Intel and NIIT to drive computer-assisted education in schools
November 22, 2004
New Delhi
Intel, the world's largest chipmaker and NIIT, Asia's biggest IT training
organisation, have signed a memorandum of understanding to significantly
enhance the usage of technology-assisted learning in schools.
The two companies agreed to transform the quality of technology-assisted
education in Indian schools to reach global levels of PC and Internet
availability. As part of this MOU, Intel and NIIT are aspiring to double
the number of Indian schools benefiting from computer-assisted education
to 80,000 by 2010.
The MOU outlines how Intel and NIIT will work together to integrate
information and communications technology (ICT) into schools, across all
classes, from kindergarten to XII. The two companies will also set up
collaborative teams, with professionals from the IT industry,
educationists and community members, to support the country's most
challenging technology induction initiative in schools.
'Together with NIIT, we aim to infuse global best known practices into
India's education system and introduce technology-assisted learning in
this vast country,' said Craig Barrett, CEO of Intel.
'Intel will contribute technology strengths to NIIT's content creation,
curriculum delivery and education process management capability to enhance
education across India,' Barrett added.
Intel and NIIT will also develop new technologies and education models to
make technology-assisted learning more affordable and accessible. The two
companies will work with governments and education planners to define new
ICT deployment models, devise IT education standards and build replicable
learning models.
Emphasizing the need for this initiative, Rajendra S. Pawar, Co-founder
and Chairman, NIIT said, 'NIIT has played a key role in preparing the IT
professionals for the industry. India is already known for its robust
higher education system. Through this association, we will work towards
raising the education standards in the K-12 space, particularly among the
rural populace.'
'We are excited about working with Intel and contribute to the process of
nation-building by taking the benefits of IT to the deep interiors,' he
added.
Intel and NIIT will use their vast experience in setting up
technology-assisted centers of excellence in schools and education
establishments, to showcase state-of-the-art technology architecture,
emerging pedagogy models and cognitive abilities to the education
planners, policy makers and implementers. NIIT will be actively involved
in offering customized technology-assisted learning solutions to schools
in the government and private sector.
About NIIT K-12
By offering integrated IT education in over 2500 government and private
schools and training over one million students every year NIIT has
uniquely positioned itself as the single largest IT education services
provider.
With its mission of 'Making young minds successful by imparting better
education through Technology,' NIIT's K-12 Business has proved to be the
most effective and innovative program to be implemented in the country in
its category, at such a large scale.
Several Indian State Governments--Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Karnataka, Tamil
Nadu and West Bengal--have been using NIIT's expertise and strengths in
the K-12 segment. NIIT's K-12 initiative has taken computer literacy
within the reach of school students thus preparing IT savvy citizens of
tomorrow.
As part of its NIIT@School initiative, NIIT offers to private schools, a
complete package that covers infrastructure consultancy and facilities
management and the entire gamut of IT education for students. NIIT's K-12
education offering includes validated multimedia content mapped to school
curriculum, courseware and certification of students. At another level,
NIIT offers training to existing faculty.
About NIIT
NIIT Limited, an acknowledged leader in IT and IT-assisted training offers
Learning and Knowledge Solutions in 33 countries. Training over 500,000
learners annually, NIIT has trained one out of every three software
professionals.
NIIT's education offerings include: GNIIT-an industry-endorsed program for
students seeking careers in the IT and BPO segments; CATS-offers training
programs on advanced technologies for IT professionals; SWIFT-a platform
for equipping ordinary people with basic Internet and computer literacy
skills; NetVarsity.com, the e-Learning portal offers a distinctive blend
of content, technology and services, while NIIT@School-provides a turnkey,
IT integration program that offers computer-based learning in over 2500
government and private schools.
NIIT's SEI CMM Level 5 assessed Knowledge Solutions Business has emerged
as a leader in the field of Knowledge Management and e-Learning content
and services. It offers integrated Learning Solutions that range from
strategy and design to development, implementation and administration. Its
customers include Fortune 500 Companies, Universities, Technology
Companies, Training Corporations and Publishing Houses.
For further information please contact:
Geetanjali Sharma, NIIT Ltd., Ph: +91 11 26203377, Fax: 26203386, Email:
geetanjalis@niit.com
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