In today’s world, where digital literacy and online learning are integral to a student's educational journey, the Goa government's initiative to distribute laptops has stirred a significant conversation. The central question is whether this scheme will benefit school students more than college students. While the initiative is undeniably designed to bridge the digital divide, its impact varies considerably between the two groups. As Goa aligns itself with the National Education Policy 2020 and continues its educational reforms, the laptop scheme (Cyberage Scheme) has reached a critical point in shaping the future of education in the state.
The initiative aims to provide students with essential digital tools, enabling them to participate in online classes, complete assignments, conduct research, and familiarise themselves with various technologies. While the move is commendable, the effectiveness and utility of these laptops differ significantly for school students versus college students. To understand the full potential and the challenges posed by the scheme, it is essential to delve deeper into how technology can aid these students.
For many school students, especially those in rural or economically disadvantaged areas, access to personal technology is a luxury. Often, students must rely on shared devices or smartphones, which are far less effective for learning, especially for subjects that require sustained concentration or multitasking. By providing laptops, the government can bridge this gap and ensure that students are better equipped for modern learning.
One significant benefit of the laptop scheme for school students is the ability to access educational resources and learning platforms. The use of laptops opens up a world of possibilities for learning that goes beyond the textbook, offering access to global educational content. School students can access free coding tutorials, educational videos, digital libraries, and e-books that foster creativity and independent learning.
An example of this is a rural school student who, without a personal laptop, might never have been able to access online resources or explore digital subjects like coding. With the introduction of laptops, students can now access coding programs, learn programming languages, and even engage in activities like designing their mobile applications. This opens new career paths, even at the school level.
Moreover, the use of technology can help improve student engagement.
However, not all school students will have the same level of access to the internet, and this is where a major drawback of the scheme lies. Access to Wi-Fi or high-speed internet is not uniform across all areas of Goa, especially in rural regions. Even if students receive a laptop, without a reliable internet connection, the device becomes significantly less useful. A student in a village with limited internet connectivity may only be able to use their laptop for offline activities, such as word processing or simple educational games, limiting the potential of the device.
In addition, many students from lower-income backgrounds may not have the parental guidance necessary to make full use of the device. While a laptop can provide access to endless learning materials, without proper supervision, it could lead to misuse. For instance, school students may be more inclined to use the device for non-educational purposes, such as gaming or social media, without understanding its educational value. This misuse could further contribute to distractions, leading to the failure of the scheme to achieve its intended results.
College students, on the other hand, have different needs and challenges that laptops can address. Many students in higher education require laptops for more complex academic work. Whether it is preparing PowerPoint presentations, accessing online libraries, participating in webinars, or submitting assignments through Learning Management Systems (LMS), laptops have become an essential tool for the modern college student.
Moreover, in an era of digital marketing, entrepreneurship, and online internships, having a laptop is a must for career preparedness. Many college students use their laptops not only for academic purposes but also for exploring part-time job opportunities, building professional networks, or working on freelance projects. Websites like LinkedIn, Fiverr, and Upwork have become key platforms for college students to launch their careers, and a laptop is essential for connecting with these opportunities.
However, one downside of the scheme for college students is that many already have access to personal laptops or computers. Surveys in Goa suggest that most urban college students either own a laptop or tablet, often provided by their families or funded through part-time jobs.
While the free laptop scheme holds promise, several drawbacks must be addressed. The first is the lack of adequate digital literacy. For students who have never used a computer before, a laptop can be overwhelming. Without proper orientation and training, students may struggle to even turn on the device or navigate its basic functions. This lack of digital fluency could lead to frustration, especially in school students who are not familiar with how to use technology for educational purposes.
Another concern is the risk of screen addiction. Parents and educators must work together to ensure that the devices are used responsibly, but this requires continuous monitoring and a strong support system, which is often lacking in many households.
Moreover, the free laptop scheme does not address the issue of digital inequality in terms of internet connectivity. Many students, particularly in rural areas, may not have access to fast and reliable internet, making it difficult to fully take advantage of the educational resources available online.
While the laptop scheme stands to benefit both school and college students in Goa, its impact will depend on how effectively it is implemented and the specific needs of the students. School students, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, will benefit greatly from the introduction of laptops, as they open new opportunities for learning and skill development.
For college students, laptops are already indispensable to both their academic pursuits and emerging professional responsibilities. Revamping the Cyberage Scheme could significantly enrich their learning experience, especially in specialised disciplines such as engineering, design, and media. Unlike school students, who may not yet fully utilise such technology, college students view laptops as essential tools for research, projects, and dissertations.
Ultimately, the government must ensure that the scheme is implemented equitably, targeting those who need it the most. By focusing on rural and underprivileged students, irrespective of whether they are in school or college, the scheme could bridge the digital divide and help transform Goa’s education system into one that is inclusive, accessible, and future-ready.
With the digital age upon us, laptops are not just tools, they are gateways to knowledge, skill development, and future opportunities.