After partnering with telecom giant Reliance Jio Platforms to launch “Digital Udaan” last year for the largest-ever digital literacy program, Facebook has now dived into India’s educational structure.
Facebook recently announced its partnership with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) to launch certified online Online Digital Hygiene Programs on Digital Safety and Online Well-being, Instagram Toolkit for Teens, and Augmented Reality, making CBSE the only board of education in India to have introduced modules of this nature.
An initiative of Facebook for Education, the program is slated to create awareness and opportunities for students about communicating and creating content responsibly online. This will empower students with the essentials of the techniques of right communication on digital platforms. Building healthier mental well being through education on dealing with bullying and threats, and introducing students to the tools with which they can keep themselves updated and hence create better job opportunities, are subjects that will be touched upon.
The enterprise is a step forward for Facebook towards initiating an educational push in India, the world’s second-largest internet market. Facebook has been confronting misuse of its features and services in India, and this initiative is anticipated to help maintain digital hygiene on the platform.
These Online Digital Hygiene Programs will kickstart extending training to over 10,000 teachers in the first phase, over 30,000 students in the second phase, and training on Facebook’s Spark AR Studio to create augmented reality experiences in the third phase.
The new age photo-sharing media platform, Instagram also holds the reins to the program. Its front-running program – Guide for Building Healthy Digital Habits – has been developed in collaboration with the Jed Foundation and Young Leaders for Active Citizenship to help youngsters better understand the “socio-emotional space” they operate in, make “well-informed choices,” and engage in health conversations. A workshop on the usage of time on the platform and safety protocols for teachers and students on such platforms is also in the trail.
Manoj Ahuja, Chairperson of CBSE said, “I am proud to share that CBSE is the only Board that has introduced the modules of Digital Safety and Online Well-being, Instagram Toolkit for Teens, and Augmented Reality. Incorporating technology and digital safety into the school curriculum will ensure students are not only gaining knowledge to succeed in the digital economy but also learning and collaborating in a safe online environment.”
Union Minister of Human Resources Development in India, Ramesh Pokhriyal, urged teachers and students to apply for the programs commencing on July 6, 2020, during the announcement.
The online Digital Hygiene Programs begin on 6th of August 2020.
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