Essay on the Multifarious Role of Computer in Open Schooling System

The NIOS has been attempting to utilise applications of Information and Communication Technology in the management of open schooling. The NIOS has a large computer set up with latest in hardware and software.

The NIOS has been attempting to utilise applications of Information and Communication Technology in the management of open schooling. The NIOS has a large computer set up with latest in hardware and software. There is a Local Area Network environment with Advanced Novel NetWare 3.12 and Windows NT as basic Operating System and a powerful Pentium based file server and fifteen PC(AT) 486 based terminals connected to it as nodes. Besides, all the officers and branches have been provided with Pentium based machine with network connection to enhance their working efficiency with great accuracy and quality output. Internet access is available to all staff members. Right from the development to delivery mechanism of the NIOS is computerised.

We handle a huge database of 12, 39,406 student records through computerised Student Information System. All the activities right from the punching of admission form to issue of certificates are computerised. All these were possible with a strong network of regional centres and about 2200 accredited institutions all over India through which the NIOS operates.

This network is growing over the period making the NIOS programs more effective and efficient. Looking into the induction of Information and Communication Technology in terms of Internet, and having basic mandate and ICT infrastructure, the NIOS is developing an electronic forum as school network through Internet to be known as ‘Indian Open Schooling Network’ (IOSN), basically for the benefit of all the students who have an access to Internet in their schools or at home.

The NIOS will play the role of nodal agency in bringing the various schools all over India under the network who are having Internet facility and in maintaining the network. The school which are not having Internet facility and wishes to be on the net can also join this network.

Rationale: IOSN will bring a great number of Internet based schools all over India together, creating a computer grid. The development of IOSN will have great potential value to enhance teaching and learning as a powerful force to promote development. It will also provide a forum for better communication among the member schools which will help to improve the quality of education.

Furthermore, linkage between schools can facilitate sharing of common values and various contents for educators and learners. The existence of such network at school level has been greatly felt. Such network will also become a powerful tool in achieving the broader objective of universalization of education. Objective: The development of IOSN will greatly enhance the communication opportunity among the schools and will benefit the school students as guiding force behind their successful career.

It will provide information to the schools and students in the following areas:

1. Access to electronic information, archives and databases

2. Direct support to teachers and learners to enhance educational access and quality

3. Career counseling

4. Job requirements and opportunities available

5. Courses available through Distance Education and Open Learning mode

6. Provision of internet services

7. Provision of directory services

8. Offering courses through internet

9. The development of IOSN is a remarkable step towards the development of Internet national grid of schools all over India which will be a part of the Commonwealth Electronic Network for School and Education (CENSE).