Information and Communication technologies have revolutionized the world and it has permeated all spheres of life. The information revolution has hastened the process of globalization and changed the face of the workforce. In today’s well connected world, each person seeking a job needs to be well versed with a basic knowledge of computers and proficient in the use of the internet. The requirement of an IT literate person at every level in an organization has led to a massive demand for basic IT courses.

Advances in technology have made the use of mobiles, computers and computer games a part of everyday life. Children, in primary and secondary school, who form a bulk of the population, are the first generation that has never known life without these technologies. They are referred to as ‘digital natives’. It is a challenge to incorporate technology into the curriculum in intelligent and relevant ways. To get everyone on board is difficult but it is worth the effort.

There are creative ICT tools to aid learning. A word processor is a thinking tool to help in drafting, organizing and presenting ideas. Presentation tools such as Power Point aid in making presentations to communicate ideas. Graphics and symbols give diagrams a greater visual impact. Animation and video-editing software enable further creative uses of ICT.

Multi-channel learning is useful in enriching the learning experience connecting the learner with knowledge, information and simulations to tailor trainings and deliver in areas where there is a scarcity of trained teaching personnel. New technologies are being developed to provide connectivity to remote areas. Some initiatives, using mobile phones, have been initiated but they are still in their pilot stage. Education through video satellite network is still in a nascent stage in India.

ICT is a powerful tool for educational change and reform. Use of ICT helps improve the quality of education and makes learning an active process connected to real life. TARAhaat has initiated the spread of ICT in the vast far flung areas of northern India through its franchised network. It aims to empower people to achieve their aspirations by using Information and Communication Technology and to deliver relevant products and services enabled by ICT. TARAhaat, develops educational courses for people in rural and peri-urban areas. These courses enhance job skills, life skills and basic skills. Job skills are avenues for earning money, life skills and basic skills enrich the lives of the learners. TARAgyan uses ICT to shift from one-way to two-way communication, from cramming to assimilation, towards meaningful infotainment in the learners’ first language. TARAgyan’s courses are structured in such a way that the learner gains maximum practical experience. Care is taken to ensure that each learner gets to work on practical assignments on the computer. An online examination system makes the learning experience complete. q