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Sunday, January 3, 2016

Online Learning Connects Pupils With The World


The School in the Cloud project sees women from Britain, France and other countries volunteer an hour each day to talk to students in India via Skype.
The students - many from underprivileged backgrounds - say it helps them learn English while familiarising them with computers and the internet.
The project was established in Newcastle by Professor Sugata Mitra.
Sylvie Cothenet is one of the 200 "grannies" working with the project.
Sky News sat in on one of Ms Cothenet's lessons, which have no structured plan.
While we were there the students spoke about art, culture, world peace and gender discrimination - a topic much in focus in India.
Students learning online in India
The class was held in the Kalkaji government school in South Delhi and was attended by a group of 14-year-old girls.
Over Skype, Ms Cothenet said: "When I started the first session I saw the smiles of the children and it was fantastic because they are keen to learn.
"They are happy to do sessions with different grannies from different countries. So it's marvellous for them."
The five cloud labs in India and two in Britain are part of a research project to study qualitative and quantitative education through this initiative.
The collaboration between the students of this government school and grannies is conducted without any school supervision.
One student, Swati, said: "It helped me speak English and I also feel confident here when I give an answer.
"In class I feel nervous because there are many students. I'm not scared if I'm wrong and I don't get punished."
Her friend Anamika said: "I say whatever I think. If it’s wrong I will be corrected, if right I will be praised.
"So gradually it helped me go forward. Since then I have learned many knowledgeable things and self-confidence."

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