When it comes to innovation, India has abundant talent in almost all fields. But what the country really lacks is infrastructure, which is most evident in the sphere of school education. Many schools do not have buildings, the classes are held under trees, sometimes even without blackboards.

This is where technology can play a huge role, especially with regard to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). It can enable teachers and students by closing the gap between learning processes and social innovations across the world. For example, teachers can take classes in forests with the aid of tablets, connecting their students to the wider world of science, technology and math, so that they can apply the knowledge in their daily lives.

With this objective in mind, global technology major Hewlett Packard (HP) is focussing on STEM innovations and is building a global network of institutions that can help students use their technical and creative expertise to address social challenges within their communities, Ms Jeanette Weisschuh, HP's Director of Global Social Innovation, told Business Line at the recent HP Catalyst Summit here.

“Technology is more than computers, laptops or tablets in classrooms. It should be of use to the community. We apply innovation to address social objectives set up by the UN Millennium Development Goals,” she said.

Key focus

HP, which has pledged $1 million to an education fund in India, is focusing on five key areas. These are teacher training, encouraging new learners, measuring teacher and student experiences, global collaboration with institutions on cloud computing, exchange of data, expertise, etc., and online learning.

“In higher education, we are talking of multivarsities, where a student can find out online what other universities in the world are doing in his/her stream. In fact, one can even get qualifications without leaving one's country,” said Ms Weisschuh.

For school education in India, HP has roped in Bangalore-based Agastya International Foundation, which takes science education to rural areas, to lead its ‘new learner' initiative. The Foundation has been awarded $200,000 in technology and cash for this purpose. It basically has a peer-to-peer learning model, using hands-on methodology in STEM education with 30 science centres and 55 mobile labs that serve disadvantaged government school children in many states, says a release.

“There are lot of STEM innovations in India that are of relevance to Europe and vice-versa. We have approached universities and schools across the country and the response has been very positive”, said Ms Weisschuh, who holds a masters degree in business administration and communications from the University of Pforzheim, Germany.

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