Rupesh Kumar tells SHAlINI SAKSENA that computers are fast becoming a necessary know-how uniquely placed to help students when it comes to higher level of thinking and creativity
What does imparting life skills through computer science education involveIJ
life skills denote the ability to survive and progress in a given situation and circumstances. Today, learning about computers is fast becoming a necessary survival skill in society. It is uniquely placed to empower the student with 21st century learning skills such as higher level thinking, creativity, communication skills and a collaborative approach. Whether it’s learning about programming, or using office tools, or communicating using social networking sites or simply performing group activities and projects, computer science taught in an engaging manner can help the student to be a versatile learner. Computer science also helps in inter-disciplinary learning as its applications cover a variety of fields enabling the student to learn beyond the classroom.
How is Computer Masti beneficialIJ
Computer Masti (CM) helps these children to see, feel and explore technology and its different aspects in a positive sense. Computer Masti adopts a constructivist pedagogical approach, which encourages children to ask questions and explore on their own. The content apart from teaching the computer literacy skills, also teaches other concepts like stepwise thinking and logical reasoning. These skills lay both the foundation for future programming skills as well as help students develop important life skills considered as skills of the 21st century.
What is the reason for Computer Masti initiativeIJ
The game began with a disgusted feeling that most of the computer learning around India and globally was more focused towards creating individuals who are good on specific skills. There was a programmer but who had poor writing skills. There was MS-Word expert but he even didn’t know what email is. Also, to add to it we all know that technology is pervasive; it keeps on changing so the technology which you are being trained upon will soon get obsolete. So, what is the solution, we felt that using Computers to develop concepts and logic was needed the most.
What are the various aspects of CMIJ
The CM helps in building life skills like problem solving skills, higher order thinking skills, thematic integration, critical thinking, creativity, communication and collaboration.
What is the most important aspect of Computer MastiIJ
The most important aspect is that it imparts life skills through computer science education.
Why is there need to simplify school curriculum and sync it with life skillsIJ
A school curriculum needs to take into account various learning strategies based on cognitive, psychomotor and affective domains. It needs to prepare the student for a life beyond the classroom. A curriculum that helps build these life skills and more importantly teaches it in a simple manner is the need of the hour.
Computers are already being taught in schools. How is your programme differentIJ
The biggest advantage of CM is the ability to customise the curriculum for each and every school which signs up for it. Computer Masti adopts an approach which encourages children to ask questions and explore on their own. The content also teaches other concepts like stepwise thinking and logical reasoning.