E-LEARNING : V-SAT CLASSES FOR ARMY SCHOOLS

 

 

Background

 

1.         The concept of V-SAT entails beaming of live lectures taken by accomplished subject experts, from a central studio, received by V-SAT at the school via satellite.   This enables students to attend live, interactive classes and also facilities upgradation of skills of TGTs/PGTs (Physics, Chemistry, Maths and Biology).

 

2.         The programme was conceived in 2004, evaluated and approved to be launched in 2005.   In order to promote the programme it was decided to provide 50% cost of V-SAT and 25% cost of fee as a subsidy.   To meet this requirement   Rs one crore was approved and budgeted.   Today, V-SAT has been installed in 75 schools.   The programme coves live, interactive classes for sciences (Physics, Chemistry & Biology) and maths form Class IX to XII during school hours.

 

Growth

 

3.         At present V-SAT is running in 56 schools. (see Appx)

 

 Popularity    

 

4.         From experience it has been found that in bigger stations like, Delhi, Pune, Kirkee, Kolkata, Secunderabad where ample coaching facilities are available the programme is not very popular.   However, it has shown good potential in stations where there is paucity in availability of faculty.

 

Shift in Modality of Conduct

 

5.         Initially the programme was designed to provide quality teaching for preparation for entrance examination for Engineering & Medical to select children (class XI & class XII), on a voluntary basis.   The classes were being conducted after school hours.   This methodology was resisted by the environment due to logistic constraints like – transportation, keeping school & computer lab open, additional hours by staff, extra time being used up for children and so on.   South Western Command suggested that these classes be run during school hours and the benefit be extended to more children ie to add classes IX and X also and instead of tutorial for preparing for pre-engineering/medical, these should be like revision/assimilation classes following CBSE curriculum synchronous to AWES coordinated coverage of syllabus.   This proposal was circulated to all the Commands.   The views were unanimous for adoption of the revised model.   Accordingly, a trial was carried out in 2007-08 wherein the Forenoon Session was CBSE based for class IX & X and Afternoon Session was status quo.   From year (2008-09) a fresh policy was evolved and guidelines issued Jan 08 so that classes on the new format could start by 15 Apr 2008.   As of now the schedule of classes is as under :-

 

Day / Period	Period II & III   (0840 hrs. to 1000 hrs.)	Period V & VI (1100 hrs. to 1220 hrs.)	Period VII & VIII  (1220 hrs. to 1340 hrs.)
Monday	CLASS XII: Physics	CLASS X: Mathematics	CLASS XI: Physics
Tuesday	CLASS XII: Chemistry	CLASS IX: Science	CLASS XI: Chemistry
Wednesday	CLASS XII: Mathematics	CLASS X: Science	CLASS XI: Mathematics
Thursday	CLASS XII: Biology	CLASS X  Problem Solving (Mathematics / Science)	CLASS XI: Biology
Friday	CLASS XII Problem Solving  (Physics / Chemistry)	Class IX: Mathematics	CLASS XI  Problem Solving  (Physics / Chemistry)
Saturday	CLASS XII  Problem Solving (Maths / Biology)		CLASS XI Problem Solving (Maths / Biology)
Sunday	HOLIDAY

 

 

Fee Structure

 

6.         The following fee structure has been adopted for the year 2009-10 :-

 

On Account of	Class
	IX	X	XI	XII
Fee – Quarterly	150	150	210	210

 

 

Conclusion

 

7.   Being the first year of the new methodology the schools have the choice to opt for any of the classes or all from IX-XII.   Virtual classes being a new concept it will take time to stabilise further.