Agartala, Aug 20 : The Tripura Government has decided to expand computer learning and satellite-based education network in rural schools under information and communication technology expansion programme of the Ministry of Human Resources Development.
Education Minister Tapan Chakraborty said here today that computer learning facilities would be expanded in at least 282 rural schools besides existing 350 schools in remote locations.
''We have 50 schools in satellite-based education network in the state but the expansion has been stopped because of absence of high speed internet connectivity but now the expansion drive has been initiated following proliferation of internet facilities,'' Chakraborty said.
He, however, pointed out that five various consultancy groups had been engaged in providing computer education among the school children under the programme since 2007, and last year, the Centre had enhanced it substantially and had opened up more opportunities for the states till the 11th five year plan.
The state government had sincerely been trying to increase computer literacy at school level for enhancing the knowledge base of the students, Chakraborty said, adding that Tripura was the first among the NE states to have satellite-based educational facilities, launched in 2007.
According to plan, a maximum of 500 Satellite Interactive Terminals (SITs) would be set up in different schools to be linked to the hub and what would be taught in the studio could be seen and heard in the classrooms through SITs on large screens or big television sets with cameras and audio equipment available at both ends for communication.