SED to introduce computer-based courses from middle to high school

Srinagar, July 19: The Department of School Education is set to introduce computer-based instruction in grades 6 through 12 on a pilot basis in 200 senior high schools, high schools and colleges.

The Principal Secretary of the Department of School Education, BK Singh, issued an order in this regard on Tuesday.

“The National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT), an autonomous scientific society under the administrative control of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MoE&IT) of the GoI has submitted a proposal regarding the introduction of computer-based courses from class VI to XII,” said Singh.

He said that the curriculum content of NIELIT has been reviewed by JKBOSE to determine the feasibility of introducing these courses in line with the curriculum framed by NIELIT into the existing curriculum of JKBOSE.

“It has been recommended by JKBOSE that the curricula designed by NIELIT for the computer skills and awareness courses in grades 6 to 12 be adopted in their entirety, with the exception of chapter 6 of class 6 entitled “Understanding financial literacy and e-governance services, as the same is covered in grades 7 and 8,” the order reads.

Singh said that in order to make vocational education more job-oriented and attractive, the NIELIT proposal has been reviewed by the Department, in consultation with JKBOSE, JKSCERT and Samara Shiksha.

He also stated that, as suggested by JKBOSE, this course should be considered a computer science course as a 5th subject in grades 11 and 12 on par with computer science. “However, in case of class 6th, 7th and 8th, it will be compulsory.”

“This course will be conducted on a pilot basis in 200 senior secondary schools, high schools and colleges identified by Project Manager Samagra Shiksha and Chairman JKBOSE where ICT or computer lab has been established,” Singh said.