“Many boys don’t have the opportunity to learn how to use a computer. But when we go home and tell everyone that we girls are learning to use computers, no one thinks it is wrong. They just think we go to a really good school because we use computers there. I think that anyone who wishes to learn it can. It’s easy! I was a little scared when we first started using the machines. But now I’m not!”
Two girls participating in an Information Technology Program at UDAAN (© CARE)
The use of information technology at UDAAN greatly enhances the girls’ classroom experiences. Suman loves making bright drawings and is delighted that a computer can help her make flawless squares and circles.
“When they arrive, the girls at UDAAN have to start from scratch. First they must get used to holding a piece of chalk, because they have ever done anything like it before. And, from the first class onward, they must also learn to control the muscles in their little hands to use a mouse.
Suman laughs when she learns the meaning of the word in English. She says, “That’s right, it does run around all over the place if you don’t practice using it!”
Their computer teacher, Vishal, knows his students are special, and allows them to progress at their own pace, practicing until they get it perfect. With an advanced diploma in software application and systems management, he never dreamt he would have a job that would give him the chance to make a difference in the lives of poor girls. He is always alert and attentive to their needs. He says, “I play little tricks on them sometimes, to see if that confuses them. Once I changed around the positions of the icons for the different programs on the screen, and they were startled, but next time they knew exactly what to look for. Now, they can recognize the icons no matter where they are placed.”
Vishal says it is not easy teaching the girls. They face many challenges; for example, many of the girls cannot read very well and are unable to read instructions on the computer screen. Instead, they tend to learn more on the basis of color and shapes. They find typing difficult and cannot understand why the letters don’t appear on the keyboard in the same order that they do in the alphabet. But Vishal says he is astounded at the progress the girls are making.
“In just four sittings of half-an-hour each, these students have learned to switch on and off the computer, to navigate the start-up menu, to find their favorite drawing program and to use most of its features to create beautiful designs!” Vishal says he will have to spend more time planning the computer curriculum for these girls because they have surpassed his expectations. He also remarks that the greatest benefit of using the computer is that the girls gain a sense of control over a seemingly complicated environment, which does wonders for their confidence and self-esteem.
