Recently, the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) India have made headlines with their announcement of collaborations to amplify the initiatives, Vigyan Jyoti and Engage with Science. The core objective of DST and IBM India is to shape a robust STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) ecosystem that fosters critical thinkers, problem-solvers, and the innovators of tomorrow. The collaboration aims to further integrate and develop science and technology in the education ecosystem by providing short term courses, workshops, mentoring, and online science content communication for teachers and students in India.
Vigyan Jyoti: A Push for Girls in STEM
Initially launched by the DST in 2019, Vigyan Jyoti aims to encourage and instill confidence in girls towards STEM learning. The goal is to create a level playing field for meritorious girls from grades 9 to 12, especially from esteemed institutions where female students are grossly underrepresented. The program provides scholarships, visits to local scientific institutions, science camps, lectures from eminent women scientists, and career counseling. It is executed by Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV), a network of central schools for gifted students predominantly from rural areas, in 58 districts and sees participation from approximately 2900 students.
Engage With Science: Encouraging Scientific Enthusiasm Among Students
“Engage with Science” is an initiative by Vigyan Prasar, an autonomous body operating under DST to advance India’s science popularization agenda with strategic programs. Targeted at high school students, this initiative connects them with higher education institutions, aiming to build interest and establish a community of practice involving students, teachers, and scientists. This interactive platform will be hosted on an Over-The-Top (OTT) platform to encourage and inspire high school students to consider a career in science and technology.
Understanding the OTT Platform
An OTT media service is an online content provider that offers streaming media as a separate product. Although most commonly associated with video-on-demand platforms, this term also refers to audio streaming, messaging services, and internet-based voice calling solutions. For access, all it requires is an internet connection and a device like a smartphone, tablet, or computer.
The Benefits of DST and IBM India’s Collaboration
This collaboration promises several benefits, primarily making these programs reach a vast number of students and teachers interactively. It aims to make learning relevant and instill a scientific mindset among the nation’s youth. The opportunity for meritorious girls to foster their interest in STEM will be expanded through these learning platforms. Furthermore, the engagement with science platforms will allow students to interact, participate and get involved with the sampling and active assimilation of science and technology content, including Cloud, Big Data, and more, through digital tools. This proactive involvement will bolster DST’s goal to heighten the number of women in technology fields.
