Support to Secondary Formal Schooling: Computer Aided Learning (CAL) Programme

Computer Aided Learning (CAL) Programme is an endeavour to make the text content easier, interactive and stimulating adding visualization. Experience shows that some contents of the textbooks, irrespective of subjects, are very difficult. Even the teachers face difficulty in giving the students a clear understanding of these contents. To assist teachers in such a situation, BRAC started the Computer Aided Learning Programme in 2004 using computer as medium of teaching. The main task of the program is to develop interactive education software based on the national curriculum and thus to improve the teaching capacity of teachers and to make the classes more interesting and exciting for the students.
 
The programme was started with Mathematics and later on General Science was included. CAL materials can be used as a supplementary tool in Teachers’ Training, as a self-learning tool for teachers and as learning facilitation tool for classroom teaching. The materials improve the teachers’ classroom skills and give students a better grasp of difficult concepts.
 
The basic objectives of CAL materials are:

• to move from the teacher centered classroom to a more interactive one;
• to make the class more interactive and engaging
• to ensure conceptual clarity and better application;
• to increase teachers’ understanding of the lessons ;
• to create self learning provision for both teachers and students; and
• to familiarize the rural students & teachers with the modern computer technology

Contents of Mathematics & Science CDs:
a) Mathematics for grades 6 to 10:
The Mathematics CD contains 31 lessons on 22 math concepts of the national textbooks of grades VI to X. The math concepts have been introduced through various activities, games, cartoons and animation to make the class joyful and participatory. Any students can use this CD in their home computer to practice each lessons.

b) Science for grades 6:
In this CD concepts of General Science have been introduced through various activities, games, cartoons and animation to make the class joyful and participatory. Any students can use this CD in their home computer to practice each lessons.
 
How BRAC is using it in High Schools in rural areas?
BRAC piloted this program in 7 schools of Mirzapur, Tangail equipping these schools with computers and multimedia or monitors connected with splitter. Recently, the programme has been expanded to fifteen schools in five districts (Comilla, Gazipur, Bogra, Hobiganj and Gopalganj) with the assistance of Teaching Quality Improvement in Secondary Education Project (TQI-SEP).
 
The teachers of CAL schools are given training on computer operation and CAL materials. Returning to their schools, the teachers teach students using those materials incorporating CAL classes in the class-routine. In addition to core training, teachers attend short duration refresher training/workshop both school-based and BRAC Learning Centre (BLC) based. Apart from teachers, the mentors of CAL pilot schools of Mirzapur were provided training on CAL mathematics materials. The objective was to increase participation of students in using CAL materials. Meetings are also held with the Head Teachers and School Management Committee members time to time to inform and upgrade them about CAL activities.
 
Experience shows that CAL programme is bringing positive changes in schools. Students are much motivated and can learn effectively through computer aided learning materials. It is observed that the acceptance and appreciation of the CAL materials among the head teachers, subject teachers and students is encouraging. The teachers of pilot schools state that now they feel more comfortable in managing a large class. In addition, it has been observed that the students have become more attentive in classes and enjoy the CAL sessions.

Visit Computer Aided Learning Interactive e-education Web Portal: e-education.brac.net (in Bengali)

Contact:
Computer Aided Learning Programme
Post Primary Basic and Continuing Education Unit (10th Floor)
BRAC Head Office
BRAC Centre,
75 Mohakhali
Dhaka 1212

Contact Person: B.A. Wahid Newton
Tel: +88 02 9881265 Ext 3431