Applied Materials

Bridging the digital divide among underprivileged students

Applied Materials Inc. on Oct 31, unveiled a programme called Digital Equalizer to bridge the digital divide among underprivileged school children across Karnataka. The program is designed to improve teaching and learning through effective integration of computer technology into the regular curriculum. The programme enables students to experience the power of technology and augment their learning using technological tools.

Mr. Michael R. Splinter, President and CEO of Applied Materials inaugurated the country’s first “Solar Digital Equalizer Centre” at the Kadabagere Government High School. Also present on this occasion was Mr. Baig, Director of DSERT (Directorate of State Education Research and Training).

The first DE Centre was started two years ago in a government high school in Gunjur. Applied Materials has partnered with AIF (American India Foundation) to promote DE in government aided schools in Karnataka. The success of the pilot project spurred Applied Materials Foundation to set up a grant for the training of teachers, cluster coordinators, state team leaders and the academic supervisor. In early 2007, this developmental program was further rolled out in 74 state government schools across 18 districts in Karnataka state.

The project so far has involved 2750 students and 75 teachers in eight government schools in Bangalore and in the state of Karnataka the programme has covered 8,000 students and 575 teachers. In totality, the DE programme, through Applied Materials has touched 20,750 students and 650 teachers so far.

An official release stated that the project aimed to provide self-sustaining computer centres and computer education in the hinterlands. To meet the power challenges of one rural school Applied Materials invested in the Solar enabled Digital Equalizer Centre to deal with a school facing power shortages on a daily basis for four to six hours in a day. The solar power enabled Digital Equalizer centre, will provide 3.84kW of reliable, low-cost, maintenance free power. The solar energy generates electricity for five to six hours and meets the needs of the school during times of power disruption.

In order that school and community benefit entirely from DE, the programme is structured to cater to the schedules of both the community and the students. The DE centres are open during off-schools hours and used for a variety for a variety of community activities. Summer camps are also organized for student and teachers from neighboring schools to get exposed to technology. Applied Materials employees also participate in mentoring the students and the development of the computer labs.

The DE program has continually expanded and seems to be catching on in the rural and semi-rural areas of the state of Karnataka. Applied Materials has been responsible for bringing rural children closer to technology and helping them move towards the digital age.