This quick piece of write-up will help and inspire you as to why and how you can convert an old phone into a learning phone. The phone that was merely lying in your cupboard with a layer of dust on it, could prove to be a new learning device for your child or any student whom you wish to support.
Read one to know how you could do your bit!
How? Here are the steps
Step 1: Refurbish your old phone
Have an old smartphone that’s lying idle with you? Take it out, dust it off! If it requires minor repairings, get it done and bring it to a usable condition.
Step 2: Install a communicating app
Install apps like Zoom, Google Meet or ‘Say Namaste’ to ensure that kids are able to attend online classes being conducted by their teachers.
Step 3: Get the phone learning-ready
This probably is the most important step. Merely giving the hardware will not be enough. We want students to use the device for proactive learning. And one way in which this interest can be built is by installing engaging and enjoyable learning apps. And while we are at it, why only focus on academics but we can also include apps which help build some basic life skills.
One critical thing while selecting the apps is that they should be very easy to sign in and use.
Here’s a recommended list of apps you should definitely consider:
iDream Learning App: An android online learning app for school students where they can access academics and life skills digital content. Students can choose to learn in Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Oriya and the content is as per CBSE and all major state boards.
Best thing about the app is that students will get to experience different types of content on a single login – Animated videos, practical activity videos, books, life skill videos and assessments – for complete learning and holistic growth.
And one unique thing is that the app allows students to change their classes anytime and learn anything. Very relevant as it enables students to go back to content of junior classes and cover up their previous learning gaps.
Google Play Store (iDream Learning App)
Diksha App: DIKSHA is an e-learning app launched by MHRD for enabling hassle free interaction between students and teachers.
This online learning app is available in English & Hindi and shows region specific courses. The content is structured as per grades and it facilitates students to test their understanding through self-assessment practice exercises.
Google Play Store (Diksha App)
Pratham App: Pratham, a very respected NGO has an online learning app with content available in Hindi and other regional languages. The app also has games and practice tests that improve mental mathematical calculations
Google Play Store (Pradigi)
Read Along: An amazing app by Google which in a very playful way engages the user to learn the basics of English and spoken English. One of the very easy to use apps, this is a must have.
Google Play Store (Read Along)
Of course there are many other apps available that you can include. And if you come across something nice, please do tell us in the comments section below.
One Last Step
Identify the students who are unable to continue their learning in these times. It could be kids of your house help, driver, society guards or your office staff.
When you are handing over the device preloaded with apps to these people, please take a moment to help them understand how this device can be used for the learning purpose. All of them including their kids would be very familiar with how a smartphone works. So you do not have to worry about training them really or spending a lot of time. Just take them through the apps and inspire them about how this device will enable their kids to continue learning and grow in life.
One last step which you should ensure is to tell the beneficiaries that they would need a SIM Card with an affordable data package to ensure that kids are able to use the apps.
Jio has perhaps very affordable data packages which they can check out.
This is also one very affordable & a sustainable way in which CSR and foundations can engage with local NGOs or their NGO Partners to enable their beneficiaries get access to continued education.
Conclusion
Do not wait! Come forward, start donating your old phones and initiate the process. Your smallest of steps can get things rolling and digitally empower the future generations of our country.
