NCERT's technology guidelines for preschoolers uphold privacy, regulate screen time
What's the story
The National Council for Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has come up with guidelines for preschools and asked institutions to protect the privacy of students. There has been a growing concern about teachers recording videos of students and uploading the clips on social media without the consent of their parents. The NCERT's guidelines were finalized after consulting experts across states.
Screen time
'No screen time for kids aged 2-5'
A preschool is referred to by various names - anganwadi, nursery, preparatory, pre-primary, etc - and is essentially one where kids are enrolled from age three to six, to prepare them for schools. These new guidelines were issued as a safety measure. Under the 'technology in preschools' section, the NCERT discouraged screen time for kids aged two to five.
Quote
'Teachers can record video, audio subject to privacy considerations'
"Videos and audio help teachers to assess the child's progress and program progress and boost the motivation and confidence of children. Teachers can accordingly design and modify suitable classroom practices by viewing and listening to recordings subject to privacy considerations," says one of the guidelines.
Supervision
'Technology is helpful, but only under adult supervision'
The document adds that technology helps in boosting children's learning. It noted that research showed kids' vocabulary improved with technology. It also helps them understand concepts and exposes them to new modes of communication. But all this only when an adult monitors them. Passive technology that hinders kids' social interaction or physical activity should be discouraged, the document asserted.
Quote
'Passive technology should be discouraged among kids'
"Passive technology, which may replace children's play and exploration, physical activity and social interaction should be discouraged at all levels since it can be counterproductive for children," NCERT stated.
The plan
NCERT will come up with a standard curriculum for preschools
Till now, schools were free to create their own syllabus for preschools, but now NCERT has come out with a curriculum. An official said a conference with all stakeholders will be held on August 13-14, where they will be asked to provide their suggestions. If everything is agreeable, the curriculum will be implemented across states from this academic session itself, they said.