the school managers explaining the ISS model

SaAth Centre,the centre

Some of the students' work

I like the angle

         

The government school in Begur

The kids in school

TA in the school explaining

             We had the opportunity to visit these schools to learn more about the different models.The students were very engaged with the material and it's really nice to see students' who are excited with what they are learning.

The next day, we we spent time with the Tech team to learn how the videos are being made. The videos go through a screening process by the State of Karnataka before they can be distributed by schools. Making those videos were NOT easy. First, you prepare powerpoing slides on a topic. Then, you prepare a script where you will record your voice in the VoiceOver room. Here comes the tricky part. You will have to sync your voice recording and the powerpoint presentation. We took about three days to do all of that.We started on Tuesday and got it in on Friday since we did not go to work on Thursday as there was a transportation strike due to the increase in petrol price.

This.Is.India. (TII)