Bridging intermittent learning in rural education

Abstract

This BTech project initially set out to explore the development of an online platform aimed at empowering Indian homemakers through digital entrepreneurship. Recognizing the socio- economic barriers—including limited digital literacy, cultural norms, and educational gaps—that hinder women’s participation in the digital economy, the project sought to provide tools and training to facilitate their engagement. However, through extensive research and collabora- tion with the NGO Sampooran Saksharta, the project’s focus pivoted towards addressing the educational needs of rural youth, particularly the challenges posed by intermittent learning. Intermittent learning, characterized by discontinuous educational experiences due to factors like inconsistent instructor availability and socio-economic constraints, significantly hampers the academic progress of rural children. The revised project centers on creating a comprehensive educational platform designed to support instructors and NGOs in managing and enhancing the learning experiences of these children. The platform aims to overcome challenges such as diverse learning levels among students and the irregularity of educational resources by developing tools for progress tracking, attendance management, and lesson planning tailored to varying student needs. By leveraging data-driven insights and user-friendly interfaces, the platform will enable instructors and NGOs to deliver more targeted and effective interventions for rural youth facing intermittent learning. This report details the transition from the initial research to the current development phase, highlighting the identification of a critical gap in rural education support systems. It also outlines the technological approach and the collaborative efforts with Sampooran Saksharta to empower rural youth through education.