Creative Computing

Creativity is the key to success in the future, and primary education is where teachers can bring creativity in children at that level.

–Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam

While most parents find it hard to keep children away from technology, it is important to ensure that it plays a positive role in their intellectual development. Hence, Samarpan, the CSR wing of Bangalore Development Centre launched ‘Creative Computing’, an initiative which enables learning with technology, irrespective of a child’s economic status.

To implement Creative Computing, 20 volunteers from Samarpan, extended a helping hand to 100 students and 30 teachers of SVYM Tribal School, Hosahalli (located 120kms from the Infosys Bangalore campus). Inputs included creative learning techniques adopted by the MIT Media Lab, PhET animations from Colorado University, and Khan Academy.

A Creative Computing lab was also set up at the Bettadasanapura Government School, which is now a model school. A request has also been received from Kasavanahalli Government School to replicate a Creative Computing lab there. A lab is also being set up at Molakalmuru (280 kilometers from Bangalore) by an ex-Infoscions who was inspired by Samarpan’s effort at Bettadasanapura.

Creative Computing sessions provide a rich experience to students, in that, it allows them to play with computers and learn different concepts in a fun manner. They also learn complex concepts in an easy way.

To ensure Creative Computing reaches as many students as possible, the Samarpan team has joined hands with a number of NGOs such as SVYM, Megh Shala, Mantra4Change, and other online communities. The content for Creative Computing has been developed by students of Harvard Graduate School of Education.