Hardware clinic to cure sick computers at schools

The issues related to troublesome computers will be a thing of the past in government and aided schools in Paravoor constituency.

 Making great strides in the ICT-enabled teaching and to run computer classes smoothly, a hardware clinic will be set up in one of the schools.

 “ICT-enabled classes are being introduced from this year in primary classes and computer classes are fullfledged in high schools and higher secondary schools.

 Hence computers, especially the old models require repairs very often.

 To save the time and cost we have decided to set up a hardware clinic in one of the schools.

 The IT@School conducted a survey in about 78 schools and the need for a hardware clinic was reported.

 This is the first-of-its-kind as an MLA initiative,” said V D Satheesan MLA who is behind the project.

 This is part of his integrated education programme which has got the government nod.

 The `13-lakh project will be inaugurated by Education Minister Abdu Rabb next month, he said.

 The computer requirements of schools are met by IT@School for high schools and higher secondary schools and Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan in upper primary schools.

 It will be implemented in association with the Directorate of Public Instructions and Keltron.

 IT@School had set up hardware clinics two years ago but they were closed down due to technical problems such as the difficulty in getting parts and shortage of hands from Keltron.

 IT@School has been distributing new computers with a three-year guarantee.

 But many computers donated over the years are old and require servicing.

 “The clinic will ensure that components and parts can be interchanged and utilised to the maximum.

 About 183 computers require repairs and we can save time and cost.

 The clinic will be set up in a selected school where other schools can approach,” said Joseph Antony, IT@School Regional coordinator.

 Plans are afoot t o launch the initiative in Kalamassery.

The `13-lakh project will be inaugurated by Education Minister Abdu Rabb next month.

 Students and teachers can also be exposed to to the technical aspects.

 Engineers from Keltron and master trainer will repair the computers in the presence of IT@School student coordinator and representative teachers so that they too can get to learn the intricacies.