“Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things brought together”
                                                                             ...............Vincent Van Gogh

Intel and Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, Tamil Nadu Government award teacher’s integration of technology in education.

Chennai, June 11,2007 – Intel India along with the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), Government of Tamil Nadu, honored teachers trained in the state through the Intel Teach program, a worldwide program designed to improve teaching and learning through effective integration of computer technology in classroom curricula.

SSA with support from Intel, recently conducted the first annual edition of the state-level competition on the best use of technology in education, and received over 786 entries from government school teachers across the state. The ‘Technology in Education Awards’ recognizes and rewards teachers who have successfully and innovatively integrated technology in education.

10 outstanding teachers in the state level were awarded as the state level winner out of 786 entries from govt school teachers across the state. Projects undertaken by the teachers\students made a remarkable impact in the community. May it be, creating an awareness in the community to provide education to girl children of Thodar community or bringing drop out students back to the school or creation of Ever clean club to maintain the cleanliness in the neighborhood, they ‘d had exhibited a laudable performance. The contest was held in 2 phases. The 1st phase was at the district level where two prizes were allocated in the first round depending on the factors implemented in PBL project to be showcased by the teachers\students. It carried two prizes worth INR 2000 &1000 each respectively. The 2nd phase included district level toppers’ projects which were sent to the state head office. Out of these 10 best projects were selected and awarded a cash prize of INR 5000 each.

The government officials present at the occasion interacted with the showcasing students and appreciated their efforts. Speaking at the event, Mr. M Kutralingam, IAS Secretary to Government, School Education Department thanked Intel for implementing the Intel Teach program in Tamil Nadu and providing high quality ICT in Education training to Block Resource Teacher Educators and teachers of Government Schools. He went on to say that this contest on best use of technology in education conducted jointly by SSA and Intel Teach program has brought forward the talents of teachers and students even from remote rural areas and has given appreciation and recognition to our teachers. This endeavor of Intel to empower our teachers to use ICT tools in teaching –learning process will go a long way in enhancing the quality of teachers and students in the state.

The program Chief Guest Mr. Thiru Thangam Thennarasu, Minister of school Education, Government of Tamil Nadu shared the government’s vision of computerizing all the schools. He also mentioned that many of them have heard the phrase about Intel as “Intel inside”. Now, it is proved that “Intel has come outside and leaps ahead too.” He expressed that he was amazed to see the confidence and analytical skill of the students of Thodar community who completed their soil depletion project. He was highly impressed and appreciated the students who had put in great efforts in bringing back the drop outs to the schools at Karakottai. He also thanked Intel for providing excellent training and support that has enabled the students to acquire the significant skills that would help them to change the world.

The Intel Teach program in collaboration with SSA has successfully completed professional development training for over 19000 state government teachers on the effective use of technology in the teaching process. Intel in association with SSA department regularly conducts refresher courses, enhancement workshops, technology workshops, and principal’s seminars to sustain and promote ICT integration in government schools.